The Chu Chua Volunteer Fire Department — along with fire departments from Blackpool and Little Fort — is hearing well-deserved praise in the North Thompson Valley following their quick, and what many say was heroic, work alongside the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) on the Dunn Creek wildfire in the Dunn Lake and Baldy region of the valley.
The fire was discovered on July 22, and prompted evacuation orders, evacuation alerts and road closures on July 25. As in previous years, local fire departments from the valley had partnered on pre-planning, mitigation, and strategic placement of equipment such as suppression tanks and dry hydrants along the Highway 5 corridor near Simpcw First Nation’s village at Chu Chua, Little Fort and in Blackpool.
According to updates provided by Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) information officer Mary Mackenzie, as of Aug. 6 the evacuation alerts that remained in effect were downgraded to "all clear" status by Simpcw First Nation and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District. On Aug. 10, the Simpcw EOC demobilized due to "conditions improving in Simpcw First Nation."
Mackenzie issued a statement on behalf of Simpcw First Nation’s EOC. “We’re grateful for the countless hours and hard work put in by everyone involved to protect our k̓wséltkten (communities), tmesmescén̓ (wildlife), tmicw (land), séwllkwe (water), and specéc (air). Should conditions worsen, we are prepared to activate again.
"Yerí7 skukwstsétsemc! Thank you for your dedication and support. Stay safe!”
Mackenzie explains that using the local knowledge of residents — including large property owners like the Fennell family and others nearby — really assisted in accessing the Dunn Creek Fire early on, thanks to their input, constant watch over their land and for their neighbours nearby.
“We relied on Norm Fennell a lot because that’s where his farmland and ranch is located. He literally directed us to best locations for observation of the fire and for triaging more quickly as we waited for incident command to be posted to the area from BCWS. The fire was up on the ridge above Dunn Lake and then moved into McTaggert Creek and on to Joseph Creek. We began doing structure protection right away at Dunn Creek Hatchery and other nearby properties.”
Building a fire guard was key, according to Mackenzie and Chu Chua Fire Department chief Ron Lampreau, Jr.
“We are incredibly proud to highlight the amazing collaboration between BC Wildfire Service, the residents, and our dedicated fire departments in the North Thompson Valley," says Lampreau. "This unity and teamwork have enabled us to take swift and efficient action against the Dunn Creek wildfire.
"Working together instead of against each other has made all the difference. Each group's expertise and efforts have played a crucial role in managing the fire and protecting our communities. This partnership showcases the strength and resilience that come from unity and cooperation.”
The firefighting teams in the valley were making preparations well ahead of this year’s fire season, and coordinating on many projects, such as the placement of dry hydrants in strategic locations along the North Thompson River. Firefighters in each area were trained specifically on the use of these hydrants, which are capable of drawing water from the river (or any other water source) and transferring it to waiting tenders and engines in the event of a major fire. It's just one example of working partnerships in fire protection and mitigation planning.
“During this year’s Dunn Lake fires, the same as last year, a team effort was required," says Mike Savage, fire chief for the Blackpool and Little Fort fire departments.
"Protecting our communities is a team effort, and we are proud to be working alongside the men and women who volunteer to meet that challenge. We hope the weather holds and the BCWS crews can get the upper hand, as the season is far from over yet.”
Lampreau feels that teamwork was “the highlight of the Dunn Creek fire response,” adding “A heartfelt thank you to the BCWS, residents, and the local fire departments for their hard work, dedication, and unwavering support. Your combined efforts have proven that by working together, we can overcome any challenge.”
