‘We are all in this fight’: B.C. wildfire crews expected to join The Pas fire line on Monday

Wildfire crews from British Columbia are set to assist first responders in Manitoba as they battle the largest out-of-control blaze in the province. The fire, one of two blazes north of The Pas, a town over 500 kilometers northwest of Winnipeg, was first detected on May 3 and quickly grew from 100 hectares to 6,600 hectares within four days. However, the fire has now expanded beyond that, reaching over 20,000 hectares by Friday and forcing numerous residents out of their homes.

Premier Wab Kinew announced the deployment of B.C. crews in Manitoba on Friday, expressing gratitude for the province’s support. The B.C. Wildfire Service has dispatched two unit crews totaling 42 members from Vancouver Island and the Southern Interior region to assist with the firefighting efforts. These crews are expected to stay in Manitoba for up to 14 days, with the possibility of being relocated to another site if necessary. In the event of deteriorating wildfire conditions in British Columbia, the crews may be recalled to assist locally.

The sharing of resources to combat wildfires is a common practice among Canadian jurisdictions and international partners. Agreements facilitated by the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre allow for the allocation of resources where they are most needed, especially when one region is experiencing more significant challenges than others. Erika Berg, a spokesperson for the B.C. Wildfire Service, emphasized the importance of collaboration in protecting communities and infrastructure across provinces and the country as a whole.

As the wildfire near The Pas continues to burn out of control, some evacuees have been permitted to return home. However, local authorities caution that residents may need to evacuate again if conditions worsen. The rural municipality and Clearwater Lake Provincial Park area saw hundreds of residents evacuated due to the fire threat. While some residents have been allowed to return, the evacuation order remains in place for those living beyond certain designated areas.

With the fire still classified as volatile and uncontained, the rural municipality is prepared for the possibility of residents being evacuated again for their safety. Emergency coordinators are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with provincial authorities to ensure the safety of residents and communities in the affected areas. The cooperation between provinces in times of crisis highlights the importance of mutual assistance and support in managing wildfires and protecting communities.