Neha Chollangi
Times-Chronicle
During a particularly stressful period of the Nk’Mip Creek wildfire last week, when the flames were inching closer and closer to Spirit Ridge, a random act of kindness went a long way.
One homeowner who was under evacuation order and had to leave their home, decided to keep their residence unlocked for the firefighters to take a break in if needed.
Mike Campol from the Osoyoos Indian Band said the Osoyoos Fire Rescue crew who were managing the fire in the area on the night of Thursday, July 22, took refuge in the house during a break and had a hot meal.
“They had opened up their home and [Fire Chief] Corey’s team during that really tough night utilized that just to take quick breaks and they were really, really appreciative,” said Campol.
When the evacuation order was rescinded to an evacuation alert, the homeowner came back to their property on Saturday, June 24 to find a heartfelt thank you note from the firefighters.
The note reads:
“To whom it may concern. After two nights with only six hours of sleep, you were kind enough to open your home. Tonight we ate a hot meal on your porch. It was nice to feel almost human for a moment. Last night will not be forgotten by us in a long time. Your kindness brought laughter, smiles for a moment during a much needed break. Chief Kortmeyer. We left it as we found it. Thank you.”
The other firefighters on the team also signed off messages of thank you. Captain Kunz wrote, “Thank you again. I watered your plants for you.”
Campol said it’s a great, feel good story amidst all the intensity happening at the moment.
