(Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Dylana Milobar

UPPER CLEARWATER VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE

Two years later, Upper Clearwater Fire Brigade expanding from community support

Aug 23, 2019 | 5:09 PM

KAMLOOPS — After two years of relentless wildfires around British Columbia, Clearwater area residents have taken fire protection more seriously.

Led by veteran wildfire fighter, Steve Murray, volunteers went through training courses, and formed the Upper Clearwater Volunteer Fire Brigade.

“Because of the one-way road, and forestry’s response time, the community got together and decided that we would form our own group,” explains Murray, who is now the brigade’s Fire Chief. “We currently have 20 certified firefighter members — both men and women. And we’ve been purchasing gear non-stop since 2017.”

Through community support, volunteers pitching in, and help from local businesses, the brigade was able to purchase two fire trucks.

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Jaromir ‘Jerry’ Kynl, a retired commercial truck driver, operates one of the vehicles, and says it’s been quite a process to get the trucks ready for forest fires.

“Right now we’re in the process of installing one radio into the one truck, and we need another base radio into the other truck. As money comes along, we buy things and install them.”

Kynl notes that the group is not certified for structural firefighting, and is strictly in place for wildfires. If a forest fire were to break out, the goal would be to extinguish the blaze before it damaged properties.

“If it’s a small thing and we catch it in time, somebody throws a cigarette out, or a lightning strike, and we catch it before it’s 10 acres, we can probably hold it back,” he explains. “Make it go around your house, then move to the next house.”

Volunteer Mike Ward says training takes place once a week for the group to practice their skills — sometimes even with the community’s help.

“We’ve had an exercise where somebody in the valley was burning grass off the field, and he very generously allowed us to set up a fire line on his fire.”

Proper equipment is needed, and Ward says the non-profit has put together a raffle to raise money. Funds will be used to buy more radios, and flame resistant clothing.

“You can’t ask somebody to go fight a fire if they’re not properly dressed. So that’s what the proceeds of this are for.”

Prizes include a WestJet trip for two anywhere WestJet flies with a $250 voucher, a two-night stay and tour of Wells Gray, and a two-night stay and play at the Wells Gray Golf Course.

Tickets are $5 each, and can be purchased in Kamloops at the Rock’n Firkin Pub, and both Kamloops Cell Repair locations on Fortune Drive and at Aberdeen Mall, and in Clearwater at the Wells Gray Hotel, Home Hardware, and Dee Store.

Raffle purchases can also be made via e-transfer to firetickets2019@gmail.com.

With 800 tickets already sold, the group hopes enough money will be made so volunteers can be ready for whatever fires may come their way.