Wildfire personnel and response tools

Last updated on May 24, 2023

The BC Wildfire Service relies on thousands of people each year to respond to wildfires. This includes firefighters, air crew, equipment operators and support staff.  

Skilled personnel and equipment are employed directly by the BCWS and as contracted resources. In busy seasons, the BCWS can also receive support from other agencies including out-of-province firefighters and military resources.  

BC Wildfire Service firefighting crew.

Wildfire crews

Thousands of firefighters join the fight against B.C. wildfires every season.

Aircraft dropping fire retardant on a fire.

Wildfire aviation

Hundreds of fixed-wing and rotary aircraft support crews on the ground.

BC Wildfire Service incident management team at a fire camp.

Incident management teams

IMTs consist of a diverse group of skilled personnel dedicated to a common goal of managing complex wildfire events.

Excavator clearing trees in the forest.

Heavy equipment

Hundreds of bulldozers, excavators, water trucks and more help the BC Wildfire Service control wildfire.

Structure protection trailer.

Structure protection

Structure protection specialists are employed to plan and help reduce the impact of wildfires on homes and other structures.

Wildfire crew in front of a helicopter.

Additional support

The BC Wildfire Service receives support from agencies across Canada and around the world.