Photo: Mike Biden
The hundreds of Canadian forces who helped fight wildfires in British Columbia this summer are making their way home.
In late July, when much of the southern interior of BC was hit by forest fires, military personnel arrived in the province to assist the BC Wildfire Service firefighters.
On Sunday, their mission on the wildfire front comes to an end.
“I would like to thank everyone in the Canadian Armed Forces and all of our other partners who have provided such invaluable assistance for their hard work and dedication during this fire season,” said Katrine Conroy, Minister for Forests, Land, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Affairs Environment development.
With unprecedented high temperatures and extremely dry conditions, this fire season has been one of the most active and destructive on record. Hundreds of homes were destroyed in several of the province’s massive fires.
“In such extreme circumstances, the BC Wildfire Service often turns to other jurisdictions for assistance to keep communities safe,” said Conroy. “This year, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been fortunate to have support from other Canadian provinces and territories, Parks Canada, Mexico and Australia, as well as contractors, industrial workers, First Nations and other key partners here in BC
“This year, the Canadian Armed Forces provided personnel and aircraft to assist with evacuations, air transportation for firefighters and equipment, and fire fighting activities. These employees have played a significant role in the BC Wildfire Service’s response to the Thomas Creek, Flat Lake and White Rock Lake fires. “
Approximately 300 Canadian Armed Forces soldiers and 55 Air Task Force personnel were assigned to the firefight, with over 625 people cycling throughout the summer.
“Although there are still over 200 forest fires burning in BC, weather conditions and fire behavior have improved dramatically in the past few days,” said Conroy. “Given the current fire situation, we have sufficient resources to respond appropriately to the current forest fires.”
The great fire at White Rock Lake has now been classified as “held,” as have the Sparks Lake and Mount Law fires.
