BC Fire Centres need medics and drivers

There's a shortage of medic services and drivers on the wildfire front in B.C.

David Matteucci of Phoenix Emergency Management Inc. in Penticton told KelownaNow he is still "urgently looking for medics and drivers for this fire season."

Matteucci said the number of staff needed varies and depends on current fire behaviour in the province.

He emailed the following information:

"The Fire Centers are still asking for medic teams to support the wildfire suppression crews.

We need both Medics and Drivers that are available for two-week shifts (possibly one but not preferable) to work in the Cache Creek – Williams Lake areas.

Travel costs are provided. These will be 12-hour shifts, paid by the hour.

Accommodations and meals are provided by the fire camps.

Drivers must have their class 4 (2 or 1) licence and S-100, Basic Fire Suppression course.

It is because of these hero's that we sleep a little better at night #bcwildfires #firefighters #manythanks #findingawesome

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Many First Responder crews in B.C. are on day 113 due to this year's record-breaking wildfire season.

Due to a lack of resources, firefighting crews are being recruited from out-of-province, the Canadian Armed Forces and out-of-country.

BC Wildfire Services said that the majority of crews are working between 10 and 14 days straight, with some flexibility, depending on the person's health.

"We've been quite engaged in flood support in the spring, certainly it's been a long few months," said Kevin Skrepnek, chief information officer for BC Wildfire Service.

With more than 3,700 personnel working on the current 138 active wildfires, Chris Duffy with Emergency Management B.C., said 'thanks' to all the first responders and crews for their continued support.