PENTICTON — Jim Mottishaw has been the face of the Forestry Service in the Okanagan, providing the latest information whenever wildfires ripped through the region. He has dedicated most of his life to fighting forest fires, protecting people and homes whenever danger burned near. This week, he retires, saying good-bye to nearly four decades of service.
“The Forestry Service used to be a commitment to the job, to the location for life…and that’s what it has been like for 38 years for me,” says Mottishaw reflecting on his many years in the Okanagan.
He says fighting fire is in his blood. His grandfather was a forest ranger and inspired his career path.
“It’s that energy, adrenaline of fighting a fire and knowing that you’re doing something that has a good outcome.”
Mottishaw has been on the front lines, fighting some of the largest wildfires in recent memory.
He says he is most proud of being able to keep his co-workers and the public safe in those dangerous situations.
“Fires are going to burn trees, and if they do burn homes, that’s unfortunate. But we don’t want it to hurt anybody along the way.”
Mottishaw says he can’t remember when he last enjoyed Okanagan lake since busy wildfire seasons all these years have kept him tied up.
But now he will have more time to spend on his favourite hobbies: fishing and hunting.
“Even though I am retiring, there are people behind me who will do a great job,” he says.
Through these 38 years, his passion and love for fighting fires have never been extinguished.
Even though Mottishaw is retiring, he says he can’t walk away from the job quite yet. He will take on a mentorship role to help out new firefighters whenever he is needed.
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