It appears now that much of the fire threat for the season is winding down.
On Monday, the Kamloops Fire Centre lifted its ban on campfires, relying on the cooler, wetter weather to relieve some of the serious threat the province has faced so far.
However, the deaths of three firefighters in Washington state are a reminder of how much these brave people are putting on the line. Five Shuswap firefighters answered the call last week, when it was uncertain whether the Stickpin fire would cross the border near Grand Forks, threatening homes and lives there.
Firefighters know how dangerous their jobs can be, whether it is day-to-day operations of our local department or forestry service crews battling major wildfires. But, it’s so very easy for the public to take their work for granted. Considering the level of danger, it is amazing that relatively few are lost.
As you read this, many are still digging in with shovels and axes in heat and choking smoke despite the weather’s reprieve.
We want to extend our thanks to these brave men and women who are putting their lives in front of wildfires to protect people and property from devastation and death.
– With files from Penticton Western News
