16 B.C. firefighters deployed to fight California blazes test positive for COVID-19

B.C. Wildfire firefighters returning from assignments in the U.S. have tested positive for COVID-19.

Sixteen firefighters who were battling blazes in northern California have tested positive for the virus, according to B.C. Wildfire Service communications specialist Forrest Tower.

Tower says it is unclear where the exposure happened. The wildfire service is working with the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, U.S. health officials and local health authorities in the Lower Mainland to carry out all contact tracing.

Only firefighters working the northern California fires have tested positive, with three testing positive while still in the state.

The rest of the 13 individuals tested positive while in quarantine in home in B.C. after developing symptoms that warranted a test.

Tower says all 429 firefighters deployed to the U.S. were required to quarantine for two weeks on their return to Canada, regardless of symptoms.

There are currently 120 firefighters still in quarantine in Richmond, most of whom will be through the 14-day period by this weekend.

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