It has been a busy 24 hours for a small rural fire service, having already dealt with two medical calls and two significant fires since yesterday morning in the South Country.

Eighteen firefighters from the Elko, Jaffray and Baynes Lake Fire Departments responded to a wildfire at Ayes Campground yesterday and soon after to a fire at the Elko Airport property, where an abandoned building was destroyed following a structure fire.

“The past 24 hours really show how dedicated our firefighters are. They never give up and they answer the call no matter what the circumstances,” said Elk Valley & South Country Rural Fire & Rescue Chief Dave Boreen. “It also underlines the critical importance of having a number of people on the fire department roster. We are in urgent need of more members and I hope the community will answer our call.”

Earlier today, Highway 3/93 was temporarily shut down this afternoon (July 13) after a truck hauling a fifth wheel trailer burst into flames.

“The vehicle and trailer are both a total loss,” said Boreen. “We closed the highway to allow our crews to safely access the scene and work to prevent the spread of the fire to the ditch and beyond.”

The occupants of the vehicle were all able to escape safely and there were no injuries.

At the same time, a call came in about a grass fire in the Dicken Road area near Hosmer.

Members of the Hosmer department were supported by firefighters from Fernie Fire & Rescue, which responded through mutual aid with crews, a tender and their bush truck.

That fire was quickly extinguished and although the cause is under investigation, it is not believed to be suspicious.

The fire service is now offering a benefits package to members, along with free training. To learn more about how you can help become involved, contact Boreen or Deputy Chief Michael Hockley at 250-429-3133 or visit www.rdek.bc.ca.

Lead image: Elko Airport fire from last night. RDEK photos

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