BC Wildfire service addresses concerns on Chetwynd’s Northern Initial Attack Crew base

CHETWYND, B.C. — At the May 21st council meeting, BC Wildfire Services (BCWS) addressed concerns about the Chetwynd Northern Initial Attack Crew base. 

Shane Greenlees, Fire Manager at Prince George Fire Centre explained that he wanted to share information about the forward attack base saying that the building is being replaced with new structures.

“The structures that are there are quite old, it’s not healthy to have staff in there anymore,” said Greenlees. 

The fire manager acknowledged concerns of the public feeling there would not be resources to respond to wildfires and explained how the BCWS process works.

He said there is a lot of science behind predicting wildfires and BCWS goes through a formal process in deciding where pre-positioned resources need to be. 

There have been a steady number of resources in the district since late February according to Greenlees, with two initial attack crews, two senior response officers, and more equipment ready to respond to wildfires.

“Quite a bit of resources and commitment on our end to ensure the safety of the community,” said Greenlees. 

Council asked if personnel are stationed around the clock throughout the summer, and if there would be a delayed response time with the base not operational. 

Greenlees stated that there are crews ready to be deployed and are currently looking for accommodations for them to stay overnight. 

Rob Schweitzer, Executive Director at BCWS, said response time is likely to increase because if wildfire crews are in the area they will be available to respond with trucks or aircraft.

“I can certainly empathize with the fact that we invested in Dawson and not Chetwynd, but when it comes to response times we cannot allow that to reduce at all,” said Schweitzer. 

Greenlees also explained the only time there wouldn’t be resources at the base is if it’s raining, winter time, or already deployed on another wildfire.

He also said he cannot guarantee a steady number of crew members depending on the level of hazards in the area.

Mayor Allen Courtoreille emphasized how important this issue is to the community, bringing up letters he had sent to Minister of Forests Bruce Ralston.  

“I believe the biggest thing that happens right now is you coming here to explain to us about safety,” said Courtoreille

The mayor added that if details had been explained earlier, with First Nations and PRRD being informed at the beginning, then concerns may have been addressed.

“The minister and yourself should have gotten together with the communities and advised them in that manner,” Courtoreille said.

The mayor hopes to meet with the representatives and deputy ministers in the future to discuss details further.