Partners and additional support
Last updated on May 18, 2023In years with significant fire activity, the BC Wildfire Service calls for additional support from contract firefighters, out-of-province agencies, the military and more.
Provincial support
The BC Wildfire Service receives local support from several partners around B.C. Partnering with local and provincial stakeholder groups allows the BC Wildfire Service to receive input and expertise from a diverse set of professionals and enables more informed decision making.
BC Wildfire Service's partners includes:
- Indigenous communities
- Cultural organizations
- Forest industry professionals
- Law enforcement agencies
- Community education programs
- Municipalities
Out-of-province personnel and equipment
The BC Wildfire Service receives assistance from other wildfire response agencies across Canada and around the world. Incoming professionals provide support in all areas of wildfire management, including filling leadership roles to give existing staff rest. Out-of-province personnel may be assigned as:
- Initial attack crews
- Unit crews
- Incident management teams and personnel
- Operational leadership
- Logistics staff
- Planning staff
- Other supportive roles
Mutual aid agreements are established to allow efficient transfer of resources in and out of B.C. This means that if other regions, such as Australia or California, require additional assistance, the BC Wildfire Service can deploy its available resources to help others.
Military assistance
The Canadian military also provides assistance in several ways during a busy wildfire season:
- Aviation support (transportation and logistics)
- Search and rescue operations
- Medical evacuations
- Personnel for mop-up, patrol and low-risk fireline activities
- Community assistance
Frequently asked questions
What role do contractors play in the wildfire season?
The BC Wildfire Service calls on the skills and expertise of many contractors each year and selects qualified and appropriate resources for its fire operations.
If its own personnel are stretched to capacity, the BC Wildfire Service can call upon other resources from local contract crews and “fire suppression specialists”, or from its national and international partners.
How do I work as a contract firefighter?
The BC Wildfire Service has arrangements with dozens of companies from many areas of the province to provide contract firefighters and support personnel.
If you are interested in working as a contract firefighter, it is best to reach out directly to the company you'd like to work for. Review the current list of contract companies (PDF, 100KB).
If you are interested in providing contract services to the BC Wildfire Service, learn more about contract opportunities.
When is the Canadian military called in to help with wildfires in B.C.?
From a firefighting personnel perspective, our focus is on using trained and experienced firefighting personnel from across Canada before engaging the military in the on-the-ground response to the wildfires.
During busy wildfire seasons like 2017, 2018 and 2021, the Canadian military liaises with the BC Wildfire Service to determine if they can provide support. In the past, the Canadian military has provided personnel for mop-up and patrol activities, as well as aircraft and logistics equipment for transporting personnel, gear, vehicles and more.
The Canadian military may also assist with emergency medical procedures when required.