International fire fighters and Knutsford residents (Image Credit: CFJC News)

By Sydney Chisholm

Ross Moore Lake wildfire

Big send-off for Costa Rican firefighters leaving Knutsford

Aug 25, 2023 | 5:15 PM

KNUTSFORD– Mucho gracias and thank you was the motto for Knutsford residents on Thursday evening.

In awe of the firefighting efforts in their community, Knutsford residents held a pizza party send-off for the Costa Rican firefighters, before they head home this weekend.

“It’s the communities’s way of saying thank you for everything that’s gone down,” said Terry Jessup, Chief of the Knutsford Initial Response Team.

“The last five weeks have been quite stressful and to be able to say thank you to everybody from travelling all over the world– it’s absolutely amazing.”

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The fast-moving Ross Moore Lake wildfire has been tormenting the community of Knutsford for the last five weeks.

From the start, community members have been on the frontline fighting the fire, but when the winds changed they needed backup.

The group of volunteers called BC Wildfire Service but never expected the support that arrived.

“Next thing you know, it was truck after truck after truck showing up and we have been bonded since then,” Jessup explained.

They didn’t let the communication barrier get in the way, and in the short two weeks they worked together, the Knutsford community members and the international crews formed a tight bond.

“Honestly, every single one of these gentlemen are just outstanding,” Philippe Jolicoeur, the crew’s leader told CFJC News.

“[They are] really, really, really, good people.”

Many residents said they owe the safety of their homes and property to the quick work of these men and women.

“We are so grateful because, without them, I don’t know that we would still be here, having this conversation,” Knutsford resident Teresa Davies said.

Gordon Petersen who also lives in Knutsford said, it was good to see the community come together.

“It’s kinda restored my faith in humanity, that when people’s backs are against the wall, they pull together,” Petersen he said.

For those that would like to help the Knutsford Volunteer Fire Brigade can do so by donating to their fundraiser.