We have a wonderful community that can pull together at a moments notice when there is a crisis.
Case in point - last Thursday's forest fire in East Porpoise Bay. When we arrived on scene shortly after 2 p.m., firefighters from Sechelt were mobilizing their crews, BC Ambulance paramedics were arriving on scene to provide support, and Sunshine Coast RCMP were blocking off traffic, ensuring resident's safety and making sure the area was clear so fire crews could do their jobs.
Shortly after that, other fire crews arrived from Roberts Creek and Halfmoon Bay, the BC Forest Service was called in, and they used their helicopter and fire cat to knock down the fire from the air. Had it not been for the air attack, who knows if crews on the ground could have got the fire under control?
When more manpower was needed, the call went out and the community stepped up big time. Eighteen workers from Construction Aggregates and four workers from Mountain Marine were instrumental in the firefighting efforts. On Thursday night, crews got a handle on the blaze and residents were allowed back into the area. No structures were lost, no property damaged, no injuries reported - just the black and charred remains in a 1.8 hectare area of the forest.
We're sure the residents of the area join us in commending the fire crews from this community, the BC Forest Service and the many other volunteers and agencies who got this fire under control, saving property and possibly lives.
Some of us may not realize that the fire departments on the Coast are volunteer-based. When there is an accident or a fire, they just show up and help. These volunteers give up so much to ensure our community is protected. Not only were they there to fight the fire Thursday, fire crews spent the better part of two days on scene extinguishing hot spots and performing overhaul - all back breaking, labour intensive work - in the hot summer sun no less, making sure that the community was safe.
And do you think they had a chance to rest or enjoy some well-deserved downtime with their families? Forget it. Fire crews attended two small brush fires on Saturday and three allegedly deliberately set fires on Saturday night. Once again, they saved property from certain destruction.
Our fire crews and emergency personnel are true heroes. They deserve our respect and admiration. Thanks for all you do in keeping our communities safe.
