Out-of-province fire resources delayed due to mechanical issues, still en route to Kamloops

KAMLOOPS — Help will arrive to B.C. a few days later than expected.

B.C. Wildfire Service’s (BCWS) Director of Provincial Operations Cliff Chapman said 100 out-of-province resources were expected to arrive in the province on Monday (July 5). However, Provincial Wildfire Information Officer Erika Berg told CFJC Today their travel has been delayed due to mechanical issues.

“[When they will arrive] will depend on the severity of the mechanical issues,” Berg said. “We are hoping to have them here in the next couple of days, as our resource request remains active. They will still be supporting us. It’s just delayed a little bit.”

The resources mentioned are deployed personnel. Berg said 79 firefighters will arrive, with the rest being support staff such as task force and safety crews.

The personnel are expected to arrive in Abbotsford to receive rapid COVID-19 tests before being sent to the Provincial Wildfire Coordination Centre in Kamloops. From there, they will receive a briefing from BCWS operation staff and executive and be deployed as need be.

“There’s been a lot of wildfire activity within the Southern Interior, particularly the Kamloops and Cariboo Fire Centres,” Berg said. “It’s likely that is where they will be deployed to assist. The specifics of where will be decided on in the next couple of days.”

During the B.C. government’s wildfire update on Sunday (July 4), Chapman said BCWS was in the process of securing Hercules and Rotary Wing aircrafts to provide aerial relief. Berg said those discussions are being had but nothing has been confirmed.