Experiences Shared at Shuswap Firestorm TRU Forum
Jim Cooperman, a resident of Lee Creek and an activist in the Shuswap community, has taken the lead in instigating three inquiries into the management of the Bush Creek East wildfire.
By Morgan Keith
A public policy forum about the Shuswap Firestorm was held March 6 in Kamloops at the Clocktower Theatre. It was sponsored by the Thompson Rivers University Student Union Solidarity Economy Club and attended by approximately 150 people, including the mayors of Kamloops and Barriere.
It was an emotionally charged evening, though not one of anger or volatility, but rather that of concerned, frustrated citizens seeking answers about the catastrophic Bush Creek East Wildfire. A fire worsened by a mismanaged backburn that resulted in the loss of over 250 structures and the surrounding forest being reduced to ashes. Some of the people who remained behind to protect and fight to save our beautiful community, while being blocked at every turn, got up to speak and share their experiences. These people wake up each morning, reminded by the charred landscape of how their community came together despite all the obstacles.
Jim Cooperman, Lee Creek resident and Shuswap activist, has been leading the charge by sparking three investigations into how the Bush Creek East wildfire was managed. His thorough research, which has included consulting with forestry experts such as Bruce Morrow, demonstrated that the backburn lit by BCWS was a failure. One that did not follow proper protocol, and combined with the forecasted high winds that day, swept into the North Shuswap communities of Lee Creek, Scotch Creek, and Celista with devastating results. Cooperman’s hope is that the Shuswap firestorm will act as a turning point and that the recommendations that he along with a group of experts have prepared will get implemented, resulting in better wildfire management.
The forum also heard from Jay Simpson, Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) Director who discussed his concerns over a poorly executed evacuation that resulted in residents fleeing by boat or attempting to navigate the 4X4 road from Seymour Arm to Malakwa in vehicles not designed to drive in those conditions. Simpson spoke to the problematic policies within the CSRD that delayed the evacuation order. He also raised concerns over lack of communication and adherence to rules and regulations which lack common sense. For example, policing and roadblocks which resulted in hardships for experienced locals who defied the evacuation order to stay behind and fight the many spot fires, thus saving countless homes and properties.
Well-respected rancher and logger Karl Bischoff spoke emotionally, pausing to compose himself several times as he recounted his experience building a fireguard with other locals that protected many properties. Bischoff spoke about the loss of 100 year old barns and quarter sections of land along with his frustrations that the BCWS was nowhere to be found as he and others stayed behind to fight. He paused momentarily and uttered “I keep going back there” recalling the trauma he experienced during his acts of heroism.
Lastly the forum heard from Allan Willcocks, a retired forester. Willcocks was the Regional Director for the Ministry of Natural Resources in Ontario with a successful track record of managing wildfires over a 7 year period with no structure losses. He shared his common sense knowledge about the need to focus on PROACTIVE initial attacks and around the clock hours to put out wildfires. He also spoke to how local contractors such as Bischoff are invaluable and should be a part of the solution rather than being villainized for defying an evacuation order.
As a property owner in the North Shuswap who suffered losses last August, I am grateful to those like Jim, Jay, Karl and Allan for sharing their knowledge, helping save much of our community, and continuing to fight for justice. It is mind boggling that there are common sense solutions available and experienced knowledge keepers standing by to share their expertise and yet it appears government is reluctant to make the changes needed to effectively extinguish fires before they grow large and destroy communities. I hope the powers that be will pay attention to our campaign and make the changes we need NOW before another community has to endure the trauma and loss suffered by the North Shuswap and Skwlax residents.
A video of the forum was created by CJay and Duane Boisclair of Askem Productions, who are working on the Backburn documentary. It can be viewed on Jim Cooperman’s YouTube channel or click here
Well-respected rancher and logger Karl Bischoff recounted his experience building a fireguard with other locals that protected many properties.
Allan Willcocks, a retired forester and former Regional Director for the Ministry of Natural Resources in Ontario shared his common sense knowledge about the need to focus on PROACTIVE initial attacks and around the clock hours to put out wildfires. (Kicker photos)
