A skimmer aircraft conducted a 91裸聊视频渇orced landing91裸聊视频� while fighting the Connell Ridge wildfire approximately 15 kilometres south of Cranbrook on Tuesday evening, according to a statement from the BC Wildfire Service.

91裸聊视频淭his evening, a Conair 802 Air Tractor Fireboss Skimmer aircraft experienced an engine failure during operations on the Connell Ridge Wildfire, near Cranbrook,91裸聊视频� said Ian Meier, executive director of the BC Wildfire Service. 91裸聊视频淭he pilot conducted a successful forced landing and was transported to receive medical assessment.91裸聊视频�

The plane was contracted by Conair Aerial Firefighting, which provides aerial firefighting resources for the BC Wildfire Service.

91裸聊视频淥ur thoughts are with the pilot involved in this incident as well as their family, friends and colleagues,91裸聊视频� said Meier. 91裸聊视频淭he BC Wildfire Service is providing all possible assistance to the pilot and Conair.91裸聊视频�

Jeff Berry, Director, Business Development with Conair Aerial Firefighting, confirmed the pilot was able to walk away unharmed from the aircraft to a helicopter landing and taken back to Cranbrook for assessment by paramedics.

91裸聊视频淗is skill and training as an aerial firefighting pilot under challenging circumstances enabled him to execute an exceptional emergency manoeuvre resulting in a safe outcome,91裸聊视频� said Berry. 91裸聊视频淗e was faced with a problem with the engine, he went through his emergency procedures and put the aircraft down in such a way that he was able to walk away unharmed.

91裸聊视频淔aced with a difficult bunch of decisions in a very, very short period, he did exceptionally well.91裸聊视频�

B.C. Premier John Horgan provided more context during a media announcement on advanced education in Victoria on Wednesday.

91裸聊视频淚t was part of a firefighting opportunity to pick up, skim water off the lake, and there was engine challenges coming down for the skim so a forced landing was required but the pilot is safe and all is well,91裸聊视频� Horgan said.

The Connell Ridge wildfire, estimated at 500 hectares, was discovered on Monday, Aug. 1.

BC Wildfire Service response includes two unit crews, an initial attack crew and air assets such as air tankers, helicopters and skimmers.

On Tuesday, the fire was burning as a moderate to highly vigorous surface fire with a moderate to fast rate of spread, according to wildfire officials.

An evacuation alert for six properties south of Mount Baker was issued by the Regional District of East Kootenay.

trevor.crawley@cranbrooktownsman.com
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