Province continuing with move of fire attack crew base in Chetwynd despite complaints and criticism

CHETWYND, B.C. – The provincial government is addressing complaints from several communities in the Peace region as it prepares to move a wildfire crew from Chetwynd to Dawson Creek.

The Northern Initial Fire Attack Crew (NIFAC) base in Chetwynd closed in December due to aging infrastructure and a lack of full-time staff, according to a letter from B.C.’s Minister of Forests Bruce Ralston that was presented to Chetwynd council at their April 2nd meeting.

Ralston says the province plans to move that crew to Dawson Creek and turn the existing Chetwynd base into a “forward attack facility,” allowing the BC Wildfire Service to position crews from Dawson Creek at the base when there’s an increased risk for wildfires.

Despite having no full-time staff at the base, Ralston says response times wouldn’t increase significantly for people in Chetwynd.

“The Dawson Creek Fire Zone, within which Chetwynd is located, assigns staff and resources based on hazard and fire activity levels,” Ralston’s letter reads, “and though personnel will not be stationed in Chetwynd full-time, they will be available when their capabilities are needed.”

Ralston also adds that when nobody is stationed at the Chetwynd facility, crews could arrive there within 20 to 30 minutes by helicopter.

Other nearby districts like Tumbler Ridge and Hudson’s Hope have penned letters condemning the decision to move the NIFAC, saying it would increase response times, impacting thousands of people during wildfire season.

Peace River South MLA Mike Bernier also urged the province to reconsider the decision, criticizing the idea in a letter to Ralston on March 6th.

“The loss of this vital service will result in additional road travel time for initial attack crews to respond to wildfires in our area and will directly impact thousands of people and many millions of dollars of infrastructure,” his letter reads.

To view both Ralston and Bernier’s letters, look below.