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Local firefighters help battle Logan Lake area wildfire
Four firefighters from the District of Elkford have joined four firefighters from Invermere Fire Rescue in the battle on the Tremont Creek wildfire near Logan Lake. The fire is today estimated at 62,523 hectares in size.
Both departments provided updates on social media.
“The last couple of days have been extremely hectic for our crew working as part of a strike team, alongside personnel and engines from Trail and Burnaby. At one point, the team was held up for near 24 hours behind a wall of mud covering Highway 1 just south of Lytton. Our crew is extremely grateful to have been welcomed, lodged and fed by the First Nation community of Skuppah for the evening. We extend our gratitude to the community for their gracious hospitality,” Elkford Fire and Rescue Services reported August 18.
“Today, our crew is back at the Logan Lake base camp retrieving equipment and preparing for a second assignment, while they await the arrival of a relief crew from Elkford. As you read this, a crew of three Elkford firefighters are en route to Logan Lake to relieve three of the current four members.
“Please continue to send gratitude to all those contributing to the fight, both on the frontlines and behind the scenes. And let’s give an extra dose of Elkford love to our crew, wishing them safe travels and success in their efforts, and thanking them for their inspiring willingness to assist others in their time of need,” the department noted.
“I have never seen anything like [this] in my time. Everything is burned or burning! When you have a family crying while they are loading their last possessions in their car and [are] taking the time to thank you from the bottom of their hearts, [that’s] what drives us to serve,” said crew leader Jason Kaiser. “People clap and honk and wave just because they are so grateful our task forces are out here.”
On Friday August 13, four Invermere Fire Rescue members (Erik, Nick, Janice and Jordan), along with one engine, made their way to Logan Lake to assist with structural protection in and near town.
“Our deployment crew would like us to reach out on their behalf to thank the Logan Lake Fire Department and township for their incredible hospitality. Our team has enjoyed meeting and working with crews from all over B.C. and Alberta. Although situations like these are high-stress, hard work and long hours, new friendships are easily made when you’re working alongside such amazing crews!” IFR stated on social media.
Elkford Fire and Rescue Services photos
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