Kamloops-based BC Wildfire Service staffer joins response team heading to Australia

“We had a quieter season in 2019, but of course 2017, 2018 we had big seasons. I was here for those and went through those. It’s a bit reminiscent of that, and so that’s part of the reason I want to go down and do the little bit that I can to help.”

Specializing in the communication and information sides of fire response, Lucius is one of three people in specialty roles from B.C. who will work with Australian firefighters throughout January, heading into February.

“We also have a crew of 20 people going down to support efforts on the weekend,” she says. ” And we”re all going to the state of Victoria, and then we’ll be deployed from there to specific fires or specific areas.”

Providing extra manpower is the main reason for the trek, but the team can also gain some new insight into how wildfires are dealt with in other countries. Lucius says Australians are well known for their effective wildfire response.

“So for me, I’m hoping to learn how they work with media for example, how do they interact with their public and other stakeholders, their Indigenous peoples?” she explains. “For us, we’re learning as we go all the time, and while we think we’re pretty good at some things, we know there is always room for an improvement as well.”

B.C.’s wildfire fighters have received out-of-country help in the past, so international aid is not unheard of with fires as widespread as Australia’s.

“Typically what we’ve seen is that it’s over extended periods of time. Where the resources we have are tired, they’ve been working for long periods of time, and we’ve been asking for help,” explains Lucius. “And now we’re reversing that, and we’re going down there to fill the same gaps.”

Lucius leaves from Kamloops tomorrow, and depending how the country’s fire situations changes, expects to return after about a month.

by Dylana Kneeshaw

Kamloops-based BC Wildfire Service staffer joins response team heading to Australia

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