Re: Why the new forestry sign?
We're writing to set the record straight in response to concerns raised by Maurice A. Rhodes in his letter about the new sign at our Kootenay Lake zone office.
We want readers to know that the sign was built at little cost to taxpayers. The sign was designed and built by two long-term and accomplished members of our seasonal fire fighting staff — one a professional timber framer and the other a talented jack of all trades in construction. These individuals supplied their own specialty tools at no cost to the Wildfire Management Branch. The majority of the sign was built out of recycled materials found within the yard, including all the wood which was sourced from a decommissioned bridge.
Kootenay Lake fire crews are very proud of the work they do and the community they are fortunate enough to live in, and that is clearly reflected in this sign.
The project is not yet complete due to the increase in wildfire activity over the summer months. When time permits, the sign will include a fire danger rating section on both sides. In the past week alone, Kootenay Lake initial attack crews have responded to more than 30 fires and are proving once again why the BC Wildfire Management Branch is considered a world-class organization.
Grant Walton, Southeast Fire Centre Manager and Art Westerhaug, Forest Protection Officer – Kootenay Lake Zone