U.S. Wildfire Service extends its appreciation to B.C. crews

B.C.'s wildfire crews received high praise for their recent efforts assisting their American counterparts in wildfires raging south of the border.

The U.S. Forest Service, said in a recent post to its website, it was "privileged" to have assistance on California's North Complex fire from the B.C. Wildfire Service.

“The members of this team feel duty-bound to assist firefighters in need in the U.S., and are eager and willing to answer the call,” the post stated. "The B.C. team brought eleven 20-person hand crews, which have extensive experience fighting wildfires in the types of terrain and fuel present on this complex. They are very adept at implementing controlled ignitions (burnout operations). At the same time, the team is learning how to fight fire with minimal water."

READ MORE: Canadian wildfire attack south of the border has Washington family in tears

Eleven, 20-person hand crews with extensive wildfire experience were sent from British Columbia to battle the blaze.

It also appears working together has benefitted both services.

In the post, B.C. Wildfire senior officer Mike McCulley said he was learning what his teams could do differently and better, including technology and communications.

“The California Interagency Incident Management team extends its appreciation and gratitude for the helping hand from the British Columbia wildfire service and wishes them well as they prepare for potential assignments in Australia,” the post stated.

READ MORE: Washington family gets to personally thank Penticton pilot who saved home

To contact a reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to tips@infonews.ca and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.