B.C. sends firefighters to Manitoba to help with wildfires
Posted May 26, 2021 1:23 pm.
Last Updated May 26, 2021 1:24 pm.
VICTORIA – A crew of B.C. firefighters is heading to Manitoba to help with wildfires in that province.
B.C. Forests Minister Katrine Conroy says 41 firefighters and two support staff were deployed on Wednesday.
A statement from Conroy’s office says the BC Wildfire Service welcomes the chance to share firefighting resources with other jurisdictions.
“COVID-19 precautions will be taken to protect the health of everyone participating, both during their time in Manitoba and on their return to this province. Firefighters will remain within their own ‘bubble’ and conduct operations separately from Manitoba’s firefighters,” she said in the statement.
The wildfire service says most of the 250 blazes reported in B.C. since the start of the fire season in March are listed as out, 15 are controlled, one is being held and four are new fires that started Tuesday.
“Given the current fire situation in British Columbia, we have sufficient resources in place to respond appropriately to wildfire activity here,” Conroy added.
Manitoba currently has several active wildfires, including two northeast of Dauphin that are listed as out of control and have burned a combined total of 2,200 square kilometres since being sparked two weeks ago.
