Close X
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
ADVT 
National

B.C. Fire Crews' Radio Equipment 'Deliberately' Vandalized: Officials

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 05 Aug, 2016 01:17 PM
    CASTLEGAR, B.C. — Wildfire officials say vandals near Creston, B.C., have destroyed crucial radio equipment used to keep firefighters safe.
     
    Someone broke into a radio communication tower at the top of the Thompson Rim Trail sometime between July 29 and Aug. 2 and deliberately destroyed all of the equipment inside, said fire information officer Carlee Kachman.
     
    "It put the safety of firefighting personnel at risk," she said.
     
    Fire crews in remote areas use the communications technology to stay in touch with the fire centre, aircraft and other staff.
     
    "It's a vital part to ensuring the safety of our firefighting crews and ensuring the protecting of the public and of infrastructure," Kachman said.
     
    This isn't the first time the site's equipment has been damaged, she said, but this time the electronics have been vandalized beyond repair.
     
    The B.C. Wildfire Service is now looking for a new location for the tower, but the replacement will take several months and cost between $80,000 and $100,000, Kachman said.
     
    For now, the wildfire officials have created a temporary patch to keep in touch with crews in the area.
     
    Provincial fire crews faced an early and aggressive fire season this year, as hot, dry conditions fuelled a number of blazes in May and early June, particularly in northeastern B.C.
     
    Cooler weather and rain have created a downturn in fire activity recently, but fire officials are still warning the public to be vigilant about fire.
     
    The B.C. Wildfire Service said in a release that crews responded to dozens of abandoned campfires around the province over the long weekend, including 32 in the southeast fire centre, the region where the radio communications tower was destroyed.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Turkey Coup: Army Group Announces Takeover On TV, Martial Law Declared

    Turkey Coup:  Army Group Announces Takeover On TV, Martial Law Declared
    An army group in Turkey says it has taken control of the country, with bridges closed in Istanbul and aircraft flying low over Ankara.

    Turkey Coup: Army Group Announces Takeover On TV, Martial Law Declared

    Three-Time MLA Jagrup Brar Seeks NDP Nomination In Surrey-Fleetwood

    Three-Time MLA Jagrup Brar Seeks NDP Nomination In Surrey-Fleetwood
    He’s been on the Indian National Basketball team, has Master’s Degrees in Philosophy and Public Administration, and he won three back-to-back elections in Surrey under the BC NDP banner.

    Three-Time MLA Jagrup Brar Seeks NDP Nomination In Surrey-Fleetwood

    2 Charged After Drug And Gun Investigation In New Westminster, B.C.

    Two New Westminster residents have been charged after a comprehensive fentanyl drug investigation initiated by the New Westminster Police Department Street Crime Unit. 

    2 Charged After Drug And Gun Investigation In New Westminster, B.C.

    New Brunswick Doctor Fired For 'Disturbing' Snooping On Files Of 141 Young Women

    New Brunswick Doctor Fired For 'Disturbing' Snooping On Files Of 141 Young Women
    Dr. Fernando Rojas Lievano accessed 141 electronic patient files on 350 separate occasions — all women, all between the ages of 13 and 39.

    New Brunswick Doctor Fired For 'Disturbing' Snooping On Files Of 141 Young Women

    Calgary MP Deepak Obhrai Entering Conservative Party Leadership Race

    Calgary MP Deepak Obhrai Entering Conservative Party Leadership Race
    Obhrai, 66, will be the fifth entrant in the contest that will conclude with a vote by party members next May. 

    Calgary MP Deepak Obhrai Entering Conservative Party Leadership Race

    Former B.C. Government Worker Embroiled In Triple-Delete Scandal Pleads Guilty

    Former B.C. Government Worker Embroiled In Triple-Delete Scandal Pleads Guilty
    George Gretes' lawyer told the court his client wants to apologize to his former employer and the people of B.C.

    Former B.C. Government Worker Embroiled In Triple-Delete Scandal Pleads Guilty