CHETWYND -- The second of two wildfires to start near Chetwynd this year is putting the Northern Initial Attack Base controversy back in the spotlight.

The base was closed in December and moved to Dawson Creek. BC’s Forest Minister saying the decision was made due the absence of full-time staff and aging infrastructure.

The Mayor of Chetwynd and MLA Mike Bernier have voiced their opposition to Bruce Ralston about the move.

Critics of the move have argued that residents near Chetwynd would see a major delay in response times if crews were forced to travel from Dawson Creek.

Thursday, the BC Wildfire Service said the move had no effect on responding to the Wildmare Creek wildfire burning out of control, 10 kilometres southwest of Chetwynd.

Sharon Nickel with the Wildfire Service said, “The service has different preparations levels. When we reach Preparation Level 2 there will be crews stationed in Chetwynd.”

Nickel said during a PRRD press conference on Thursday that the call came in just before 4pm on Wednesday for the Wildmare Creek fire. She added that 20 minutes later personal were on scene.

This past Monday a small wildfire caused by a dry-lightning strike started 13 kilometres southeast of Chetwynd.

An official with the BC Wildfire Service said the issue with the Initial Attack Base did not affect response times to that fire either.