Firefighting gear stolen from Merry Creek blaze near Castlegar, B.C.

Public assistance is being requested in helping locate some stolen firefighting equipment.

On Tuesday, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) said the equipment was stolen sometime during the weekend from the Merry Creek wildfire site.

The Merry Creek fire is burning just southeast of Castlegar, and the 20-hectare blaze is considered under control. It’s believed to have been person-caused.

As to what was stolen, the regional district said around 1,000 feet of forestry hose and six sprinklers were pilfered sometime between Saturday evening, July 10, and Sunday morning, July 11.

The regional district tabbed the theft at approximately $2,000, adding the gear had been deployed and set up to protect a home in the 500 block of Highway 3.

“It is extremely disappointing and hard to imagine why anyone would steal this important, life-saving equipment,” said Nora Hannon, RDCK regional fire chief.

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“We want to make sure everyone in the community is aware the theft has occurred and ask anyone with information to please come forward to Castlegar RCMP.”

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The regional district says sprinkler protection equipment is essential, stating it allows fire departments to protect homes and other infrastructure.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Castlegar RCMP at 250-365-7721.

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