Fires (Page 4)

Susan Smith’s laughter is infectious. Over the past two years, she has had to be remarkably resilient, yet she’s kept her winning sense of humour through incredible hardship. In 2017, wildfires swept through Boston Flats, a community just outside of Cache Creek, B.C. Susan’s home, along with many others, were completely destroyed. 

During wildfire season it is important to keep informed through trusted, verified sources, monitor weather, listen to local authorities, and prepare to evacuate if needed. Keeping your car fueled and essentials packed for the whole family is a good start. But what can you do around the house to prepare your home?

Use these tips from FireSmart Canada to prepare your property for wildfires. 

Jerry proudly displays photos and news clippings from his many years as a hunting guide on the wall of his kitchen. After many snowfalls, calm has settled in the forest. It’s a very different scene than in August of 2018 when residents of Lower Post were forced to flee from their homes.

Stephen stands next to a lone tree, only steps away from his home. One side of the tree is burned, while the other side appears to be untouched. It’s a reminder of just how close his home, just outside of Quesnel, was to being completely destroyed by the British Columbia Wildfires of 2017.
 

This is the story of a small guinea pig named Gertrude Rose who escaped a devastating house fire with her human. They are now slowly recovering thanks to the efforts of local fire and paramedics, the comfort they give each other and the support of the Canadian Red Cross.

During the summer, everyone loves to get together around a good campfire. However, you need to be constantly alert to keep your fire from spreading. You also need to make sure you are fully aware of any fire bans or restrictions in your area. 

Recently I was invited to visit James Smith Cree Nation for their Community Health Fair where an Elder approached me and said “Hello, I have a story and I want you to write it down.”

While Red Cross volunteers are known for their resourcefulness and dedication, there’s one team that really goes a step above and beyond: the Supporting Evacuation and Repatriation Team (SERT) team.