July-16-2010

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Peachland

Local News ... Pg 1-3 Peachland Views ... Pg 4-5 Community Events... Pg 6 Classifieds... Pg 12 Real Estate... Pg 16

July 16, 2010 Peachland, BC

Volume 06 | Number 28

Photo Joanne Layh

Flames came dangerously close to Highway 97 but fire crews prevented them from crossing over.

Marine evacuation saves lives in Seclusion Bay Interface Fire By Joanne Layh

The Seclusion Bay Interface Fire that began in Peachland just after 10 a.m. on Monday morning claimed a total of 1 home, 2 garages, 1 police vehicle and a boat. The fire spread over 30 hectares through Peachland and West Kelowna before fire crews were

able to contain it. No lives were lost in the fire, thanks the coordinated efforts of fire crews and a swift marine evacuation of people who were trapped in Seclusion Bay after fires blocked the road out. Fire crews battled the blaze as three RCMP members went down into the Seclusion Bay area to

evacuate people with as much haste as possible. Some residents were able to get out on their own in the very early stages of the fire. However, flames soon cut off the avenue of escape and RCMP members had to abandon their vehicle and gather everyone together for a marine evacuation. Constable Denise Ben-

feld was one of the officers trapped in Seclusion Bay. “It was smoky in some spots with no visibility,” Benfield said. She quickly radioed to her boss for an evacuation boat. Benfield says that while they were waiting ashes began to fall on them and they could see the fire advancing on upon them.

A boat evacuation brought 15 people to safety, including an elderly woman who was found asleep in her home. Aux. Constable Barnard and Constable Routley helped the elderly woman to safety. “She was hard of hearing. She was not able to get out on her own. With

the fire advancing in a very fast manner they knew they had to get her out one way or the other,” Constable Steve Holmes said. “They literally picked her up and carried her down to the water’s edge while trees were exploding beside continued page 2 see Seclusion Bay Fire

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