Smoky year for PenSAR

Photo: Mike Biden

Penticton and District Search and Rescue is looking back on a busy 2017.

The 40-volunteer group was called out 40 times last year, committing more than 8,000 hours of time towards response and training.

While those figures are down from 2016’s record-breaking 57 callouts, the team also assisted fire crews with emergency evacuations during wildfires in Kaleden and Summerland.

However, the fires raging across the province also kept people out of the backcountry, and likely lowered their calls for service, says PenSAR vice president Randy Brown.

“We noticed when we were out training, especially in the Skaha Bluffs in the summer, it was pretty tough training back there. The smoke was heavy — it wasn’t healthy a lot of times.”

“People reduced the time and exposure they had outside,” he said.

The fires also resulted in the team increasing their “state of readiness” to be prepared to be called out at any minute.

“From the manager’s point of view, I wouldn’t say you are on edge, but you are ready at the door.”

Brown said he hopes some of the ‘Adventure Smart’ messaging — on backcountry preparedness — pushed out by the province this year also made an impact.

“However, over this past week I was out snowshoeing and I always take a backpack with food, water, shelter extra clothing, lights for if something happens,” he said. “And I met many people on the trail that just were not prepared, making a comment ‘oh I’m glad you are prepared.’”

He said people often expect to go out for a couple hours, unprepared for if they get lost or something goes wrong.

“I know it's uncomfortable for some people, but those little things can save your life.”