Saying thanks with cash

Photo: Carmen Weld - Castanet File Photo

Residents of Shelter Cove Estates have dug deep to say thank you to the firefighters who saved their homes during a 2015 wildfire.

Residents came together and raised $5,000 which they turned over to the regional district, specifically for the Wilson’s Landing and North Westside paid-on-call departments.

Those two fire departments were instrumental in protecting the homes and properties in the subdivision during the Shelter Cove/Westside Road wildfire in July 2015. 

While the lightning-ignited blaze consumed 560-hectares, no homes were lost.

The Wilson's Landing department received $2,500 while the North Westside department received $1,500, as well as another $1,000 that was used for auction items during the recent North Westside Fire/Rescue community fundraising barbeque. 

"These much-welcome donations will help purchase equipment and support programs to benefit the paid-on-call departments," said regional board chair Gail Given.

“On behalf of the men and women of each department, the Regional District thanks the Shelter Cove residents for their generosity which recognizes the valiant service provided during the wildfire last summer.  We’re pleased that due to the efforts of everyone involved in fighting the fire, residents who were evacuated were able to safely return to their homes.”

On Sept. 11, residents from Traders Cove held a community BBQ to thank their Wilson’s Landing firefighters along with those from the North Westside and supporting agencies and other first responders who protected their homes during last month's Bear Creek wildfire.