McLure Wildfire Monument

The summer of 2003 in BC has been dubbed the 'Summer of Fire' - one of the most catastrophic in British Columbia’s recorded history. Due to an extended drought in the southern half of the province, forest firefighters faced conditions never seen before. Lightning strikes, human carelessness and arson all contributed to igniting nearly 2,500 fires involving more than 10,000 firefighters and support personnel - and burning more than 265,000 hectares at a cost of $375 million.

While the fires in Kelowna certainly were devasting for the amount of property and possessions that were lost, I believe the fire in the McLure/Barriere area was even more devasting. Not only did these communities lose property and possessions, the Tolko Mill at Louis Creek was totally destroyed - and was never rebuilt, resulting in a lose of employment for many.

Barry was in Barriere with the team when the call came for everyone to leave as the fire was raging out of control. For those called to work the fire, it was a lengthy stay - but at least they had a home to go to when it was all over.

On our return trip from Jasper, we stopped at the McLure Wildfire Monument. It was thought provoking to stand where fire had raged - leaving nothing in its path - but not extinguishing the sense of community found in the small, rural towns of McLure, Barriere and Louis Creek.

The McLure Wildfire Monument Society created the Wildfire Dragon Monument Site and Spirit Square to permanently recognize all those who fought in the fire, helped in the aftermath, and joined hands to rebuild - and what a tribute it is.