Wildfire response needs to change

Re: Wildfires 2018: Lightning storm sparks more than 300 wildfires in B.C., Aug. 1

It is time the B.C. Wildfire Service management and the minister responsible be called out for their weak approach to fighting forest fires. They are jeopardizing our properties, our health, our lives and the environment with their lack of initial response. They are so safety conscious they are dysfunctional. A forest fire is an emergency and WorkSafeBC needs to curb its enthusiasm for rules so first responders can function. B.C. Wildfire Services shows little preorganization to determine local assets, no night fighting capability, and limited initial attack assets. The best time to fight a fire is when it is 0.1 of a hectare, not 100 hectares. We have a fire in the Keremeos area that was started by lightning July 18. There was no ground action prior to July 30, a response time of 12 days. Now they have a major fire on their hands caused by their own inaction. Evacuating people from their homes is not a plan of attack! Gordon Plews, Keremeos

SHARE YOUR VIEWS

Include name, address and daytime number. Maximum length: 200 words. Email: sunletters@vancouversun.com (no attachments).