Heavy equipment - Province of British Columbia
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Heavy equipment
Last updated on February 9, 2026
The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) deploys heavy equipment to help with response on larger fires. They support the construction of control lines and other objectives.
All heavy equipment and their operators are contracted resources.
They operate side-by-side with BCWS personnel and are a vital part of our response.
Several types of heavy equipment are used including:
Bulldozers
Excavators
Water tenders (water trucks)
Feller bunchers
Skidders
And more
Heavy equipment expedites guard construction and fuel removal. Another advantage is that heavy equipment can operate safely at night, when fire behaviour is calmer.
All heavy equipment used by the BCWS is provided by contractors from around the province. Equipment contracts are awarded through a competitive process. Check out our
Contract opportunities
and
Equipment
pages to learn more.
Heavy equipment contracting
The BCWS uses a range of equipment in support of fire operations. Most equipment is hired prior to and early in the
fire season
(March-May).
Learn more
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