US EditionPlanned burn could have killed trapped firefighters, says B.C. safety report
- On August 17, 2023, a planned burn by the BC Wildfire Service in the Shuswap region trapped Brazilian firefighters when fire activity blocked their escape route near power lines.
- The incident occurred amid two wildfires moving toward Shuswap Lake and was caused by inadequate planning, limited instructions, and lack of supervision during the advanced ignition operation.
- The trapped firefighters sheltered below power transmission lines, burned fuel around their truck, and spent the night due to smoke, low visibility, fire activity, and falling trees before rescue the next day.
- The August 1, 2024 WorkSafeBC report stated the incident could have caused multiple serious injuries or fatalities and concluded that worker safety measures were insufficient during the ignition operation.
- Following orders from WorkSafeBC, the wildfire service updated its procedures by December 2024, while enforcement actions and a provincial investigation into the overall wildfire response remain ongoing.
39 Articles
39 Articles
Planned burn during 2023 Shuswap wildfires could have turned deadly: report
British Columbia's worker protection agency says a planned burn by the province's wildfire service during the devastating 2023 fire season could have killed or injured multiple firefighters who became "trapped by extreme fire behaviour" that cut off their escape.
Planned Burn Could Have Killed Trapped Firefighters, Says BC Safety Report
British Columbia’s worker protection agency says a planned burn by the province’s wildfire service during the devastating 2023 fire season could have killed or injured multiple firefighters who became “trapped by extreme fire behaviour” that cut off their escape. Inspection reports by WorkSafeBC say the BC Wildfire Service didn’t adequately ensure safety during the burn in the Shuswap region on Aug. 17 that year, and a group of trapped Brazilian…
Planned burn could have killed trapped firefighters, concludes BC safety report
British Columbia's worker protection agency says a planned burn by the province's wildfire service during the devastating 2023 fire season could have killed or injured multiple firefighters who became "trapped by extreme fire behaviour" that cut off their escape.
Planned burn could have killed trapped firefighters, says B.C. safety report - The Turtle Island News
By Brenna Owen British Columbia’s worker protection agency says a planned burn by the province’s wildfire service during the devastating 2023 fire season could have killed or injured multiple firefighters who became “trapped by extreme fire behaviour” that cut off their escape. Inspection reports by WorkSafeBC say the BC Wildfire Service didn’t adequately ensure safety during the burn in the Shuswap region on Aug. 17 that year, and a group of tr…
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