Concerns over northern fire attack crew relocation continue

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – Protests continue as the District of Chetwynd Council received a letter during the August 19th council meeting opposing the closure of the Northern Initial Fire Attack Crew (NIFAC).

The letter was written by Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament for Prince George, Peace River, and Northern Rockies, and expresses his objections to the relocation and closure of the NIFAC base in Chetwynd. 

“The proposed forward attack facility lacks a clear definition or service level expectation. Currently, the NIFAC base has been removed without an immediate replacement,” Zimmer wrote.

The letter is addressed to Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests, and urges for reconsideration, as the closure of the base in Chetwynd brings several negative impacts to the community and the region. 

Zimmer also noted that the closure undermines Chetwynd’s community partnership with the BC Wildfire Service and ‘does not reflect the promised services expansion or prioritization’ of the region’s wildfire needs. 

Chetwynd’s mayor, Allen Courtoreille, has voiced his concerns publicly about the move since it was first announced. 

He cites concerns including travel and response time, airport and helicopter facilities access, and expenses involved with bringing crews in for temporary deployment.