Published 20 days ago • loading... • Updated 20 days ago

VIEWPOINT: Report reveals more incriminatory details about 2023 Shuswap wildfire

The BC Wildfire Service published an online report examining the 2023 Shuswap firestorm, detailing how control was rapidly lost following a backburn ignited by a helicopter.
The report is based on a collaborative inquiry conducted by WorkSafeBC and the B.C. Government Employees’ Union into the incident where the Brazilian crew was almost trapped, and it highlights that a change in leadership occurred two days before the ignition took place.
Aerial ignition began at 4:15 p.m. to widen a fuel-free area and prevent fire spread, but crews lacked training, instructions, proper tools, and used poorly mixed liquid fuel as winds shifted by 7:30 p.m.
At 8:08 p.m., the backburn crossed a powerline causing crews to escape hastily while the firestorm later engulfed Scotch Creek and Celista despite evacuation orders issued hours after preparations began.
The report avoids assigning blame or recommendations, aiming to support staff recovery and foster discussion, while the Forest Practices Board reviews the backburn decision amid concerns about public safety.

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