(UPDATE: 2:15 p.m.) - RDCO firefighters aren't the only ones heading north to help in the battle against B.C. wildfires.
KelownaNow has gotten word that, earlier this week, four members of the Kelowna Fire Department headed north as well.
The four men, along with a bush truck and their equipment, were sent to help crews fight the 68,000 hectare Shovel Lake wildfire near Prince George.
They're expected to be there for around 10 days, but that could change based on changing conditions.
(Original story: 10:15 a.m.) - An Okanagan contingent is heading north to assist in the battle against B.C. wildfires.
The Regional District of Central Okanagan’s fire services manager, Ross Kotscherofski, is leading a team of personnel and equipment into the front lines.
Kotscherofski will join the command staff in the Burns Lake Area, although the rest of his crew is heading elsewhere.
Three members of Joe Rich Fire and a firefighter from each of the Wilson’s Landing and North Westside departments will head to Fraser Lake to support structural and wildfire crews there.
The Joe Rich department is also providing a bush truck, while North Westside fire is providing a water tender.
“The Province, along with firefighters from all over BC, across Canada and from other countries help us when we need it,” said Kotscherofski, “so it’s great when we have the opportunity to give back and help others.”
More than 500 wildfires are currently burning across B.C. and firefighters have been brought in from other parts of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Mexico to assist.
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