More B.C. wildfire crews heading north to Alaska

KAMLOOPS – A second round of wildfire firefighting resources from B.C. are being deployed in Alaska to help the state battle forest fires.

Three rappel crews of three people each, a helicopter operations technician, 10 para-attack firefighters and B.C. Wildfire Management Branch representative left Sunday and arrived this morning, June 22.

They are joining an air tanker group, consisting of two air tankers, a bird dog aircraft and an air attack officer, sent to Alaska earlier this month.

There are now four fixed-wing aircraft, one helicopter and 21 personnel from B.C. in Alaska.

Wildfire Management says considering the current and forecasted fire situation in our province, there are enough personnel and resources to respond to any fire activity.

The crews in Alaska can be deployed for up to 19 days, but can be recalled whenever they are needed at home.

The 77 firefighters on loan to Alberta are expected back on Wednesday.

The requests for help were made through the Northwest Compact Agreement, which covers Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, Northwest Territories, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

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