By James Peters

Man who snapped images of firefighters’ bonfire speaks out

Jul 12, 2017 | 6:30 PM

CLEARWATER, B.C. — The man who took photos of apparent BC Wildfire Service firefighters enjoying a bonfire near Adams Lake Tuesday night says the campfire ban covering the province of BC should apply to everyone.

Rusty Clark was enjoying some recreation with his family on the lake last night, when they noticed something out of place.

“My kids and I were out fishing, and my daughter noticed there was a big bonfire on the shoreline over at Gordon Bay,” said Clark.

“So I told my kids to reel in, we’re going over to have a chat with them.”

“I walked up to them and said, ‘What gives you guys the right that you think you can have a bonfire when there’s a campfire ban on, and BC is on fire?’ One girl looked at me and said, ‘Do you realize who we are?’ And I said, ‘Yes. You’re all a bunch of idiots.’”

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Clark began taking photos with his phone.

The photos show a group of about five people wearing BC Wildfire Service uniforms eating pizza around a large campfire.

“They didn’t really say too much after that. After I was finished taking pictures, I said, ‘You guys have about five to 10 minutes to put the fire out before this hits social media.’ And they didn’t bother to do anything. So I said, ‘Have a fantastic night. Enjoy your pizza and your bonfire.’”

The BC Wildfire Service said Wednesday it is aware of the photos and is looking into what happened.

Clark says he believes the burning prohibition should apply to forest firefighters as well as members of the public.

“I would hope it applies to everyone. They should be setting a good example for the rest of us.”

“I grew up at this lake. This lake is in my backyard. Just like anybody else, we don’t want to see this go up in flames.”