Communities often take firefighters, like all emergency personnel, for granted. But the last few days have demonstrated that we shouldn’t.
North Westside Road firefighters have been tackling the stubborn Shelter Cove blaze, along with colleagues from the B.C. Wildfire Service and other departments.
Wildfire Service crews have also been hammering the Bolean Lake blaze from the ground and the air, while the department in Falkland is also involved.
Amazing work by the BX-Swan Lake Fire Department Tuesday ensured a fire on Tillicum Road didn’t become another ongoing headline, while Lumby firefighters jumped into action Wednesday to make sure residents are aware of the ongoing burning ban.
The Okanagan Indian Band department recently doused a blaze near Round Lake and crews in Vernon, Coldstream, Lavington, Lake Country, Enderby, Silver Star and Armstrong-Spallumcheen have also been vigilant.
The bottom line is that if it wasn’t for the teamwork demonstrated by all firefighters, our region could be facing a major disaster during a summer of extremely dry conditions.
Whether firefighting is a full-time activity or pursued on a volunteer basis, it doesn’t matter. All of them are professional and should be treated that way.
If you are passing by a fire hall or see firefighters out on the street, stop for a moment and say thank you. If you are driving by a truck, give a honk and a wave.
The firefighters of the North Okanagan are always here for us, whether it’s a raging wildfire, a burning house or a car accident, and they need to know that we stand with them.
