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NEWS RELEASE
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For Immediate Release May 15, 2012 |
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
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B.C. crews to assist Manitoba’s firefighting efforts
VICTORIA – British Columbia is sending 41 firefighting personnel to Manitoba to assist that province with its firefighting efforts.
Thirteen three-person initial attack crews and two agency representatives are leaving for Winnipeg today, and from there will be moved to areas where they are needed.
Because of an increase in the number of fires and fire activity, the Province of Manitoba is requesting additional resources through the Canadian Interagency Fire Fighting Centre. The centre allows for the mutual sharing of resources between B.C. and other jurisdictions.
Crews can be deployed for up to 14 days, but can be recalled at any time if the situation in B.C. should change. Sufficient personnel and resources remain in B.C. at all times.
Costs for the deployment will be covered by the Manitoba government under the Mutual Aid Resources Sharing Agreement, which allows for the movement of firefighting resources across Canada.
Quote:
Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson –
“B.C.’s wildland firefighters are recognized as the world’s best. We’re pleased to be able to lend assistance to other provinces when we are able.”
Quick Facts:
· Initial attack crew: These wildland firefighters are usually assigned to newer and smaller fires.
· Agency representative: Acts as the link between the deployed crews and the Wildfire Management Branch.
Learn More:
For the latest information on fire activity, conditions and prohibitions in B.C., visit the Wildfire Management Branch website: www.bcwildfire.ca
For the latest information on the fire situation in Manitoba, visit: http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/fire/index.html
You can also follow the latest B.C. wildfire news:
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
On Facebook: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
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Contacts:
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Fionna Tollovsen Provincial Fire Information Officer Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations 250 312-3051
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Brennan Clarke Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations 250 356-5261
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Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect
