Firefighters in the Southeast Fire Centre are reeling after having valuable radio gear vandalized this past week.
The radio communications equipment, which is kept on Thompson Mountain in Creston, B.C. and key to keeping firefighting personnel safe, was deliberately damaged beyond repair sometime between July 29 and Aug. 2.
The BC Wildfire Service said to replace the radio gear and install it in a more secure area, the cost would be between $80,000 to $100,000.
At this time of year when wildfires can pop up and behave both aggressively and unpredictably, the wildfire service said, “it’s crucial for BC Wildfire Service personnel to be able to communicate with each other quickly and effectively. Radio repeaters and related equipment are vital for ensuring the safety of firefighting crews and for protecting the public and infrastructure from harm.”
This type of communications equipment used by BC Wildfire is located throughout the province and the service asks anyone who comes across it in the backcountry, to leave it alone.
Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to contact their local RCMP detachment or CrimeStoppers.
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