Drone ignition marks Canadian first in BC Wildfire Service Brunswick Complex operation

BC Wildfire Service marked a national milestone on July 19 when crews used a drone to complete an ignition operation on the Brunswick Creek blaze near Boston Bar—the first time the technology has been used for this purpose in Canada.

The ignition occurred across the river from Boston Bar as a critical step in securing the east flank of the fire. BCWS expects the operation will reduce the risk of the fire growing south or spotting across the Fraser River.

"Typically during this type of fire response we use helicopters to drop PSDs, which ignite once they hit the ground," said operations section chief Arlen Kanary. "We had the opportunity to trial a drone, which would be the first time in Canada that we've utilized this type of innovation." The drone allowed the team to see through smoke and track exactly where the ignition was happening.

"I've been working for BC Wildfire for the majority of my life, and seeing the new technology of the drones being able to eliminate some of the risk and hazards was very impressive," Kanary added.

Both the Ainslie Creek and Brunswick Creek fires remain out of control as of July 21, with a combined size exceeding 20,000 hectares. With temperatures forecast to reach the low 30s Celsius and humidity continuing to drop, fire behaviour is expected to remain elevated in unburnt areas and sections where challenging terrain limits suppression options.