A skimmer aircraft conducted a sa国际传媒渇orced landingsa国际传媒� while fighting the Connell Ridge wildfire approximately 15 kilometres south of Cranbrook on Tuesday evening, according to a statement from the BC Wildfire Service.

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

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

sa国际传媒淥ur thoughts are with the pilot involved in this incident as well as their family, friends and colleagues,sa国际传媒� said Meier. sa国际传媒淭he BC Wildfire Service is providing all possible assistance to the pilot and Conair.sa国际传媒�

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.

sa国际传媒淗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,sa国际传媒� said Berry. sa国际传媒淗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.

sa国际传媒淔aced with a difficult bunch of decisions in a very, very short period, he did exceptionally well.sa国际传媒�

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

sa国际传媒淚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,sa国际传媒� 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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