Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Doug Collins

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Sometimes it’s best to trust your gut

Aug 4, 2023 | 6:01 AM

WHEN YOU BASE YOUR PLANS ON FACTS, it’s hard to cast blame. But when the facts change, you sometimes find some egg on your face. Sometimes, it’s better to ignore the facts and listen to that little voice in your head that tells you to think again.

A good example this weekend at the site of the Lower East Adams Lake wildfire, threatening band lands and homes, and not very far from the community of Chase.

As I understand the situation, and I certainly am open to correction, B.C. Wildfire service at one point said the Lower East Adams Lake fire would not approach the community. They said their projections showed it would not come within 1.5 kilometres of homes even if they completely ignored it.

A few hours later, it took off.

The weekend was spent installing roof sprinklers on many of the homes. After less than a day, they were taken out again, apparently destined for Osoyoos.

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These decisions were made based on “facts” and thus, officials theoretically made the right call.

But prior to these decisions being made, residents say they had been warning BCWS and CSRD about a wind change for several days and were ignored.

Many of these residents have lived in those areas for a long time. Their inkling, based on their gut feeling, was the right call.

I am not suggesting any blame here. In our current wildfire state, decisions have to be made quickly, so I find it difficult to find fault. At the same time, over my long career, I have made friends with many first responders, including fire chiefs, battalion chiefs, firefighters on the front lines, police officers, major crime detectives, weather specialists, EMTs, emergency and trauma doctors, and the list goes on.

One thing they have suggested, almost to a man and woman, is not to ignore that invisible little twitch that makes you pause for a second.

Perhaps in this case, a little hesitation might have been a better call.

I’m Doug Collins and that’s One Man’s Opinion.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.