For most of us, the wildfire season has been over for over a month, but for Emergency Support Services in the Kitimat Stikine, operations are just now winding down.
An unprecedented five months of response will wrap up when the last of the evacuated Telegraph Creek residents return home on Friday.
But, according to District ESS Coordinator Naomi Gourlay, that just means that their focus shifts to preparing for the new norm.
Gourlay says that communication is one of their biggest areas of concern during these prolonged, unexpected, events.
In 2018, ESS in the Kitimat Stikine put in over 1700 response hours, compared to 122 just two years ago.
Gourlay closed by thanking the numerous volunteers and organizations who put in countless hours to help those most in need this wildfire season.
Anyone wishing to lend their support can visit the district’s website at RDKS dot BC dot CA for information on becoming involved.