Nova Scotia firefighters to join battle against B.C. wildfires

Twenty firefighters from Nova Scotia will fly to British Columbia on Tuesday morning to help battle wildfires that have swept across that province this month.

The firefighters, along with one manager, will be in British Columbia for two weeks.

"They'll have long days of hot, dry weather putting out fire," said Jim Rudderham, the operations manager for forest protection for the provincial Department of Natural Resources, which is deploying the crew.

Rudderham said the 19 men and one woman are trained to meet a national standard, and will work 12-hour shifts on the ground.

"They're well aware of what they're getting into," Rudderham said.

Natural Resources Minister Margaret Miller said in a statement on Friday that Nova Scotians have been watching the situation in B.C. with concern.

"Our provincial wildfire fighters are well-trained and ready to help. They will be working in very difficult conditions so we offer them our best wishes for a safe return."

National agency helps meet need

British Columbia requested help from other provinces through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. 

Rudderham said the centre gives provinces the flexibility to deal with years of high need.

"Every agency prepares and is able to handle a normal season in their province as far as wildfire goes," he said. "So when you get a season that's extraordinary, like we experienced last year, we can call another agency to help us."

In August 2016, Nova Scotia called upon the CIFFC to assist with fighting fires in the southwestern portion of the province.

Rudderham said Nova Scotia crews are sent to help other provinces about once a year.

Adequate firefighting resources will be maintained in Nova Scotia during the crew's absence, he said.

The Department of Natural Resources has 250 to 300 firefighters in its service.