Hudson’s Hope, Tumbler Ridge express concern over relocation of wildfire crews

CHETWYND, B.C. — The Districts of Hudson’s Hope and Tumbler Ridge have expressed concerns over the relocation of Initial Attack Crews from Chetwynd to Dawson Creek.

Each district penned a letter to Minister of Forests Bruce Ralston with their concerns, including response times.

According to the District of Hudson’s Hope, wildfire response times would increase from approximately an hour to over two and a half hours. 

“This delayed response could impact thousands of residents of the northeast and millions of dollars of lost commerce,” read the letter.

“Year after year, the Initial Attack Crews from Chetwynd and their quick response to incidents have been vital to controlling wildfires in our community and region.”

The District of Hudson’s Hope wrote that the decision was made without consulting local stakeholders or First Nations.

The wildfire season in the northeast generally starts in April and can last until the late fall, which was the case for 2023.

The District of Hudson’s Hope says there were four wildfires in 2023 in the community and surrounding area, and the Initial Attack Crews were vital in fire suppression.

In 2022, three wildfires of note directly impacted the District of Hudson’s Hope — the Dinosaur Lake fire, the Flood Falls fire and the Battleship Mountain fire.

The fires resulted in evacuation alerts and an evacuation order, which displaced Hudson’s Hope residents for eight days.

The District of Tumbler Ridge also highlighted the Peace region’s “unique geographical and environmental characteristics.”

“The crew’s familiarity with our terrain, vegetation and local fire dynamics ensures a more effective and efficient response to wildfires, thereby reducing the potential for extensive damage and loss,” the District of Tumbler Ridge wrote.

Both districts urged the minister to revisit the decision to move the Initial Attack Crews from Chetwynd to Dawson Creek.

The district’s letters can be viewed below: