British Columbia ramps up wildfire preparedness and night‑vision aerial firefighting

The British Columbia government warned that a hotter, drier summer raises wildfire and drought risks and urged residents and visitors to have emergency plans, stay alert and follow local authority guidance. Officials highlighted investments such as new firefighting trucks, mechanical equipment, predictive tools, and a $100‑million Watershed Security Fund to support water‑scarcity monitoring.

Coulson Aviation’s night‑vision aerial firefighting programme played a key role in battling two of the province’s worst fires on Vancouver Island. Using helicopters equipped with night‑vision goggles, thermal imaging and a hover‑fill water system, the company was able to target hot spots and drop water on fires such as the Wesley Ridge blaze. The technology, proven in trials in Australia and California, helped contain fires quickly and prevented large‑scale damage to homes.

Together, the provincial preparedness measures and the innovative night‑vision helicopter operations aim to reduce wildfire impact across British Columbia this season.