Neighbours in the Napier Lake area jumped into action to help save a home that was metres away from flames on Wednesday evening (Image Credit: Huguette Stewart)

By Chad Klassen

B.C. WILDFIRES

Neighbourhood action helps save home metres away from Napier Lake wildfire

Jul 8, 2021 | 4:54 PM

KAMLOOPS — The remnants of retardant remain on a log cabin home overlooking Napier Lake.

It’s left a mess, but ultimately saved the home that was metres from the flames, as the BC Wildfire Service actioned the wildfire on Wednesday afternoon into the evening.

“The Napier Lake fire started yesterday afternoon (July 7) and was attended by personnel and aircraft immediately. It was estimated yesterday evening at 56 hectares in size and it experienced no growth overnight, even though it still is classified as out of control.”

While it’s classified as out of control, there are only a couple spot-sized fires. Eleven firefighters are on the ground actively hosing down hotspots within the fire perimeter.

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Before firefighters arrived on site Wednesday, neighbours along Highway 5A jumped into action to help keep the flames away from the home.

“As soon as we got here, we realized we needed more water, so we radioed back for a fire truck and we had a five-ton truck rigged up with a water tank, and by the time we got here the fire was big enough that we just kind of tried to protect the house,” said Brock Herman from the Stump Lake Ranch.

Herman brought a crew and was followed by a trail of volunteers, including workers from Trans Mountain.

“We weren’t here too long and there was a big presence from the pipeline show up. A lot of water trucks showed up, fire hoes, neighbours, ranchers, loggers. There was a big presence of local community people here — on this right away,” noted Herman.

Ryan and Marie Redekop drove up from Langley after they heard about the fire to check on their recreational property.

“We just came to our place and grabbed a few sentimental items and made sure everything was prepared for if the wind changed and headed our direction,” said Marie Redekop.

Meanwhile, Herman says it was the ultimate team effort to help keep the fire at bay.

“I think this is a good example of what happens when people just get there and get to work and help and do the right thing,” noted Herman.