Editorial
It can never be stressed enough how crucial (and expertly trained) our first responders are in the Columbia Valley.
The Madias Creek wildfire on July 22 was a perfect example. That incident could have been a literal nightmare if not for the quick response of local firefighters, police, and the BC Wildfire Service.
When fire strikes so quickly it’s hard to think rationally without panic setting in, but the expertise of our ‘knights’ in yellow, orange and red ensured that everything was in place for a coordinated attack and evacuation.
Kudos to the RCMP for their role in the incident, and to fire ‘command’ for keeping everyone safe during the community exodus. Those training sessions are definitely paying off.
Our first responders are some of the best highly trained individuals in the province; they have to know how their enemy lives and breathes, how it reacts in certain conditions, and what path it will take. It’s a real science in itself.
What compounded the difficulty on that fateful Monday was the fact firefighters also had to contend with three smaller grass fires that were reportedly caused by human activity. Despite the added stress, local fire crews relied on their training to act quickly and competently in order to contain the incident and protect the community.
While most people run away from these dragons, it is a firefighter’s true nature to face them.
Years ago in a small South Okanagan town, a fire chief did not want to be interviewed after he saved a child from a burning motorhome. He risked his own life, without turnout gear, to smash the back window and reach in to retrieve the unconscious child.
When asked why he did that, he simply responded, “It’s my job; it’s what I do.”
While many people considered him a hero, he frowned at the term, saying firefighters don’t think of themselves as heroes because they are only men and women who have a keen desire to serve their community in times of crises.
The same can be said for Columbia Valley Search and Rescue volunteers. Unless you follow their Facebook page, you would never know how many calls these members respond to on a weekly basis. Lately it has been a lot — injured hikers, stranded climbers, you name it. These volunteers answer the call of duty with extreme dedication to ensure the people needing help return home safe. Can these volunteers track a fish through water? Almost.
While you can heap much praise on these first responders and bake them muffins if you want, all they ask in return is that you think ahead for your own safety and “get out of the way” when they are trying to do their jobs.
That’s not too much to ask, is it?
Lyonel Doherty, editor
