Editor:
I want to thank those who responded to the fire on Cecil Hill at Pender Harbour.
From the guy who first saw the smoke, to the teams that responded and the aircrews who took to the skies to douse the conflagration – you probably saved our homes.
I am one of many who reside on the west side of Cecil Hill, and like all others, have dreaded the fire danger of the heavily wooded forest on our doorstep.
By 5 p.m. a Lear jet (spotter), a couple of choppers and a water and fire retardant bomber had penetrated our smoky skies. Choppers bucketed water onto hot spots and the bombers soaked large swaths.
Things appeared to have calmed and at sunset, it was put off till Tuesday.
At 7 a.m. Tuesday, the fire had increased by two hectares, and the soundtrack from Apocalypse Now started. Many helicopters thumping above, four high-powered float plane based water bombers sounding like Spitfires, flying in linear formation and dumping a precise pattern. Every eight to 10 minutes the ballet looped to Sakinaw, back over Francis Peninsula, and over my house to the fire. This went on for hours with only a small break – for gas, lunch, nature? – then they were back.
Finally the intensity eased later in the afternoon, as more area seemed to be under control. One persistent chopper kept bucketing hot spots until around 7 p.m.
An outstanding effort on everyone’s behalf – thank you!
And also a shout-out to the Pender Harbour Volunteer Fire Department who were on alert to respond to any situation. You guys are great.
A subtle reminder: Climate change is here. Prepare YOUR environment for it. Do personally what you can to change its impact.
Owen Torode, Madeira Park
