Firefighting Equipment Stolen from Canadian Wildfire Scenes

Firefighting gear is being stolen as crews battle massive wildfires in British Columbia.

Gear such as pumps, hoses, sprinklers, and ATVs have been stolen over the last few days.

“It is not OK what’s happening. It could get to the point where we’re not able to work in that area,” B.C. Wildfire Service information officer Forrest Tower told CBC. 

The missing gear includes at least 15 sets of equipment, which each contain multiple pumps, hoses, and sprinklers. An ATV was also stolen. 

Equipment was taken mostly in the communities of Scotch Creek and Celista, where massive wildfires have destroyed properties and forced people from their homes. Additional items are missing from other areas as well. 

"We can't effectively service that area," said Tower. 

RCMP officers are patrolling the communities and have made arrests. 

Tower urged the public to contact local fire crew members if they have concerns about where equipment is placed or how it is being used.

He said it's vital that crews get the gear back as the number of wildfires increase across the country.