When a wildland fire broke out in Laidlaw Thursday, a nearby work crew was quick to help.
The fire was in a farm field in the small community between Hope and Chilliwack, along Highway 1 and close to where the work is being done to twin the Trans Mountain pipeline.
About 80 workers from the crew, employed by Macro, called for help and jumped in immediately to help local fire crews control the blaze, which was close to the base of a mountain.
Popkum and Hope fire departments were also supported by a B.C. Wildfire air crew. The fire is currently listed on the B.C. wildfire map as three hectares and human caused, although the exact cause is still under investigation.
Hope Fire Department took to social media later in the day, with the hashtag #HelpFromFriends.
“Need help on a wildfire? You bring in the big guns including 80+ construction workers nearby from the Trans Mountain pipeline project,” they wrote on Facebook. They also shared photos from the scene, including a close-up photo of fire retardant being dropped on the fire. At least two planes were used in the firefighting efforts, and at least one helicopter dropping water.
The fire was in the mop up stage by the end of the day Thursday and is being monitored for hot spots.
READ MORE: Hope resident calls out concerns over wooden railway ties on CN track
@CHWKcommunityjessica.peters@abbynews.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Want to support local journalism during the pandemic? Make a donation here.
Workers from the Trans Mountain pipeline project in Laidlaw were first on scene to help battle a fire in a farmer’s field on Aug. 12, 2021. (Hope Fire Department/ Submitted)
