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Wildfire Monument Unveiling Firemen's Reunion 2003 - 2008
Five years and we're still here By Jill Hayward North Thompson Star/Journal It's been almost five years since the Wildfire of 2003 tore through the North Thompson Valley – changing the futures of so many. Economic stability was rocked to its core due to the loss of the Tolko Mill, the jobs it provided, and the families who were an integral part of our communities. Some moved out, others moved in, a number of small businesses closed their doors, and a number have opened. Time moves on – the land heals, and so do the people who reside here. It's been a tough road for
many, some still find it hard, but for the most part our valley, and the people who call it home, have proven we are made of sterner stuff than some may have thought. We're still here – and we will be for hundreds of years to come. The valley offers a lifestyle that is coveted by those looking for a safe haven – a slower pace, and an abundance of friendly, kind, and compassionate p e o p l e who know how to get things
done in one of the best places to live in British Columbia. Many believe that the five year anniversary of the McLure Wildfire should be duly noted – the fact that our communities have overcome this disaster, are stronger for it, and are moving into a new and promising future needs to be recognized. Recognition also needs to be given to all those who fought the fires, from valley fire departments to those who travelled great distances to stand in front of the 'dragon' to defy its vo-
racious advance. Recognition must also be given to the numerous individuals from Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, who sent their support. Many arrived in the valley to help with rebuilding property and lives – without them our road would have been much harder to travel. Lastly, recognition needs to be given to the people who live in this valley. You are the ones who have succeeded where many would have failed. You have joined together with energy and determination to put our lives back together. You have
We’re still here, and growing.
networked, problem solved, and held out your hands to each other. You have overcome the 'dragon' that was the 2003 McLure Wildfire. You can't burn our spirit – we're here to stay.
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FIVE YEARS LATER, Monday, July 21, 2008
North Thompson Star/Journal
THE MONUMENT The ‘Wildfire Dragon’ is sculpted from a 250 year old fir log, approx. 48” in diameter and 12’ long, that was purchase from the coast. It was kiln dried in Lumby before it was transported to the artist, Michael Morris, in Barriere. The second piece, a firefighter, was sculpted from a 350 year old fir log, approx. 26” x 9’, that was salvaged from Seymour Arm, an area that also suffered a wildfire in 2003. Once the logs were measured and squared off they were placed on a platform specially constructed for them so the artist could work. A structure was then built around the logs to protect both the logs and the carver from the weather during the long months of transformation. Temperature was controlled to ease the rate at which the dried. Starting with a small chain saw to rough out the intended shapes needed to Open Daily • 9am - 5pm wood start the carving process, the artist worked with many different power and hand tools, Stop in at Our Ice-Cream Stand! the smallest a knife to work on the dragon scales. The process took approximately six months. The folks at Country Store Antiques congratu-
COUNTRY STORE
ANTIQUES late the McLure Wildfire Monument Society for their efforts in creating a place of beauty and in telling the story of the generosity and compassion of groups and individuals who aided our community. Thank you to all the donors of material, time and resources (and to the sponsors advertising in the interpretive kiosk). We hope you will share our pride in their achievement and enjoy the park. Watch For The Biplanes!
Thompson Nicola Regional District Director, Area “O” Bonnie J. Cruzelle Myram
2003 - 2008 Honouring our renewal
Bag Lady Enterprises Depot 672-2123
4365 Borthwick Ave. Barriere - BC
Hours: 9AM - 5PM Daily Closed Sundays
Moving forward into our future
North Thompson Star/Journal
FIVE YEARS LATER, Monday, July 21, 2008
WHAT HAPPENED? The McLure fire caused the devastating loss or damage of 72 homes and 9 businesses. Due to this fire, 3,800 people were evacuated (880 of these people were also evacuated for a second time) from the communities of McLure, Barriere and Exlou and Louis Creek. The 2003 fire reached a final size of 26,420 hectares.
Thank you for being resilient
Helping each other.
5159 Barriere Town Rd, Barriere, BC In The Industrial Park
Ph: 250-672-5270 www.tireland.ca “TRUST THE PROS AT TIRELAND”
Looking forward to our next 59 years!
Barriere, BC Aug 30 - Sept 1
www.fallfair-rodeo.com
250-672-5501
Working together for our community
Barriere • 672-9929
ROAD MAINTENANCE 1655 Luckystrike Place Kamloops, BC V15 1W5
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FIVE YEARS LATER, Monday, July 21, 2008
North Thompson Star/Journal
Fire inspires 'Hope beyond the smoke' by Elli Kohnert North Thompson Star/Journal Five years have passed since the McClure Wildfire has changed the landscape and the lives of people in a large area of the Lower North Thompson valley. Wayne Broomfield, a gifted local Barriere artist, has been asked to paint a picture that portrays the spirit of the 2003 wildfires to be exhibited at the dedication of the Wildfire Memorial Site on July 26. He said yes, although there was not much time to find the right inspiration and to complete it in time for the event. The first small painting was not what he had envisioned but then Wayne looked at a picture of a water bomber spraying water over a burnt forest and that was the nudge he needed for his painting to take shape.
Wayne does not usually get excited about his work in an emotional way but this painting was different he said “it had a real snap to it.” This time his work was deeply inspired and had a powerful force to it that at one point would not let him sleep at night; he had to get up and keep working until he had completed it. The charred trees on the ground were first done in modeling compound first before painting to provide texture. He painted the sky entirely with his thumb to achieve transparency of the billowing smoke, leaving a small patch of blue sky showing through it. The dramatic focus of the painting is the water bomber spraying water over the blackened trees, but the most compelling focal point is the small patch of blue sky; that has inspired the painting’s title ‘Hope
Beyond The Smoke.’ Wayne grew up in Quebec and was only eight years old when he became interested in art. Over the years he studied graphic art, and worked in several design studios. He spend years in many different locations, and followed his artists career on various path but says “I have come full circle and have returned to my first love, painting the beautiful Canadian landscape ‘En Plein Aire’ which I realize has always
been my source of artistic inspiration.” Now Wayne says he is a Canadian artist living in Barriere; for how long he may remain here depends on when another Canadian province
may present new inspiration for him. Wayne says “to be able to sit amongst the majestic Canadian Rockies or in some quiet meadow and capture the handiwork of
WHO CAME TO FIGHT? The McLure and Barriere Volunteer Fire Departments, along with the Ministry of Forests initially fought the fire. They were then supported by other valley fire departments. Due to the voracity of the flames and the speed of growth soon numerous fire departments from throughout BC were on site to help. There was water bomber, helicopter, and spotter plane support from numerous companies. People and heavy machinery arrived constantly to lend assistance. They were followed by the Army and Princess Patricia Guard who set up camp at the Barriere Fair Grounds. From the beginning a large number of civilian volunteers fought the battle as well – helping to save numerous properties and homes. The McLure Wildfire Monument Society wishes to recognize the effort of all these individuals in their combined fight to save the North Thompson Valley from total destruction.
creation so that others may enjoy it as well is truly a high calling.” In his painting ‘Hope Beyond The Smoke’ he has been able to express a sense of natures fury, human resilience and a deeply rooted sense of life’s enduring spirit even in the depth of despair.
Barriere BC
firemen’s reunion july 26 • 2008 Barriere Curling Rink • Barriere BC
2008 marks the five year anniversary of the 2003 McLure Wildfire which was fought by fire departments, forestry, and the Canadian Military.
dinner at 6pm & dance to follow
Forty-six fire departments with well over 400 fire fighters, and 49 pieces of equipment attended. Air support included nine bird dogs, four water bombers, 24 air tankers, and 12 helicopters. Barriere would like to invite everyone who participated in the fighting of the 2003 fire, back to Barriere to see how we have rebuilt and to enjoy a night of Dinner and Dance. Also July 26 will feature the unveiling of the Louis Creek Monument Dragon and a day filled with music, art and events. Unveiling will be at the Louis Creek Monument site 2km south of Barriere, 10:30 - 4pm.
Info & Tickets: District of Barriere office 250-672-9751 or email: inquiry@district ofbarriere.com
Standing Together Thompson Valley Players BARRIERE
Kevin Krueger, MLA KAMLOOPS - NORTH THOMPSON 9 - 111 Oriole Road Kamloops, BC, V2C 4N6 Toll Free • 1-888-299-0805 314-6031 for calls from Darfield to Kamloops
Joining together for the future.