Cheers for fire crews, jeers for selfish idiots
Dear Editor:
It has been a stressful August here in Penticton but this morning, Saturday, Aug. 22, I witnessed something inspiring that’s worth mentioning.
At 8 a.m., I saw a small convoy of three large fire trucks and an ambulance turning off Main Street, heading up Carmi to the ongoing fire crisis. With proud enthusiasm, I stood on Main Street clapping, then hoisting a thumbs-up in the air. An acknowledged wave from a firefighter inside came my way.
From Penticton, Merritt, Kelowna and beyond, exhausted firefighters have, once again, put themselves at risk battling the fury. All of us, residents and visitors, must show our compassion, support, and respect for what these fierce warriors do on our behalf and on behalf of humanity.
This wildfire is threatening not only residents living in our community, and their homes, but it is destroying the habitat of various wildlife from cougars to white tail deer to field mice. The terror of this fire must be incomprehensible to a deer fleeing for its life. Many of us have been left breathless (that last word chosen with sadness) from the smoky skies, knowing in our hearts the death and destruction it has caused.
After the emergency vehicles moved up Carmi, I walked to Penticton Plaza. In the parking lot was a large black vehicle with over-sized tires (the kind of tires that could run over a small Italian sports car and not even notice.) The driver, through an open window, dumped on the ground an ashtray containing no fewer than 25-30 cigarette butts. To my horror, some were still burning, puffs of gray smoke wafting in the air. Approaching the driver, I intended to speak to this person as to why, anyone with the intelligence of a spoon, knows not to do this.
Suddenly, the vehicle was thrust forward, rocketing out of the parking lot at break-neck speed. After observing the Alberta licence plate, I immediately stamped out the burning cigarette butts. Whether from B.C. or from Alberta, it is a seriously stupid thing to do. Many people still do it. All of them are fools.
So, to all our dedicated firefighting warriors, to every man and woman, on the ground and in the air, thank you for your relentless strength, your discipline and your courage.
Elisabeth E. Paterson
Penticton