Eight youth learn about wildfire safety and forestry in Logan Lake

Photo: Logan Lake Wellness, Health and Youth Society

Eight youths get an incredible opportunity to learn about forestry and how to mitigate wildfires in Logan Lake

Eight youth in Logan Lake have spent their summer getting first-aid certified and learning about wildfire mitigation.

The Logan Lake Fire Smart Crew have had an exciting and informative 2020 season so far.

They learned the elements of forestry and forest management and spent time with a B.C. wildfire service group to get a better understanding of what a job fighting fires would look like.

"Because the fires in B.C. weren't raging at the beginning of the summer, the B.C. wildfire service group was able to spend a lot of time with them," explains Michelle Hawkins, executive director at the Logan Lake Wellness, Health, and Youth Society.

"This year was unique because of COVID-19, the crew had to operate while physically distancing and wearing masks," she continued.

Michelle says the crew even had to move sites a few times to avoid a bear that was lurking around them.

The Fire Smart Crew is part of an effort to support youth employment and education through the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy. 

"We're giving these kids some experience with interviewing, taking a course, teaching them how to mitigate fires, and giving them jobs," says Hawkins.