‘It means the world to them’: firefighters appreciate shows of support by public

Tower said the support boosts the morale of firefighters.

“Crew members think there is community support but unless you are seeing it, it’s hard to know. And there has certainly been a shift in social media, and the public are coming out physically to line the street.”

Tower said a night like the one on Sunday, where up to 80 structures were damaged in the Westside Road area, can be very difficult for firefighters.

“I’m not in the trucks with those guys, but I guarantee there are some tears shed when they come home, especially after such a traumatic event such as Aug. 15.”

Tower said the crews did everything they could to save homes.

“And they saved a large amount of homes on that night. That’s a really hard experience to go through, and to come back and still see that there is public support, it means the world to those guys and girls that are working tirelessly out there.”

Support rally for firefighters (Submitted photo/Jessica Saunders)

The public displays of support are similar to what people did for healthcare workers during the pandemic.

“This is great to see because there’s too many people disrespecting the firefighters,” said one person on social media. “When you start bashing the top of the food chain — aka govt — you’re still disrespecting everybody that is working for them.”

“There’s been a few people in the mornings when they head out around 7:20ish as well. It’s great to see,” said another person.

Vernon-Monashee MLA Harwinder Sandhu said despite all the challenges created by the wildfires, people’s compassion, care and empathy is shining through.

“I’m so grateful to see how our community is coming together to look out for one another,” the MLA remarked.

Sandhu said the White Rock Lake fire is unrivalled by any other recent event in the region’s history.

“We’ve seen how it has impacted our family, friends, neighbours, and co-workers. People have had to leave their homes behind, many are dealing with loss and uncertainty. I want to thank all the hard working firefighters, emergency service personnel and volunteers working around the clock to keep people safe,” said the MLA

Sandhu said she and her staff are helping people connect to resources.

Her office can be reached at 250-503-3600 and by email at Harwinder.Sandhu.MLA@leg.bc.ca.