Residents Hamper Wildfire Fighting Efforts

Firefighters battling wildfires in Shuswap area

It was shocking to find out that equipment meant to fight the wildfires in British Columbia are being stolen, including all-terrain vehicles, which is hampering efforts to battle the blazes in the Shuswap area, north east of Kamloops, and north of Kelowna.

Pumps, sprinklers, hoses and ATVs have been taken from the North Shuswap area, "critically impacting" firefighters' strategy in battling the wildfires.

The wildfire service posted on social media saying that gear that would protect dozens of homes is being moved to areas where the equipment is ineffective.

Tower says garbage thrown at firefighters

Information officer Forrest Tower said in one case where equipment protecting the wooden Scotch Creek bridge, which provides access for multiple communities, was stolen three times.

He said if the bridge were to burn, communities would have to either rely on boats or make a lengthy trip east if they needed to flee to safety.

"You are not helping if you're moving firefighter equipment. Firefighters are experts, the equipment is put there for a reason," said BC Premier David Eby.

"And when it's not there when the firefighters go to get it, that is a big problem. So please do not tamper with firefighter equipment."

It is unbelievable that people would actually take firefighting equipment when this is a collective effort.

Or is this a bid to sabotage the firefighters?

Many structures lost to wildfires in Shuswap

Tower also told a media outlet that residents who were left behind in Shuswap have thrown garbage at firefighters. There is growing frustration there, as the residents feel there isn't enough manpower fighting the wildfires there, and that firefighters made a critical mistake in trying to fight fire with fire yesterday, which led to the merging of two fires into one ferocious blaze.

It is now estimated at 410 square kilometres in size.

Nevertheless, British Columbians are devastated by the wildfires. They are thankful to the firefighters who are risking their lives to do their best to save whatever they can.

But preventing them from trying to do their best intentions is downright selfish and unconscionable.