'You're not helping': Residents of B.C.'s Shuswap urged to stop seizing firefighting equipment
CTV
As residents of B.C.'s Shuswap region work desperately to protect their homes, government officials are urging them to stop seizing equipment intended for provincial firefighting crews.
As residents of B.C.'s Shuswap region work desperately to protect their homes, government officials are urging them to stop seizing equipment intended for provincial firefighting crews.
Over the weekend, the B.C. Wildfire Service reported that essential gear such as pumps, sprinklers, hoses and all-terrain vehicles has been disappearing in the North Shuswap area.
That includes sprinklers set up to prevent the Scotch Creek Bridge from catching fire, which have already been stolen three times.
"This bridge must be protected to allow safe access into and out of the area," the BCWS wrote on social media Sunday.
"We understand frustration and fear exist, but the professionals relying on this equipment need it to continue to fight these fires."
On Monday, Premier David Eby said tampering with firefighters' equipment disrupts response plans developed by provincial experts, and urged those responsible to stop immediately.
"We'll put the best possible understanding on this – that people think they're helping," Eby said. "They are not. You're not helping if you're moving firefighting equipment."
