BC Wildfire Service readies for 2026 season with record 2,400 firefighter applications and more equipment in Prince George depot

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) has received approximately 2,400 firefighter applications and enhanced its equipment depot in Prince George in preparation for the wildfire season in 2026. 

According to a press release by the Ministry of Forests on March 16th, BCWS has received the record number of applications for seasonal positions this year. 

Additionally, it said capital funding amounting to $21 million was allocated in the 2024 budget for an enhanced equipment depot in Prince George – and it will be operational for the 2026 wildfire season. 

“Our crews are world class, but they need the right equipment and tools to do their job effectively,” Ravi Parmar, B.C.’s minister of forests, said. “This depot in Prince George allows for more firefighting infrastructure and equipment to be stored in northern B.C.

“This means northern communities now have a larger depot at home, ready to move equipment through the area more efficiently.”

This comes after northeast B.C. experienced nearly 200 forest fires in the wildfire season 2025. 

In a written statement to Energeticcity.ca, the Ministry of Forests said: “BCWS wildland firefighters are allocated throughout the province depending on when and where they are needed most during the wildfire season. 

“As such, the specific numbers of firefighters per region fluctuates throughout the wildfire season.” 

In addition to this, the press release said BCWS has offered specialized training, increased the use of technology and invested in additional equipment to be used during the season. 

This includes $14 million spent on firefighting equipment, such as 10 additional ‘type two’ structure-protection units, which are trailers that contain pumps, hoses, sprinklers and water delivery attachments to protect approximately 35 buildings each. 

For its aviation program, there are multiple long-term contracts for 18 helicopters of different types and two ‘parattack jumpships.’ 

Parmar added: “The threat of wildfire continues to grow and evolve, but so too does the BC Wildfire Service. 

“We’re making the investments needed to ensure BCWS is ready for whatever may come this wildfire season, through year-round positions, expanded technology and a new equipment depot in Prince George, all to keep people and communities safe throughout British Columbia.”

The BCWS credits the expansion of First Nations bootcamps and extending its hiring period as contributing to the 2,400 firefighter applications for seasonal positions this year.

More than 1,700 fire departments, First Nations and contractors were given specialized training in structure protection and defence courses. 

Earlier detection of wildfires has been made possible by investments in predictive tools and technology such as enhanced wildfire camera networks, it added. 

To read Energeticcity.ca‘s coverage of wildfires in northeast B.C., click here.