British ColumbiaA B.C. Wildfire Service helicopter carrying an initial attack crew made a forced landing late Wednesday morning in what is being called an “unfolding situation.”Province says a pilot and 3 wildfire staff are accounted for and none suffered critical injuriesKarin Larsen · CBC News · Posted: Sep 03, 2025 5:39 PM EDT | Last Updated: 5 hours agoA helicopter taking part in wildfire fighting efforts near Kelowna, B.C., is pictured in this file photo, Aug. 22, 2023. (Justine Boulin/CBC)A British Columbia Wildfire Service (BCWS) helicopter carrying an initial attack crew made a forced landing late Wednesday morning in what is being called an “unfolding situation.”Ravi Parmar, minister of forests, said the incident happened as the crew was battling one of a number of wildfires south of Pemberton, which is about 115 kilometres north of Vancouver.”I’m relieved to let you know that all the occupants are accounted for and there are no critical injuries,” said Parmar, speaking at a media conference.A spokesperson from the Transportation Safety Board told CBC News the “helicopter accident” happened in harsh terrain.A pilot and three wildfire staff members were on board, according to Cliff Chapman, BCWS director of operations, and were reportedly able to walk after the incident.”They are being supported both by the extraction crew as well as [paramedics] and extended health [personnel] once they get back to the Pemberton base,” said Chapman.Parmar said on Wednesday it was premature to comment on potential contributing factors.”When we have more information to share around the conditions of those wildland firefighters, and of course what led to that forced landing, we’ll certainly provide that.”A forced landing happens when circumstances beyond the pilot’s control make continued flight impossible, according to an online source.On social media, RCMP said they are responding to a “rescue incident” and are asking the public to avoid Airport Road in Pemberton so the area can remain clear for first responders. The news comes on a day when large swathes of the province are experiencing widespread wildfire smoke and record high temperatures. ABOUT THE AUTHORKarin Larsen is a former Olympian and award winning sports broadcaster who covers news and sports for CBC Vancouver.with files from Canadian Press
Wildfire helicopter crew avoids critical injuries in forced landing near Pemberton, B.C.
