Written by Captain Darren Bromley, this article represents the last in the Op PEREGRINE series.  Strathcona soldiers are scheduled to be back in Edmonton on 16 September 2003, marking the conclusion of a hectic, yet highly successful deployment for the Regiment.

 

B Squadron’s ten days of hard work on the Vaseux Lake Fire assisted BC Forestry Services and other fire crews to establish a fire-guard (a stretch of land which is cleared of burning material), eventually enabling the BC Forest Services to declare that the Vaseux Lake Fire was 100% contained. After almost two weeks of living on a one-hour emergency evacuation order, on the 5th of September, the order for the Okanagan Falls area was removed, allowing the 1 200 residents to breathe a sigh of relief. 

 

1st troop had already been fighting fires for five days when 2Lt Cooper, Cpl Englehart and Cpl Slauenwhite arrived in Okanagan Falls on 4th September. Prior to that, under the able leadership of WO Jones, Sgt Borkovic and Sgt Price, the troop had the wildfires in its area of responsibility well over 50% contained. The members of 1 Troop persevered in true Strathcona fashion, digging up smouldering ground and running fire hoses up and down arduous terrain at elevations of 1300 metres. Even though the ground was similar to that found in the Jasper National Park spirits remained high throughout, as evidenced by the nicknames given to some of the pulaski tools on the line (Cpl Starr and Tpr Johnston’s tools were particularly beloved by their owners).

 

Under the expert guidance of B.C. Forest Services representative Kevin Zeleny, the members of 2 Troop learned a great deal about fire fighting in a short time. The “Pulaski Brothers”, Tpr Smith and Tpr Berkshire, amazed us with their grubbing skills. Cpl Walsh gave us all a lesson in basic hydraulics, which was applied by Sgt “The Town Pump” Smith at the water point. In an impromptu tree felling competition, Cpl MacKeage showed us that sometimes experience counts for more than youthful vigour. 

 

Three troop’s tour of duty at the Vaseux Lake Fire saw the troop working a particularly rough area nicknamed “Heartbreak Ridge”.  The rocky, 70% slope rises nearly 2000m above sea-level, but three troop remained undaunted.  The arduous work of digging out hotspots to bring the fire under control confirmed that you can’t fight a forest fire with speed and aggression.  MCpl Anders, Tpr Pickell and Tpr Legiehn found this out during a two-day battle with a particularly difficult hotspot called the volcano.  After sending up a plume of smoke and ash higher than the tree-tops, the volcano was finally extinguished.  Despite facing weather conditions perfect for the spread of the wildfire, 3 Troop worked with determination to do their part to bring the fire to 100% containment.

 

After 48 hours of well-deserved rest in the Vernon Cadet Camp B Squadron moved to Kelowna on the 11th of September to work on the Okanagan Park Fire.  Thankfully Mother Nature began working with the firefighters and the wet weather quickened the ability of fire fighters’ to gain control of the fire.  This enabled BC Forestry and military planners to down size the fire fighting force in BC.

 

 After 20 days of working on the BC fires, the Squadron waits for its flight on the 16th of September.  Op PEREGRINE proved to be an excellent experience for all involved, enabling B Squadron to mature as a group and foster espirit de corps.

 PERSEVERANCE.

 

 

3 September 2003

B Squadron continue their efforts with TF 4.  Attached is an article written by Captain Darren Bromley” 

B Squadron has just completed its first week of operations in the Okanagan Valley, BC fighting fires.  Thus far, the Squadron has performed exceptionally well, in very austere terrain and conditions. 

Anticipating the eventual deployment to BC, the Squadron worked hard during the last two weeks of August to prepare ourselves to fight fires.  The long hours and the uncertainty as to our actual deployment date proved taxing on the whole B Squadron family.  Our loved ones, once again showed us their unwavering support by living with the ambiguity of the task we were facing.  This in itself has had a positive effect on our deployment – Thanks! 

We deployed to Vernon, BC in two groups.  On the 27th of August one third of the Squadron drove our vehicles to Vernon, enduring an excruciating 16-hour road move.  This may not sound too difficult, however traveling through the mountains at a maximum speed of 80 km/hr, with angry truck drivers 2 feet off your back bumper, makes for an unnerving trip.  The remainder of the Squadron flew to Kelowna on the 28th of August and linked up with the remainder of our personnel at the Army Cadet Camp in Vernon, BC.  After two days of conducting more fire fighting training and signing for our fire fighting equipment we received our orders – we were to move to Okanagan Falls (10 km south of Penticton, BC). 

The Squadron hit the fire line on the 30th of August.  The three troops were allocated sectors of a fire line, which they were to clear of hot spots, under the expert direction of a BC Forest Fire Fighter.  The terrain proved a little more trying than anticipated.  The troops are deployed in the mountains.  The terrain is similar to the foothills of Alberta and the temperatures have been a relenting 30 – 34C each day, with no signs of cooling.  Needless to say, after 12 – 14 hour days, the soldiers are happy to have a shower, meal and go to bed. 

The town of Okanagan Falls (known as OK Falls by the locals) is a small logging town on the water.  We are camped in the center of OK Falls, in the town’s park.  The residents have been very appreciative of our presence and they have made us feel welcomed.  We are across the street from the Okanagan Valley’s best ice cream parlor, Tickleberry’s.  We share a parking lot with the local Legion, who have welcomed us with open arms. 

Our training has proved worthwhile, as none of our soldiers have been injured.  Sure there are bumps and bruises, but each of these usually come with a funny story.  We are not scheduled to return to Vernon on the 8th or 9th of September to have a day off the fire line.  We do not yet know which fire we will go to next, but we are looking forward to doing whatever it takes to finish the job.