Peachland man saw firefighters up close and personal this year

Editor: I would like to take a little time to express my appreciation for the work of the firefighters throughout the world, but especially here in B.C. and even more specifically for the work that they have done recently here in the Okanagan.

I live in an area of Peachland that has been close three times this past summer to wildfires that, if not for the efforts of the firefighters, could quite easily have gotten out of hand with devastating consequences.

We have been very fortunate here in comparison to many folks throughout the province who have endured much more serious circumstances as a result of wildfires this year.

We have, however, seen, first-hand and up close, the firefighting efforts involved in fighting wildfires near our home.

Each time I get to see and experience the work of these courageous and hard-working men and women, I am more amazed at their operation.

The manner in which the wildfires are attacked is so very systematic and seems to me to be performed with military-like precision.

To our local first responders and firefighters, to the surrounding firefighting departments, to the forestry crews on the ground, to the helicopter pilots, to the retardant plane personnel, to the skimmer plane personnel, to the communications personnel — you have my deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for the work that you do.

Each and every one of you should feel very proud of the work that you do and know that it is very much appreciated.

You have gained the reputation of dependably providing a critical and successful service that deserves our respect and admiration. Bob Corder, Peachland