Yukon Wildland Fire Management has sent more firefighting personnel to British Columbia to help with that province’s current fire situation.

Sixteen initial attack firefighters left for Prince George by road on Friday afternoon.

As well, an L-188 Electra airtanker group was deployed early Saturday morning.

“We are pleased to provide this additional support to B.C. in their time of need,” Community Services, Minister John Streicker said Friday afternoon.

“Our fire situation has quieted down now, and as a result, we have the resources available to provide further assistance.

“They helped us earlier this season when we needed it; now it’s our turn to help them.”

Once in Prince George, the Yukon firefighters were briefed by the B.C. Forest Service officials and assigned as needed.

The 16 Yukon firefighters and one airtanker group are in addition to 34 firefighters and four incident management staff who were deployed to B.C. last Monday.

Those personnel are assigned to fires throughout the province.

Forty Yukon Wildland Fire Management pumps are also being used in B.C. after being sent south last week.

This deployment is made possible through the Mutual Aid Resource Sharing agreement. Under this pact, resources can be recalled to the territory within 24 hours if required.

The sharing of resources between the Yukon and B.C. is common.

Earlier this year, B.C. personnel provided support in the Dawson City fire district, and in 2014 and 2015, a number of Yukon firefighters and other personnel worked in B.C.

The fire situation in the Yukon is quieting down, though warm, sunny weather is forecast for the balance of the week. Currently the fire danger rating throughout the territory is low.

Continued hot, dry weather with no rain is forecast for B.C.’s interior.