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Small forestry firms unprepared for fire
Feb. 21, 2011, Victoria - Smaller forestry companies could be responsible for significant fire risks in B.C.'s back country.
February 21, 2011
By The Canadian Press
The finding comes from a provincial investigation of forestry operations.
Forest Practices Board chairman Al Gorley says most major forestry companies have adequate preparation and training to put out a backcountry wildfire very quickly.
But he says it's a different case for smaller operators. Of 34 active work sites surveyed in the southeastern and central Interior during the 2010 fire season, six smaller operators, one large licensee and one contract had little or no fire preparedness.
The Wildfire Act requires anyone carrying out forest operations to have an adequate supply of water and fire tools to quickly put out a fire, if one is accidentally sparked.
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