CHETWYND — The debate over the relocation of the Northern Initial Attack in Chetwynd continues. The Peace River Regional District has written a letter to Minister of Forests Bruce Ralston in support of reinstating the base. Bruce Ralston confirmed the closure of the facility and its staff lodging on December 15^th, 2023 in a letter addressed to the Chetwynd Mayor Allen Courtoreille and city council. Since then, there has been mounting pressure from mayors across the Peace Region. In early February, Hudson’s Hope and Tumbler Ridge supported Chetwynd in condemning the move to relocate crews to Dawson Creek saying it could double response times in the community and surrounding district. The concerns surrounding response times continue to mount. PRRD chair Brad Sperling citied the BC Wildfire Service, who say 94 per cent of new wildfires are suppressed by initial attack crews.