More BC firefighters being sent to Ontario and Quebec to help with wildfires

B.C. continues to return the favour with the announcement of more firefighting resources being sent out east to help with the wildfire threat.

The BC Wildfire Service is sending 55 more firefighting personnel to Ontario and Quebec. They will join 145 firefighting personnel, who were deployed earlier this week.

Smoke is seen in many areas of the northeast today due to a northerly wind driving #smoke to the south from several active #fires. If you see smoke or flames, please report #forestfires to 310-FIRE north of the French & Mattawa rivers (911 south of these rivers). #ontario pic.twitter.com/4eIUq47k6H

— ONForestFires (@ONforestfires) July 11, 2018

When they arrive, the additional personnel will be deployed as needed in each province to help deal with increased wildfire activity.

A total of 204 BC Wildfire Service personnel will have been deployed to Ontario and Quebec by Friday, July 13.

#Waterbombers and #fire crews worked hard to suppress several fires in the #Temagami area today. Of note, #Northbay69 may be visible overnight. Please stay clear of the area to ensure #PublicSafety. pic.twitter.com/YXVhS7Hgzu

— ONForestFires (@ONforestfires) July 9, 2018

Several new lightning fires confirmed again today in the Northeast region, most are lightning-caused. The fire hazard is expected to be high to extreme again tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/5mjGvmPy0f

— ONForestFires (@ONforestfires) July 9, 2018

A total of 60 firefighters (consisting of 20 Initial Attack Crews) and two agency representatives will be working in Ontario. Another 140 firefighters (consisting of seven Unit Crews) and two agency representatives will be working in Quebec.

The additional request for assistance was made through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, which coordinates the mutual sharing of firefighting resources between B.C. and other jurisdictions.

EVACUATION NEAR TEMAGAMI due to fire. #OPP from #Temagami and #TemiskamingShores ASSISTING MNRF. MNRF mandatory evacuation affecting area. #Hwy11 remains open however fire conditions may cause closures. If travelling consider delaying or using alternate routes. ^cb pic.twitter.com/ZosTce9BM3

— OPP North East (@OPP_NER) July 8, 2018

According to the BC Wildfire Service, all associated costs will be covered by the jurisdiction that requested the resources.

The BC Wildfire Service adds that crews can be deployed out of province for up to 19 days, but they can be recalled at any time. Sufficient personnel and resources will remain in B.C. to respond appropriately to any fire activity here.