BC Wildfire Service on Standby

The BC Wildfire Service stands ready to assist in combating the fierce wildfires currently engulfing Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. While they have not yet been called upon for deployment, they are closely monitoring the situation.

Los Angeles Wildfire Crisis

As of January 8, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone reported devastating losses, with two fatalities and the destruction of approximately 1,000 structures attributed to the wildfires. The crisis has escalated to the extent that evacuation orders are in place for around 30,000 residents, and more than 13,000 structures remain under imminent threat.

BC Wildfire Service Preparedness

BC Wildfire Service's information officer, Sarah Budd, conveyed that their thoughts are firmly with all those affected by the raging inferno. The organization boasts a workforce of around 1,300 firefighters, complemented by seasonal personnel and permanent staff, including an initial attack crew that typically responds first to wildfire outbreaks.

International Partnerships

Budd also emphasized BC Wildfire Service’s focus on maintaining robust ties with their international partners through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre and the National Interagency Coordination Centre, potentially paving the way for support in the coming days.

Solidarity from British Columbia

B.C. Minister of Forests, Ravi Parmar, expressed solidarity with the people of Los Angeles during this catastrophic event. “We understand the devastating impacts of wildfires all too well,” he commented. “Our thoughts are with those impacted, and we are prepared to offer assistance to our California counterparts as necessary.”

Quebec's Contribution

While BC has not yet received a request for help, the province's expertise could prove invaluable. Moreover, this year, Quebec has sent two water bombers and their crews to California as part of a contractual agreement, extending their assistance in light of the emergency. Each aircraft, equipped with experienced personnel, has been instrumental in aerial firefighting efforts.

Coulson Aviation Support

Additionally, Coulson Aviation, based out of Port Alberni, B.C., is actively deploying its advanced firefighting resources, including a fleet of double-rotor Chinook helicopters and smaller Sikorsky S-76 helicopters, to support the crisis.

California's Response

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, has mobilized over 1,400 firefighting personnel along with various pre-positioned emergency assets. “Emergency officials and first responders are working around the clock to protect lives and safeguard communities,” he stated, affirming the state's commitment to combatting the encroaching flames.

Conclusion

As this situation continues to evolve, eyes will be on both the BC Wildfire Service and the brave firefighting teams in California, united in their fight against nature's fury. Will British Columbia lend its expertise to the Golden State? Only time will tell.