Posts Tagged ‘Johnny Phare’
A Bad Fire Year?
Photo (Web Source): A fire burns out of control in Northern Saskatchewan, north of Prince Albert. Across western Canada wild fires have consumed millions of acres of timber and killed an untold number of wildlife caught in the path. While only one death has been reported, that being a firefighter, Johnny Phare of Roberts Creek, on the Sunshine Coast, thousands of homes are threatened and many have already been destroyed and the danger level is extreme. Over 7000 people have been evacuated from several native communities in Northern Saskatchewan with an undisclosed number being relocated to my home town in Cold Lake, Alberta. (More photos in footer)
Introduction
On watching the local and national news tonight I listened as the Premiers of British Columbia and Saskatchewan commented on the challenge being faced by firefighters across their Province. Resources were being stretched to the limit and in some areas of Saskatchewan the military have been called in to assist. The Premier of Saskatchewan stated on Global National that he has placed a call to the Prime Minister, but did not elaborate on what he intended to ask the P.M. My goodness, the Province is burning, the military have been called in, 7000 people evacuated and the P.M. has not yet checked in with the Premier to see what national resources might be needed?
On the local news, a citizen from Port Alberni on Vancouver Island reported that earlier today a fire had started across Sprout Lake across from his home. 
The fire was not threatening his property, but the man felt it needed immediate attention or would soon be out of control.
Photo (Nichele Studios, Port Alberni) This photo was taken by Paulette a day after the fire started. A giant Martian Mars water bomber sits idle under a smoke shrouded noonday sun on Sproat Lake just outside Port Alberni.
All but for the want of contract approval by the BC Government, that bomber would have been available it to tackle the Dog Mountain fire minutes from where it was moored shortly after the fire was called in. A contract was eventually signed and when the smoke cleared for a brief period under light winds, the bomber hit the fire with everything it had. However, by that time the fire had spread and done an incredible amount of damage to the pristine forests of Dog Moutain (more photos in footer). Update: Five days later that fire is still not fully extinguished.
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