The May long weekend saw an eventful Saturday that sent Revelstoke Fire Rescue Services (RFRS) across town to douse flame and smoke, then all the way out to Rogers Pass for a rescue after a rollover.
Between 2 p.m. and midnight, local fire crews responded to three separate calls on May 17.
First, a fire was started inside one of the Kovach Park washroom facilities in Southside. A total of three vehicles and a dozen firefighters were dispatched to battle the dense black smoke that was spewing from the lavatory.
The crew quickly managed to extinguish the source of the burn, with that washroom still closed off by Tuesday, May 20, and a sign taped to the door reading "Closed due to vandalism." Staff Sgt. Chris Dodds said Revelstoke RCMP is investigating the cause of the incident, which RFRS has characterized as suspicious, and has no further details at this time.
The City of Revelstoke spoke to the incident via Facebook Wednesday, May 21, as a "gross" act of vandalism that will require residents' taxpayer money to clean up. Anyone with helpful information is asked to contact Revelstoke RCMP.
Then, shortly before 9 p.m., fire crews were called to another smoky situation in a residence, this time on Coursier Avenue in Arrow Heights. The 911 call was made after smoke began to fill the building's hallway.
Four vehicles and 16 firefighters dispatched and discovered that the smoke was originating from an outdoor barbecue and was being sucked inside. Fire crews vented the fumes from the evacuated building, clearing the air for residents to return back home ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½” where an overcooked dinner was waiting for them.
Fire Chief Steven DeRousie confirmed an absence of flames, both inside and outside the home, but encouraged residents to "be mindful of the neighbours" in when using smoky equipment.
"It's good to talk to your neighbours and let people know what you're up to," he said.
While the sun had set, the day was not quite over for the RFRS. Around 10:45 p.m., six crew members travelled 65 kilometres east on the Trans-Canada Highway to extract a semi-trailer driver who had been trapped in a single-vehicle rollover along Rogers Pass.
The semi had tipped onto its side as it rounded the windy bend near the Illecillewaet parking lot. The firefighters executed an extrication using hydraulics tools to remove the roof, dash and steering wheel of the truck.
"It requires quite a lot of training to know where the vehicle can be cut and where it can't," DeRousie said.
While the driver had been pinned inside, DeRousie reported that they were in fair condition when extracted and subsequently taken for further medical examination.
The firefighters made it to the scene of the rollover within 45 mins of being called, and the section of Highway 1 was re-opened with minimal delay. The semi was still on scene, though not obstructing traffic, by 3 p.m. Sunday, May 18.
Starting next Tuesday, May 27, Tourism Revelstoke and FireSmart BC host a series of free Wildfire Week events. Learn more and register at .
