North Saanich firefighters assist in Thompson-Nicola wildfires

Volunteers from the North Saanich Fire Department have returned from assisting in the response to the Big Bar complex wildfires, which burned thousands of hectares across the Thompson-Nicola region in British Columbia.

Working northwest of Kamloops, firefighters focused on structural protection and infrastructure defense. Tasks included protecting BC Hydro substations, safeguarding agricultural grasslands for cattle feed, and performing home protection to mitigate fire damage. The response involved a large international and regional camp of approximately 800 personnel, including responders from Australia, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Alberta.

Firefighters utilized tactical equipment, such as the Tender 8 truck, to supply water to wildfire bladders. Operations were heavily influenced by the ‘30-30-30’ rule, where high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds significantly increase fire activity.