Premier Christy Clark hugs Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff, while Oliver Mayor Ron Hovanes looks on. Clark made a quick visit to Oliver to personally thank firefighters and volunteers. (Lyonel Doherty photo)
BC Premier Christy Clark stopped in Oliver today to personally thank firefighters for risking their safety to save the community from two wildfires.
Clark shook the hand of members of the Oliver Fire Department and their families during a quick visit to the community centre, where members of Town council and emergency social services were gathered.
When Clark reached Fire Chief Dan Skaros at the end of the line, he immediately said, “I’m a hugger,” and gave the premier a big one.
Clark then personally thanked Dan’s wife, Karen, for giving up her husband during the crisis.
“Thanks for everyone coming together. It is times like this in BC that we know what we’re made of. We’re so lucky to have these volunteers,” the premier said.
But Clark expressed her disappointment upon learning that forestry aircraft were grounded south of Oliver because of a drone (flying robot that takes photographs) in the area.
The premier said when drones halt firefighting efforts, people may be losing their homes. So she urged people not to use them in areas where air crews are working.
Clark spoke to members of Town council about educating people on the hazards of throwing cigarette butts out the window or idling their mufflers in dry grass.
LYONEL DOHERTY
Special to the Times
