BC Wildfire Service preparing for impacts of COVID-19 on 2020 season

The wildfire season is beginning, and right alongside a global pandemic.

The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) says that so far, they’ve seen a pretty typical start to the season in terms of fire activity, but they’ve been working on measures to help mitigate a different risk.

Jody Lucius, wildfire information officer, told NowMedia in a phone interview that their priority will continue to be responding to floods and fires across the province, but they’ll have to take into account the COVID-19 situation.

She says they’re working on some innovative ways to make sure they have the resources to respond to wildfires this summer, including online training for firefighters, and new ways of organizing camps.

The BCWS is in the process of assessing their training courses, and while some can be done digitally, some will still have to take place in person, such as training for new recruits.

Under normal circumstances, more than 200 people would gather at a new recruits training bootcamp in Merritt, however, now Lucius says that in person training for new firefighters will be done regionally and in smaller groups.

Lucius added that it’s important that they have the manpower needed to respond to emergencies like floods and fires, especially because there may be limited ways to bring in assistance from other countries due to the pandemic.

They’re also rethinking the facilities at fire camps – something Lucius says was already in the works before COVID-19.

Depending on the size on the fire they're responding to, there can be up to 200 people at a camp, explains Lucius.

The BCWS will be taking measures such as using single person tents, adding more shower units and adding professional hand washing stations for firefighters to use before eating.

The province has also issued fire restrictions decrease the risk of human caused fires.

Lucius says that whether they will close the backcountry remains to be seen for now.

She explains that, normally, they would take into consideration factors like the existing risk of fire in the landscape, and their ability to respond to existing fires.

But, she adds that they are looking at decisions like that through “a slightly different lens” this year.

While it’s difficult to predict how busy firefighters will be in the next few months, Lucius says they are expecting some warmer weather in the southern part of the province, which might come with some heightened activity.

BC residents are urged to be responsible and follow orders issued by the province. People are also encouraged to mitigate wildfire risks around their own properties.

For more information, visit the Fire Smart BC website.