Over the last seven days, multiple thunderstorms have resulted in more than 19,000 lightning strikes within the Prince George Fire Centre, resulting in 54 new wildfire starts.
When lightning strikes an object it can release enough heat to ignite a tree or other fuels. These fires can smoulder for hours, days, or even weeks before putting out enough smoke to be detected.
Initial attack crews, along with parattack crews (Smokejumpers), have been rapidly responding to newly discovered lightning-caused wildfires, many in the Fort Nelson and Fort St. John zones. Many of these fires have been brought under control quickly thanks to a swift initial response. Of the fires started by lightning in the last seven days 67 per cent are being held, under control, or out.
A crucial component of the parattack response is being able to safely and accurately place crews during jumps. Wind Drift Indicators (WDIs) are a key part of this process. WDIs or “Streamers” are 20-foot lengths of red and yellow crepe paper thrown by smokejumper command spotters to assess wind conditions prior to deploying jumpers. Weighted to fall at the same rate of descent as a parachutist, streamers help spotters gather information essential to conducting safe and efficient parachute drop operations. These can sometimes be seen from the ground as they are thrown out of the Jumpship. They are an integral part of the protocols that keep responders safe.