Nanaimo firefighters will help with blazes elsewhere in B.C.
According to an RDN press release, fire departments within the Regional District of Nanaimo have responded to a call from the Office of the Fire Commissioner to help combat the wildfires burning in B.C.’s Interior.
The release notes that Nanaimo Fire Rescue has assessed its local response needs and is ready to send support. Nanaimo has a four-person crew with a water tender truck ready to roll out. As of Friday afternoon, Nanaimo Fire Rescue was awaiting word on where its members would be deployed. It’s anticipated that the firefighters would be rotated every six days or so.
“These guys are well trained and equipped for interface wildfire suppression,” said Doug Gardiner, RDN fire services coordinator, in the press release. “They want to help the Interior because if it was closer to home here on Vancouver Island, the Interior departments would help us without hesitation providing manpower and equipment. They need our help right now, so we are responding.”
According to the RDN, the temporary deployment of equipment and firefighters to the Interior will not affect local fire response.