Submitted If Gertrude Poohachoff didn’t believe that a four leaf clover is a sign of good luck, she wouldn't carry a dozen of them in her wallet. resident's super- Rossland to her usual Double Dip and F ich drive, she stopped at Alpine Drugs in Tagan my God, it’s $10,000,"" she said. “I always hoped to win, but never thought I would. I was shak- be Dp. em. pr ama 3-RING 1" BINDERS LAURENTIAN Gertrude Poohachoff struck it big with a Gold Rush lottery ticket she recently purchased. Photo submitted 79. COLORED PENICILS SUNLIGHT LIQUID DISH SOAP WIN _P’ 100% B.C. OWNED & OPERATED PEOPLES D 1502-R Columbia B.C. Grown 9 Squeeze bottle, 1 Ler. 1 GREEN ONIONS RED RADISHES IGA 7-UP TOMATO Regular or Diet 12 pack PROFILE e Castlegar Sun WEDNESD August 1 Story & photos by: Karen Kerkhoff TUNA Baka $1 38 Rey Onion or garlic 455 ml. (3 CATELLI CATELLI PASTA SPAGHETTI $129 LEMONADE OR mic a HOMETOWN PR@UD Selected varieties SAUCE 100% B.C. OWNED AND OPERATED 500 g. Regn mah room or meat C We now accept PURITAN KRAFT /GA® Accessible Debit Cards DRESSINGS 680 g. 2717 COLUMBIA AVE.; 250 ml. McCAIN NIAGARA ORANGE CASTLEGAR 365-5336 Castlegar Sun reporter Karen Kerkhoff had the opportunity to tour the Arrow Forest District as well as fly by helicopter to a base camp situated near a raging forest fire at Koch Creek. In this, the second of a two part feature, Karen recounts her experi- ence of visiting the firefighting base and interviewing firefighters. acing to the Castlegar Airport, Walsh and I spoke little as I hurriedly made sure my camera was loaded and that I had the film I needed. I prayed that my batteries wouldn't give up the ghost at a crucial time. I had little time for apprehension. that, these were skilled pilots. Right? Arriving at the airport Walsh and I quickly headed for the tar- mac where the pilot, and another forestry person, were patiently waiting for us. Time was of essence. Directing me to the front seat of the A Star, a 5-person helicopter, the pilot and Walsh assured that this apparent novice was firmly buckled in. Slipping on a pair of ear phones, my stomach did somersaults as I real- ized that it would be a matter of moments before we lifted off. With little lateral movement the helicopter was airborne. The beauty of the valley which I have called home left me in awe as we gained altitude. The Columbia River gli d like a jewel beneath our feet and the mighty ij y of the ‘Raw firefighting recruits anxiously wait outside the Arrow Forest District office for the call which will send them on their first firefighting expedition. another available helicopter to fly us above the fire and then return us home, I was able to observe the activities uncensored. Slinging supplies and deftly hooking them to a cable attached to a helicopter was a common site, as was frequent excursions into the tent to retrieve warm, but oh so tasty, bottled water. Walsh informed me that “in the old days” when he was.on the line they drank straight from the fresh, cold streams. “Nowadays with Beaver Fever you can’t do that.” With a parched throat I gamely tried the bottled water—anoth- er first on this day of many firsts. Savoring the first swallow and deciding it was delicious, éven though it was warm, I greedily sucked down the rest. Standing close by were members of the Rapattack, an elite, and physically-tuned group of firefighters. One of the first to arrive at fires, specifically those in rough terrain, they rappel out of helicopters to the heat of nearby fires. This is one job that takes guts and stamina. One of the men informed me that they had just finished hiking out of a fire area. While they always get a lift to the fire, they don’t always get a lift out. Superb specimens of our youth, three members of the Rapattack crew stood before me explaining in detail what it’s like to be a member of the’ trew. With pride they spoke of marathon left me speech] Picking out landmarks (my house!) we made our way up the valley where Pass Creek is nes- tled, My perception of Castlegar and the sur- rounding area has been irrevocably changed for the better. A dirty mill town? I think not! Flying towards Koch Creek, near Winlaw, Walsh pointed out landmarks. But far in the dis- tance, a minute wisp of smoke became visible. The further we headed in the direction, the more obvious and thicker the smoke became. “If you look to your left you will see the Sell Creek fire,” advised Walsh. Black smoke curled ferociously from a steep and forbidding mountainside. The closer we got the more it became obvious that this was a fire of magnitud of Wednesday, August 3 there were over 15 hectares burned. There were 25 or more people battling that fire. But the fire we were interested in was on an opposing ridge. The Fly fire had consumed over 70 hectares in only three days. Seventy-two people were on site. Looking to my right I could view the Fly fire. Smoke billowed from a ridge as heli BATTL in the BUSH while not fighting fires they’re required to maintain their level of endurance and strength. Any slip from a strictly prescribed regime would be cause for immedi- até’ dismissal, as would topping the 170 pound weight limit. There’s no room for exror, nor is there room for a macho attitude I’m informed. Speaking of the relationship they all share, it became obvious that these men were a tight, select, brotherhood committed to caring about their fellow crew members. Drugs, hangovers, or carelessness could result in the loss of life. Faces dirty from soot, scratches on their uncov- ered body parts, whistles attached to their collar and orange jumpsuits complete with their names and the words “Rapattack”’, they are the epitome of tenacity and determination. They spoke of the chall and the i of the job. No boasting these three, just honest observations and pride in a job well done. Looking at the faces of these three young men, any of which could be my son, my pride for the youth of today swells. Canada will be just fine. After about three hours, a helicopter, a 206, circling the mountainside, and, looking much like pesky flies, attacked the fire which appeared almost human as each gust of oxygen caused it to belch smoke and flames. b availablé- Once agaifi have gener- ously been given the front seat. I am told we will fly directly over the Fly fire. Gaining alti- tude I realized that the mountain is much higher and steeper than when gaged from below. Cir- Circling the base camp, our pilot waited for instruction to land. The make-shift heli-pads below were congested as helicopters of varying sizes hovered or flew nearby. The pilot, in a hurry to continue on his way, decided to land on a dirt road leading to the site. Before we knew it ‘There’s no room for error, nor is there room for a macho attitude, I’m informed.’ — KAREN KERKHOFF cling slowing, with skill and purpose, our heli- copter gains altitude. Looking below I see R k crew bers g a friendly goodbye. Flying into the fire area was an awe- some experience. Burning trees look like many Reporter we had touched down. candles on a birthday cake—but this is no party. From behind me, I received instruction on how to embark from the craft. “When you get out keep your head down and walk towards the front. Walk towards the front,” a voice d me. No probh I’ve hed the movies! Unstrapping myself I stepped out of the helicopter to solid ground (and kept my head down and ran towards the front!) Looking back at the helicopter I waved back at the pilot who was bidding us farewell. Up ahead on the road I could see what appeared to be a camp of sorts. An old army-type tent was pitched, a fully-equipped ambulance stood by to assist should the worse scenario occur, a portable ff work trailer was parked close by as were forestry and privately owned vehicles. Three helicopters were further up the road doing whatever it is helicopters do during a fire. Once again I was introduced to most of the person- nel, and as before in the forestry office, I was greeted with the same friendliness. Each person there had a specific role to play, and the feeling of team spirit was evident. Detailed explanations were given to me about the . Don Coursen, air operations coordinator for the Nelson Forest District, told me about the helicop require, and how any disregard to safety is not tolerated. “We aren’t here to play little-boy games.” Since I still had to fly back to Castlegar I was relieved to hear this information, and I don’t mind saying that I grilled him further on the requirements of obtaining a helicopter pilot’s license. I was stunned when he told me that a pilot could obtain a license after only 50 hours instruction and 75 hours flying time. My face must have given me away (I still had to get home!), because he quickly | assured me that the forestry requires that any pilot have at least 1,000 hours flying time. He also told me how he personally checks pilot's records and follows up on references. His voice was no-nonsense as he relayed this information to me. It was obvious he’s definitely the right man for the job. The destruction of prime timber is catastrophic. Below me lays a land of denuded f blackened timber is the only relief against an other- wise stark landscape. To my relief the pilot makes a sharp bank to the left and we head towards the Sell fire on the oppos- ing Tange. Below lays the same destruction as with the pr fi th us a helicopter hurries by dumping water on the already insulted landscape. Finally we head towards home. To our right we pass by the Valhalla’s—the Olympus of the Koote- nays. Sheer jutting rock reaches towards the sky like fingers towards the sun. Craggy peaks glow from the illumination by the golden summer sun. The beauty of the range is inspiring. My heart sings. I feel won- derfully alive and definitely privileged to be treated to the breathtaking view. Life is good. Touching down at the Castlegar airport I couldn’t help but feel a loss—something I had just discovered was taken away all too soon. Travelling back to the forestry office Walsh point- ed out thunderclouds. “There's a cell. There’s another.” Somehow I will never think of thunderclouds in the same As we pull into the parking lot of the district office, I see about 15 young men and one young woman sitting around and bantering with each other. I'm told this crew might go out to fight fires caused by recent lightning strikes. Scanning the crowd I see my son, but somehow I’m not as apprehensive as I was earlier. I know he’s in good hands. That night other ferocious storms rolled through our valley. Sitting out on the front porch I watched the snaking streaks of lightning. Each strike remind- ed me of some mother’s child fighting fires on the line. And each strike brought visions of what it’s really like out there for firefighters. The Castlegar Sun would like to sincerely thank members of the Arrow Forest District for their gra- cious help. Without their total and enthusiastic coop- While we waited in the hot sun and dry dust for helicopter over rugged terrain. A steady hand and nerves of steel are essential when piloting a eration this story couldn't have been written. Special thanks to Nayda, Ted and Skip. STEWS SALAD OR DINNERS = ee — While Quantities Last — Sale dates: August 24th thru August 27th PLN Cle ne hee ek Ps = Nesta goo