The province is ramping up wildfire preparedness measures, with a particular focus on rural and remote communities.
The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) reported a record-breaking 2,200 applications since October 2024, according to a March 20 news release.
“The heart of our wildfire efforts is hands down the brave members of the BC Wildfire Service,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “I’m proud of everyone who put their name forward to join our team and grateful to all the wildland firefighters who continue to keep us safe year after year.”
However, it remains unclear how many of these recruits will be assigned to the Peace Region.
The Prince George Fire Centre told CJDC-TV in a statement that staff are hired from across the province and assigned to local fire zones to ensure readiness in all areas. Specific deployment numbers will be confirmed later in the season.
There will also be a dedicated training initiative for First Nations communities expanding this spring. The bootcamps will begin in April and are designed to enhance local capacity and strengthen relationships between fire centres and First Nations communities, while building local capacity to improve wildfire response. After completion, the successful candidates will be offered positions across the province.
BCWS is also planning a prescribed burn southwest of the Tumbler Ridge townsite.
The burn aims to test its effectiveness as a maintenance solution for areas that have already been cleared or are slated for treatment. Approval from the Ministry of Environment is pending, with the burn tentatively scheduled for early April to mid-May.