Castlegar News, August 22, 2013

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CASTLEGAR NEWS LIKE US ON....

Vol.10 Issue 34 •

Breaking news at castlegarnews.com

Thursday, August 22 • 2013

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Saints secure new Fuel spill water netminder data released See Page A18 See Page A2

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Firefighters return to active duty in Winlaw MARVIN BEATTY

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Castlegar News Reporter

The community of Winlaw can breathe a collective sigh of relief after their fire chief, Jon Wollenberg had a three month suspension lifted and the entire department is now back on the job. The suspension, and subsequent walkout of all the department’s firefighters on Tuesday, Aug. 13, occurred over what Regional Fire Chief Terry Swan said was insubordination. Wollenberg had made a decision to not provide traffic flagging services for a community meeting that was arranged to discuss the Lemon Creek fuel spill. The RDCK issued a release on Wednesday, Aug. 14 assuring Winlaw residents they had fire and first responder coverage through the volunteer firefighters from the Passmore and Slocan fire departments. Reached by phone Friday, Aug. 16, Wollenberg said that after meeting with RDCK senior staff and his firefighters Thursday night, the decision was made for

his reinstatement. “They reinstated me and apologized for how everything was handled,” said Wollenberg. “I went back to the members and they said they would come back on. That was their ultimatum; get the chief back and we’re back.” Wollenberg said the meeting “lasted for quite some time” and involved discussions about how such a situation can be prevented in the future. The two sides are working on “flaws in the system” and that not everything was settled during the meeting. “It’s really too bad it had to come to this,” said Wollenberg. “The whole thing was completely unnecessary. If anything good can come of this it’s that I hope this doesn’t have to happen again and that fire chiefs and fire departments can be heard when they have a problem.” A press release from the RDCK stated the matter has been referred to a committee of four RDCK fire chiefs who will report back to the chief administrative officer, Brian Carruthers.

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“The RDCK values the work of our volunteer firefighters I am pleased that we were able to find a resolution to this issue and to have the fire fighters in Winlaw return to serving their community,” said Carruthers. Area H Director Walter Popoff said he is grateful for the prompt involvement of CAO Carruthers and RDCK Chair John Kettle in resolving the issue. “The volunteers and their Fire Chief are to be commended for their dedication and service to the community,” said Popoff. In an email after his re-instatement, Wollenberg wrote: “I knew from the beginning I had the support of my members but what I didn’t expect was the extreme support from our neighbouring departments, other Fire Chiefs from around the province and most of all our community. I can safely say this result would not have been without their help. I’m proud to be volunteering for my community once again.”

Quick response to wildfire

A small wildfire that broke out on the west shore of Lower Arrow Lake on Tuesday evening, Aug. 20 was quickly dealt with by a three-person attack crew and a bucketing helicopter. Fire information officer Jordan Turner, with the Southeast Fire Centre, said on Wednesday the fire appeared personcaused; likely from someone cooking. As of press time, Turner expected crews would be able to fully entinguish it. No structures were threatened and there were no reports of injuries. Marvin Beatty

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