A skimmer aircraft conducted a 含羞草研究社渇orced landing含羞草研究社� while fighting the Connell Ridge wildfire approximately 15 kilometres south of Cranbrook on Tuesday evening, according to a statement from the BC Wildfire Service.

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

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

含羞草研究社淥ur thoughts are with the pilot involved in this incident as well as their family, friends and colleagues,含羞草研究社� said Meier. 含羞草研究社淭he BC Wildfire Service is providing all possible assistance to the pilot and Conair.含羞草研究社�

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.

含羞草研究社淗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,含羞草研究社� said Berry. 含羞草研究社淗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.

含羞草研究社淔aced with a difficult bunch of decisions in a very, very short period, he did exceptionally well.含羞草研究社�

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

含羞草研究社淚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,含羞草研究社� 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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