As we immerse ourselves in the idea of snowcapped mountains, we’re taking time to reflect on the 2023 wildfire season. This summer brought with it unprecedented wildfire activity and challenging conditions for the thousands of firefighters from around the world, including members of our very own Whistler Fire Rescue Service, who worked hard to protect communities across B.C.
On August 2, Whistler Fire deployed two crew members, and one of their wildland trucks, to join members of the Pemberton Fire Department working as an initial fire attack team at the Downton Lake wildfire, burning in the area west of Gold Bridge.
Two additional crew members were deployed four days later to the Downton Lake wildfire, where they joined members of the Pemberton Fire Department as part of a Structure Protection Crew working to save cabins and infrastructure.
The crew members worked in 14-day rotations with deployments wrapping up in mid-September. Teaming up with the Pemberton Fire Department ensured we were able to support the wildfire efforts, while maintaining fire rescue resources in Whistler.
We connected with a few of the firefighters to learn about their experiences on their deployments. Here’s what they had to say:
“My experience on deployment this summer was amazing. I learned so much in a short period of time. I had to. Things escalated quickly.
The camaraderie within the crew was really special. I was impressed with how personally I took the work, determined to do everything within our capabilities to protect properties.
I really feel it was an invaluable experience for protecting our community in the event of an encroaching wildfire. I have caught myself sizing up neighborhoods, evaluating what systems I would put in place to protect, and resources necessary to best accomplish the task.
It took several days, if not a week, to decompress and process all the events within an action-packed two-week tour of duty. I appreciate that not all deployments are the same and consider myself fortunate to have had the one I had.
I sincerely look forward to future deployments.”
— Matt Radymski
“I was fortunate to be selected to join Pemberton fire rescue as part of their structural protection crew. It was a great experience to put into practice the skills we have been working on for many years, lots of hard work over 14 days and some of the most intense fire behaviour I’ve ever witnessed. Coming back, I have a renewed appreciation for FireSmart and how effective SPU systems can be under extreme circumstances.”
— Ross Swinton
“Grateful to be a part of the efforts with Whistler Fire Rescue on the Downton Lake Wildfire. I was able to use my familiarity with the area and fire training, and brought back experience and learnings working with several other agencies in the constantly shifting situation. Happy to see the conclusion.”
— Dave Robinson
“This was a great hands-on learning experience for preparation, if this type of event comes our way. I highly recommend everyone to do it at least once.”
— Dennis van Dongen
“After seeing unbelievable fire behaviour, I fear that Whistler is not truly prepared for a wildfire of this magnitude.”
— Jason Murphy
As our year draws closer to conclusion, we would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to everyone who worked tirelessly to support the wildfire efforts in British Columbia this summer. We are very proud of the members of the Whistler Fire Rescue Service who were deployed and represented Whistler on the fire line. Your dedication and hard work was, and continues to be, appreciated.
