Military personnel supporting firefighting efforts near Lumby in August 2018 (photo courtesy of the Canadian Armed Forces)

By Liam Verster

Vernon Army Camp

Military support for wildfire response replaced with new regiment

Aug 13, 2021 | 10:45 AM

New members of the Canadian military are being brought into Vernon to fight wildfires in B.C.

A combat engineer regiment is replacing military personnel supporting the firefighting efforts on two B.C. wildfires: at Flat Lake Fire near 100 Mile House and the Thomas Creek Fire east of Okanagan Falls.

Over 100 soldiers from 11 Field Squadron and 18 Field Squadron arrived in Vernon’s Land Task Force Wednesday.

They are replacing members of the 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, who have been supporting the B.C. Wildfire Service as part of the Canadian Armed Force’s Operation LENTUS since July 23.

“Over the last three weeks, members from 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry have worked tirelessly beside their BC Wildfire Service counterparts to provide effects for British Columbians. I am extremely proud of the work they have accomplished and the opportunity to serve Canada at home, said Major Adam Petrin, Commander of Land Task Force in Vernon.

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Additional soldiers from 36, 39 and 41 Brigades also arrived Thursday to form a Disaster Response Company.

“Members of 1 Combat Engineer Regiment are trained and prepared to react to any challenge presented to them. I have the utmost confidence that they will meet the expectations of the Province of British Columbia and the BC Wildfire Services over the coming days. I look forward to leading this team and thank 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry for setting us up for success,” said Lieutenant Colonel Kurt Grimsrud, Commander 1 Combat Engineer Regiment.

The Land Task Force consists of approximately 250 troops.

The soldiers were directed to the Vernon Cadet Summer Training Centre when they first arrived to be issued personal protective equipment, including fire retardent coveralls, which is required for work on the front line.

The Canadian Armed Forces said bringing in new, replacement troops will ensure continuous, uninterrupted service on the fire’s front lines. Their tasks include suppression of hot spots on existing fire lines, building new lines on priority fires, and providing transport where required.

The troops being relieved of their duties will return to the Canadian Forces Base in Edmonton.

Operation LENTUS is the Canadian Armed Forces response to natural disasters across the Country, and so far this year has supported flood responses in the Yukon, and wildfires efforts in British Columbia, Northwestern Ontario and Manitoba.

by Liam Verster

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