Camp established at Nicola Valley rodeo grounds for firefighters

By Elizabeth Jolicoeur The wildfire burning southwest of Merritt is not currently threatening the city, but residents will notice increased activity at the rodeo grounds as firefighters establish a fire camp. The camp will house about 120 personnel and provide easier access for crews working on the opposite side of the more than 20,000-hectare wildfire, [...]

By Elizabeth Jolicoeur The wildfire burning southwest of Merritt is not currently threatening the city, but residents will notice increased activity at the rodeo grounds as firefighters establish a fire camp. The camp will house about 120 personnel and provide easier access for crews working on the opposite side of the more than 20,000-hectare wildfire, known as the Brunswick Creek complex.

As the camp is established and operations ramp up, the rodeo grounds will be closed to the public. Fire camp coordinators say they understand residents may be curious and want to drive by to see what’s happening. They’re simply asking people not to gather around the camp or block access for crews as firefighters, water tenders, heavy equipment and support vehicles move in and out of the site.

“The biggest thing is not to come into the camp and not to block access,” said one coordinator. Coordinators say the camp is not open to the public. Along with the constant movement of emergency vehicles and equipment, the site contains generators and other hazards that can pose serious safety risks.

One coordinator recalled an incident at another wildfire camp where a parent lifted a safety fence so a young child could enter a restricted area near a running generator, resulting in the child being injured. While offers of food and supplies are always appreciated, coordinators say firefighters are fully self-sufficient, with meals and equipment supplied through established logistics systems. “Communities are phenomenal.

They all want to help,” one coordinator said. “It’s appreciated, but it’s not necessary.” Unfortunately, homemade baking, meals and other food donations generally cannot be accepted because all food served in camp must meet strict food safety and certification requirements.

Instead, coordinators say one of the best ways residents can support wildfire crews is by giving them the space they need to do their jobs. Firefighters and support staff have been working long, hot days, with many travelling from communities across British Columbia to help respond to the wildfire. Residents looking for updates on the wildfire are encouraged to use the BC Wildfire Service’s Wildfire One app rather than visiting the camp in person.