Shuswap residents should not be alarmed if they see air tankers flying overhead this afternoon.
The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) said airtankers will be departing from Kamloops and Penticton between 1 and 2 p.m. on Friday, May 24, and may be seen that afternoon in the Thompson-Shuswap area, as well as in the South Okanagan and West Kootenays. The aircraft crews are taking part in a practice and not responding to an active wildfire, said the BCWS.
The airtankers leaving Kamloops will be practising on the east side of Adams Lake, while the aircraft from of Penticton will be practising approximately 64 kilometres east of that city. BCWS said the locations and timing of the practices may change depending on local weather and conditions.
“Airtanker practices occur after six days with no flying activity to ensure that no matter how many wildfires we are actively responding to, our aviation teams are always ready,” said the BCWS in a social media post. “It is important for air attack officers and pilots to practice as it allows them to remain proficient and prepared to respond to active wildfires. Practices also ensure the aircraft are mechanically sound and ready to respond.”
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