1 – Assist with river rescue with special thanks to Adam Cunningham, who, using his own kayak was able to help the person to shore
1 – Motor Vehicle Incident
1 – Grass fire
1 – Investigation
1 – Alarm activation
1 – Illegal burn – abandoned camp fire behind Kobau park
Jim Murphy appointed as the Deputy Chief
D’Arcy Bridgman appointed as Captain responsible for Training
New recruits have started training
Firefighters attended a first aid course on packaging patients for transportation
Fire Hall tour given to Fire Chief and firefighter from Sevenig Fire Department, Germany
The kayak rescue occurred on the long weekend after Richard Furness of Powell River struck a boulder on the Similkameen River while making his way downstream, at a point just above Red Bridge. He drifted downstream all the way to the Eagle RV Park before resident Adam Cunningham caught up to him. Cunningham managed to haul Furness out of the river onto the south bank.
The local SAR team was also called to the scene.
“I’d like to extend thanks to all those who helped in my rescue,” said the 69 year old Furness, who is a reasonably experienced kayaker with years of moderate rapid water experience.
“The Similkameen from Hedley downstream is considered to have Class Two rapid classification right now,” Furness added, “ the rapids can be harrowing.”
Furness also thanked Pharmasave for staying open long enough for him to refill a prescription for insulin, which had been lost in the incident.