The Government of Yukon is sending 24 firefighters to Terrace, B.C., to assist the B.C. Wildfire Service with the wildfire response in the northern part of the province.
The deployment started on July 27, with Wildland Fire Management firefighters expected to join their B.C. counterparts in the vicinity of Terrace, B.C., on July 29.
The fire crew deploying to B.C. comprises type-1 firefighters drawn from five of the six Wildland Fire Management regions across the Yukon. Type 1 firefighters have completed more advanced firefighting training, which prepares them for duty suppressing new and more active wildfire. Type 2 and 3 firefighters are generally used in less active, ongoing and mop-up operations.
Sending these resources to B.C. does not affect operations in the Yukon, as Wildland Fire Management retains ground crews and air capability to respond to any new wildfires here at home. Resources can be recalled within 24 hours’ notice if need be.
The deployment of personnel to northern B.C. is the latest of several responses by the Government of Yukon to help other Canadian provinces and territories facing challenging wildfire conditions. In late June and throughout July, Wildland Fire Management sent firefighters and fire support personnel to the Northwest Territories and Ontario as well as to the federal Wood Buffalo National Park. This wildfire assistance is ongoing.
Our neighbours in B.C. are experiencing a challenging wildfire season, and the Yukon is pleased to assist by providing these resources. I would like to thank Wildland Fire Management for coordinating this effort in a timely manner and wish those firefighters a safe deployment and return home. I would also like to remind Yukoners to be careful when out in the wilderness so you do not spark a wildfire, and ensure any campfires are fully extinguished before leaving your campsite.
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The Government of Yukon is a member of the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. When jurisdictions need additional resources, they put in a request through this national organization.
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Jurisdictions that can provide extra resources will do so through the Mutual Aid Resource Sharing Agreement.
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Personnel can be deployed for up to 19 days, depending on the needs of the receiving agency, and can be recalled with 24 hours' notice if they are needed in their home jurisdiction.
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Wildland Fire Management retains ground crews in each of its six regions, along with helicopter and airtanker capability to support fire crews and drop water or retardant when needed.
Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
[email protected]
John Tonin
Community Services
867-334-5816
[email protected]