At Wednesday night’s public meeting a few people questioned if the use of fire retardant on the Sitkum-Duhamel Creek wildfire could harm the water supply?
The manufacturer says it’s safe although Interior Health says in some cases water testing may be necessary after its use.
BC Wildfire Services Incident Commander Glen Burgess says they are sensitive to potential water issues but retardant is a key tool and they may consider using it again … perhaps from a mud pit.
The vast majority of the audience applauded when one resident said he would want retardant used if the fire was approaching his house.
Burgess says if retardant hadn’t been used “…you can guess where the fire would be today.”