British Columbia is sending 41 firefighting personnel to Manitoba to assist that province with its firefighting efforts.

Thirteen three-person initial attack crews and two agency representatives are leaving for Winnipeg today, and from there will be moved to areas where they are needed.

Because of an increase in the number of fires and fire activity, the province of Manitoba is requesting additional resources through the Canadian Interagency Fire Fighting Centre.

The centre allows for the mutual sharing of resources between B.C. and other jurisdictions.

Crews can be deployed for up to 14 days, but can be recalled at any time if the situation in B.C. should change. Sufficient personnel and resources remain in B.C. at all times.

Costs for the deployment will be covered by the Manitoba government under the Mutual Aid Resources Sharing Agreement, which allows for the movement of firefighting resources across Canada.

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson said, "B.C.'s wildland firefighters are recognized as the world's best and we're pleased to be able to lend assistance to other provinces when we are able."