The Canadian Armed Forces have arrived in Kamloops, July 14, 2021.
Image Credit: FACEBOOK/Canadian Armed Forces
July 16, 2021 - 1:00 PM
After a request was sent by Premier John Horgan for federal assistance with wildfire season, the Canadian Armed Forces have arrived in Kamloops.
Roughly 50 personnel will be based out of Kamloops for the wildfire season, said Lt. (Navy) Pamela Hogan, public affairs officer with the Canadian Armed Forces.
Earlier this month, Premier Horgan said he would lobby Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in an effort to convince him to deploy Canada's military to help clear fire danger zones to prevent future wildfires.
READ MORE: B.C. premier says he will lobby PM to enlist military for wildfire prevention duty
“We’ll likely be here for the full wildfire season,” Lt. Hogan said, adding it depends on the conditions of the wildfires.
Military personnel will be based out of the Kamloops airport and will provide air support, transporting personnel, equipment and supplies in and out of affected areas, she said.
There are two CH-147F Chinook helicopters and two CH-146 Griffon helicopters that are providing assistance with two more Griffon helicopters standing by in Edmonton, Hogan said.
There is also a fixed wing aircraft, the CC-130J Hercules, that will be flying between the Yukon and Kamloops depending on the need and tasks assigned.
The Canadian Armed Forces is also helping with sand-bagging in the north due to flooding in the Yukon.
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