Dear editor,
You see the fire engines and hear the sirens, often daily, in this extremely hot and dry summer.
But it was brought home to me how important the people who man these trucks are to all of us a few nights ago. We had a fire in Merville, the flames were above the tree tops and the fire was roaring and crackling, in minutes after it started. We were fortunate that it had rained recently and that there was no wind, and even more fortunate for the quick response of both the Courtenay and Oyster River firemen, who worked to contain that fire for more than four hours and who saved an entire neighbourhood from a forest fire. The neighbourhood is a series of houses nestled in trees; if the trees had caught fire, many of us would be homeless or worse.
The appreciation I am feeling for the firemen is beyond expression. These people volunteer large parts of their lives to our Comox Valley community on a 24/7 basis, as well as the many hours spent training and practising. Their contribution to our safety and well being is frequently overlooked until we need them. Their work is dangerous and they often save lives. When a place is burning they’re arrival is the most welcome sight, and the relief they bring is a blessing.
A heartfelt thank you goes to our brave and generous firemen.
Jackie Sandiford
Merville