โMy name is Kyle Young and I am an Incident Commander with the
#BCWildfire
Service. I am writing this post rather than sharing a video message because, frankly, it would be too emotional for me."
British Columbia has been grateful to host 215 South African firefighters over the past two weeks. This morning, as they prepared to depart for days of rest, they gifted local crews and staff members with a moving ceremony of song and dance to uplift spirits.
Today, 98 Mexican firefighters have left the NKโMip Creek (K52061) wildfire for a well deserved rest. They are scheduled to return to the Okanagan Complex on Wednesday, August 11.
"It is also the time to remind yourself that when you post something out of anger, frustration, fear, or heartbreak, there are other families out there feeling all those same things and reading your words that may be hurtful."
The
#BCWildfire
Service wants to extend a heartfelt thank you to the 98 firefighters and three support personnel who deployed from Mexico this summer to help manage the wildfire situation in B.C.
Due to significant effort from the
#BCWildfire
Service and provincial, First Nation, national and international partner agencies, the White Rock Lake wildfire (K61884) is now considered โBeing Heldโ.
"I understand there are other opinions out there that might not agree, but please know, from someone who has only been able to spend six days with his family since June 30th, I can attest to the dedication from every single person who is employed on these fires."
"This season will pass and then everyone can ask questions, we will make adjustments, and we will reflect on what we learned this season. Right now, itโs time for us, as a province, to come together and support each other."
"The sacrifices to do this job are ultimately driven by passion, empathy, courage, and a huge amount of integrity. My family, along with hundreds of others, have sacrificed a lot in order for us to go out and help the people of British Columbia."
"Then you throw a global pandemic on top of it, which has impacted how we are able to manage fires and the resources we have available to draw from. We show up to do our best but at the end of the day, we are humans and Mother Nature has the power."
"2021 is different from previous years. We arenโt getting the resources we usually would from other jurisdictions due to the immense fire danger across Canada and the United States."
Last night firefighting crews from Mexico arrived in Osoyoos. Kx Hall, a host from the Osoyoos Indian Band, welcomed them to the traditional lands of the Syilx People with a prayer and drumming.
"Again, I understand not everyone is going to agree with this message and I get it, but please know that I am proud of the effort everyone in the organization, the contractors, partners, and anyone else supporting us are making."
"I am someone that ground crews, my kids, and many other people, look up to for guidance through these challenging seasons. I have been doing this job for 16 years. I am a third generation wildland firefighter, following my father and grandfather."
"At the end of each grueling day, I wonder if everyone is okay. Not only on the incident Iโm managing, but those working on other incidents, along with those deeply affected by the devastating wildfires. I wonder if I could have done something different, something better."
"I wonder what tomorrow will bring, will it rain, will I be able to see my family soon, or will I open social media and be inundated with posts from people who speculate on what we do, or worse, what they think we donโt do."
"I have a long history within this organization and the love I have for this job is what drives me every day, along with the support I receive from my family and co-workers."
"We understand the choices we have made in our career. I promise you it is not taken lightly by any of us and we feel proud to be part of this organization."
This month and every month we are grateful for our 2SLGBTQ+ team members who fill crucial roles in all functions of our organization and work tirelessly to protect and serve communities across British Columbia.
On Thursday evening our hearts broke.
Devyn Gale was an initial attack crew member out of the Columbia Fire Zone in Revelstoke.
She was a trusted colleague, a loving friend, a beloved sibling and a cherished daughter.
It was a pleasure to welcome the firefighting crews from Mexico, today. Thank you to Consul General, Berenice Dรญaz Ceballos, and Minister Farnworth for being there to greet them upon arrival.
โI want to thank all of the Canadian Armed Forces personnel, and all our other partners who provided such invaluable assistance, for their hard work and dedication this fire season. On Sept. 5, 2021, the Canadian Armed Forces deployment on B.C. wildfires will come to an end."
The BC Wildfire Service continues to respond to the McDougall Creek wildfire (K52767) adjacent to West Kelowna, the Walroy Lake wildfire (K52808) adjacent to Glenmore and the Clarke Creek wildfire (K42815) on the west side of Lake Country.
There has been a drone observed near the Becker Lake (K41727) wildfire. If a drone collides with firefighting aircraft, the consequences could be deadly. Anyone caught operating a drone that interferes with fire control could be fined up to $100K, jailed for up to a year, or both
The Shovel Lake Fire is being held, meaning that with current resources and expected conditions, no further growth is expected. Pictured:
#BCWildfire
unit crew from
#100MileHouse
giving a thumbs up after hard work helped secure the NE corner. Updates:
The BC Wildfire Service and multiple structural fire departments remain engaged in active and critical firefighting operations in the North Shuswap area. We urgently ask for the public's assistance by not moving or taking any firefighting equipment.
The
#BCWildfire
Okanagan Complex has been supported by four highly qualified Australian Division Supervisors. Now on "days of rest," we are expecting them back on Aug. 14. We are grateful for Australia and our many other partner agencies!
The
#BCWildfire
Service is grateful for the support of these professional, hard working and highly trained crews. They have been instrumental in helping with the front line firefighting effort and are a very important part of our team. We look forward to their return!
The BC Wildfire Service is fortunate to have the support of Canadian Armed Forces personnel who are working closely with firefighters on the Thomas Creek Fire (K51794) within the Okanagan Complex.
As a result of the hard work undertaken by firefighters, heavy equipment and aircraft, the Branch Road wildfire (C11243) is now classified as Being Held at 1,350 hectares in size.
There have been 787 wildfires in British Columbia so far this season, 330 of those fires started within the last week. The
#BCWildfire
Service would like to acknowledge all personnel responding to the ongoing wildfire situation.
The
#BCWildfireService
would like to thank the over 1,400 contracted personnel that that are actively engaged in many different aspects of the firefighting effort in B.C.
Yesterday, we had the honour of welcoming 102 firefighters from Brazil, marking their first wildfire fighting deployment in Canada. Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
@BowinnMa
extended a warm welcome to the crews at the
#Abbotsford
Air Tanker Base.
Effective at noon (Pacific time) on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, campfires, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires will be prohibited throughout the province of British Columbia.
Significant groundwork & planning occurred over the past two weeks in order to conduct a successful planned ignition. The Thunderbirds Unit Crew, Rangers Unit Crew and RAP India (pictured) worked tirelessly to build a large fuel-free area to support ignitions today.
#BCWildfire
So far, this year we have had a total of 180 personnel from Quebec come to support firefighting efforts across B.C. 113 personnel arrived yesterday and will head to the Okanagan Complex.
We are currently assisting the
@WestVanFireDept
at the Whyte Lake wildfire (V10926), located approximately .5 km east of Horseshoe Bay adjacent to Highway 99.
Two firefighters unload over 90 lengths of used 1 1/2 inch hose, or "melons" as they're called, after spending all day on a fire. Thank you to our crews for their hard work during this challenging time!
Today we are mourning the loss of one of our own. An Alberta Wildfire crew member was fatally injured yesterday while responding to the wildfire in Jasper. This morning we stood heartbroken with our partners as a procession passed by.
The
#BCWildfire
Service (BCWS) has been providing assistance to Yukon Wildland Fire Management during the territoryโs historical fire season. Since June 24, a total of 294 personnel from BCWS have aided in response efforts.
Over 100 firefighters from throughout BC have taken up residence at the Nechako Valley Secondary School in
#Vanderhoof
. These firefighters would like to thank the Vanderhoof community for supporting them in getting set up and making them feel welcome and comfortable. (1/2)
On July 26, two parattack crews and one leader were deployed to the east flank of the Old Man Lake wildfire (V61401). Parattack crews, sometimes called "smokejumpers," are trained to parachute from fixed-wing aircraft to access wildfires in remote or difficult-to-reach locations.
Over the last 72 hours, the Coastal Fire Centre has received the equivalent of nearly a monthโs worth of rain. This weather has positively impacted fires across the centre, reducing fire behaviour and supporting the efforts of our crews.
With over 560 fires now burning, BC continues to experience heightened
#BCwildfire
activity. 3370 personnel are supporting ongoing wildfire response efforts. As much of BC is in a high to extreme fire danger rating, please remain vigilant and do your part to prevent wildfires.
Vancouver Island is experiencing a severe thunderstorm event with scattered lightning activity.
When lightning strikes, it can release enough heat to ignite a tree or other fuels.
We would like to extend gratitude to the various fire departments and local governments that are providing structure protection support while responding to wildfires within the Bendor Range Complex near Lillooet.
The Mt. Hayes fire (V62669) outside of
#Ladysmith
is now classified as Being Held. A fire that is Being Held has received sufficient suppression action that it is not likely to spread further under forecasted conditions.
#BCWildfire
Over the last 48 hours, large portions of the Southeast Fire Centre received a significant amount of rain. This precipitation was welcome and has bolstered the progress crews have made on fires, including priority areas on Wildfires of Note.
The
#BCWildfire
Service is anticipating another very challenging day with wildfires. Unprecedented hot and dry conditions experienced over the last several days have resulted in fuels being extremely susceptible to ignition.
Last Friday the wildland firefighting community lost Zak Muise.
Like so many of us drawn to a career in wildland fire, Zak loved the outdoors.
His family have shared with us that he loved life, particularly camping, snowboarding and golf.
Three countries. Six organizations dedicated to public safety. Over 200 individuals coming together (in one photo) with one goal: Deliver effective wildfire management and emergency response support.
#BCWildfire
would like to extend a thank you to the United States Incident Management Teams (IMT) and Hotshot crews that were deployed through the Canadian Inter-agency Forest Fire Centre
#CIFFC
to support firefighting efforts in B.C.
If your eyes have been to the skies lately you may have noticed how much flying our planes and helicopters have been doing. โ๏ธ๐
ย
With the help of the Yukon, Ontario, Quebec and Alaska, aircraft have supported suppression efforts all over B.C.
๐ฅJodi Augustine, Dunn Lake B.C.
As of noon tomorrow, May 18, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires will be prohibited across the province in the interest of preventing human-caused wildfires.
#BCWildfire
Info bulletins issued locally by each fire centre are available online:
As the western United States are experiencing an unprecedented level of wildfire activity, the
#BCWildfire
Service has committed to sending an initial group of 207 firefighters and related personnel to Redmond, Oregon.
Beginning at 7 p.m. PDT on Aug. 21, 2023, lightning began to strike in the Kamloops Fire Centre. Majority of the 258 strikes that touched down in the fire centre were in the Vernon Fire Zone. In the last 24 hours, 10 new wildfires have been detected.
After significant efforts over many weeks, the McDougall Creek wildfire is now considered Being Held. A fire that is Being Held has received sufficient suppression action that it's not likely to spread past predetermined boundaries under current conditions.
#Kelowna
#WestKelowna
Effective as of 12:00 (noon) PST on March 28 2024, Category 2 and 3 open fires, fireworks and sky lanterns will be prohibited across the entire Cariboo Fire Centre, Prince George Fire Centre and parts of the Northwest Fire Centre region including the Nadina and Bulkley zones.
#BCWildfire
Service would like to thank the public for their on-going support during this challenging and busy fire season. See the video on facebook, taken at the
#VernonBC
fire camp during a shift change as day crews arrive back and night crews head out:
The BC Wildfire Service is supporting Emergency Management BC, the Canadian Armed Forces, local regional districts and First Nation communities in flood recovery operations for the people of British Columbia. Currently, there are 60 staff engaged.
#bcstorm
#BCFloods
At 11 a.m. PDT, all members of the BC Wildfire Service, and our partners supporting us in the field, will down tools and observe a moment of silence to remember and honour our colleague, Devyn Gale, who died in the line of duty on July 13 last year.
Following days of rest, they will head north to support firefighting efforts in the
#Vanderhoof
and
#FortStJames
regions. We are lucky to have them and their infectious energy. Ngiyabonga!
#BCWildfire
is assisting the Kelowna Fire Department in response to the Knox Mountain wildfire (K51040). This wildfire is estimated to be 4 ha and is classified as Out of Control. The fire is highly visible to
@cityofkelowna
and surrounding areas.
#Kelowna
#BCWildfire
is monitoring the Texas Creek wildfire (K71415), located approx 27 km south of Lillooet. This fire is approx 60 ha and burning in steep, remote terrain. It is highly visible from
#Lillooet
,
#Lytton
and
#BCHwy12
. No structures are threatened at this time.
The clearing smoke allowed the
#BCWildfire
Service to use the Alberta skimmer group on a number of fires in the Southeast Fire Centre, including the Akokli Creek fire (N71686).
UPDATE:
#BCWildfire
continues to respond to the
#Lytton
Creek fire (K71086). The fire is classified as โOut of Controlโ and is estimated to be 6,400 hectares in size. Conditions remain hot, dry and windy. Personnel are on site working closely with the Lytton Fire Brigade.
The
#BCWildfire
is responding to the Inkaneep Creek wildfire (K52061) located on Osoyoos Indian Band land approximately 6 km north of
#Osoyoos
. It is estimated to be about 300 hectares in size. Personnel on site are reporting aggressive fire behaviour.
Due to more favourable conditions and suppression action by ground crews and helicopters, the Mt. Hayes
#BCwildfire
(V62669) has not grown measurably since the morning of August 20 and remains at an estimated 70 ha in size. Crews continue to construct control lines and attack...
In 2023 we have been grateful to receive support from 180 firefighters from Mexico through
@CIFFC
They have been deployed around the province, especially in the Prince George Fire Centre, and we are grateful for their hard work to support our crews.
The photo below illustrates the controlled burn untaken on the Deka Lake (C41102) yesterday. Coordination between firefighters, aerial support and heavy equipment resulted in the burn going as planned.
Yesterday afternoon, Friday, July 21, a personal
#drone
was used in dangerous proximity to a crew and helicopter responding to an incident in the Penticton Fire Zone. Transport Canada and the
#BCWildfireService
explicitly prohibit the use of drones of any size near a wildfire.
#BCWildfire
is responding to the Mount Law wildfire (K52627), 6 km SW of West Kelowna with ground crews, air support, and assistance from the West Kelowna FD. This fire is N of Highway 97C, the Okanagan Connector. It is ~ 40 ha and growing due to prevailing winds in the area.
UPDATE: Yesterday, the
#BCWildfire
Service was able to successfully conduct planned ignitions on the northern flank of the White Rock Lake wildfire (K61884). These operations are always taken with the utmost care to ensure the safety of all individuals involved.
#Vernon
Smoke conditions in the Kamloops Fire Centre continue to challenge
#BCwildfire
response. Reduced visibility inhibits the ability to detect new fires and restricts and limits the use of aircraft. The below photo is a satellite image from NASA Worldview of smoke across southern BC.
This short video showcases some of the hard working contractors and Quebecois who are currently dedicating their time to fight the White Rock Lake wildfire (K61884), west of
#VernonBC
.
The
#BCWildfire
Service is responding to a wildfire (K21222) approximately 8.6km from
#Kamloops
. There is currently eight personnel responding to the fire. Smoke will be highly visible to those travelling along
#BCHwy5
and within the city of
#Kamloops
.
A
#BCWildfire
Service Incident Management Team has arrived in Hinton, Alberta. The Incident Management Team will be assuming command of the Pembina Complex, which covers the Edson and Rocky Mountain House Forest Area, to provide relief to
@AlbertaWildfire
staff.
UPDATE: The
#ChristieMountainwildfire
(K51287) is now Being Held. This means that sufficient suppression action has been taken so that the fire is unlikely to spread beyond existing or predetermined boundaries under the prevailing and forecast conditions.
#Penticton
#BCWildfire
The
#BCWildfire
Service has received numerous reports of smoke coming from a group of 5 known lightning-caused wildfires in Strathcona Provincial Park to the West of Buttle Lake in the Coastal Fire Centre.
UPDATE: Incident Commander Benson Todd from the Australian Incident Management Team (IMT) supporting
#BCWildfire
provides an overview of recent activity and current operations on the NkโMip Creek Wildfire (K52061), located in the vicinity of
#Osoyoos
and
#Oliver
.