Impressive job by fire crews

Dear Editor: It is Sunday afternoon and my neighbours and I have been watching the constant flow of air traffic as the wildfire fighting planes leave the Penticton airport, flying right over our homes as they head for the Finlay Creek fire near Peachland.

We are amazed at the short turnaround from the time they load up, fly to the site, drop the retardant, then head back to the airport for reloading. This manoeuvre probably takes no more than 20 minutes to complete with no rest, if any, between trips.

Kudos and hats off to these untiring heroes who are doing their best to keep everyone safe. I’m sure they’d much rather be enjoying the Labour Day weekend with their families.

I would like to suggest that if fires are known to have been caused through human error (smoking materials, campfires, etc), they should catch these jerks and put them on the fire line and make them work no less than an 18-hour shift.

Another punishment could be having them spend time in the planes that are providing the air support. I’m sure that plane trip wouldn’t come close in comparison with a nice flight somewhere via WestJet.

I feel sorry for the folks who have to deal with cleaning up the retardant but isn’t that better than having to replace your home and personal possessions? Mavis Creech

Penticton