In an emergency, people step up. That was so evident in the Shuswap during this summer’s wildfire emergency. But it’s often not until the crisis has passed that you have time to thank those who helped in so many ways. The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) and the Shuswap Emergency Program have many people and organizations to thank. So, for the next few weeks, we will feature some of these stories each Monday to help us all start our week on a positive note.
When the Shuswap needed help, firefighters from around BC answered the call. To bolster resources, dozens of departments sent trained firefighters and equipment to this area to help as part of the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) response.
While a complete list of the fire departments that worked on the Bush Creek East wildfire was not yet available from BCWS, the CSRD is deeply appreciative of all those municipalities who contributed resources.
“To the brave women and men who came to our aid with BC Wildfire Service, ‘thank you’ doesn’t begin to express our gratitude,” says CSRD Deputy Regional Fire Chief Sean Coubrough. “You left your own communities, families, and fire departments to assist us, and for this we are truly grateful.”
A letter of appreciation has been sent to all fire departments in the province through the Fire Chief’s Association of BC. But the CSRD and the Shuswap Emergency Program wanted to ensure the expression of gratitude was acknowledged publicly.
“The impacts of the Bush Creek East wildfire will be felt for a long time to come, and we cannot imagine what the impact could have been without your help,” adds Derek Sutherland, the CSRD’s Emergency Operations Director.
“These efforts are deeply appreciated by the communities along the shores of Shuswap Lake and by our local members, who know personally what it feels like to face such incredible destruction. Please know that our appreciation and gratitude is echoed by everyone across the region.”
Photo: An image of some of the firefighting trucks and equipment which was brought in from numerous municipal fire departments throughout BC to assist with fighting the Bush Creek East Wildfire.