Just before an event to show appreciation for Okanagan wildfire responders, the man known as the face of first responders during the McDougall Creek wildfire is being acknowledged. McDougall Creek wildfire is being recognized.
West Kelowna Fire Chief Jason Brolund was given an award at city hall for his hard work during the devastating blaze last year.
“Like many parts of this fire, it’s all very overwhelming,” said Brolund.
“It was overwhelming from the very beginning, and the support has also been very overwhelming.”
Brolund was honored by organizers of an event to show gratitude, happening on April 27 at Memorial Park in West Kelowna.
Although flattered, the city’s fire chief believes he is just one of 10,000 stories that all deserve recognition.
“I’m often the one who’s recognized. I’m often the one that’s seen as being behind it. But this wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for 10,000 people who came together,” said Brolund.
“Whether it was the firefighters who work under me, the other emergency responders, public works employees, the wildfire service, the RCMP, city staff … I could go on and on.
“But seeing all of those people recognized is a great thing.”
More details about the gratitude event can be found online. West Kelowna fire chief Jason Brolund was given a plaque at city hall on Tuesday for his tireless work during last year’s McDougall Creek wildfire.
