A couple of Cochranites are headed to Burns Lake, British Columbia to assist in clean-up efforts with other members of Team Rubicon.

Located in the north-central interior of BC, Burns Lake was one of many communities devastated by the out of control wildfires burning in the province.

While the total extent of damage is not entirely known, Evan Lloyd, BC Provincial Administrator (Sawyer Program Lead) with Team Rubicon Canada shares it is anticipated the Team will be in the area for a week. "We expect to arrive in the area on Saturday, Oct 20th with work beginning the next day. Our demobilization day is scheduled for Saturday the 27th. I cannot speak to the full extent of the damage in the Burns Lake area. However, I know that there are several locations where homes and structures were a total loss. This is also a remote area where firewood is relied on for winter heating and this was a major loss for many in the area. With winter coming, the need is urgent."

Team Rubicon is a veterans-based, disaster response, non-profit organization that was started in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. After returning home from Haiti, a few American Veterans realized the valuable asset they provided in disaster situations and thus, Team Rubicon was created. Starting off as an idea, the organization has chapters across the world, including Canada, says Lloyd. "Our first operation in Canada was in response to the Fort McMurray wildfire and we gained full NGO status from the federal government in 2017. Our membership is comprised of veterans, first responders and civilians and we seek to rapidly respond to challenging circumstances to help those hardest hit and most in need as soon as possible."

Gord Larin from Cochrane has assisted with Team Rubicon efforts before but for Jerry Peddle, this is a first time experience. "A lot of military and first responders are the type of people that volunteer when they are working and they volunteer when they retire. We gravitate to this type of work as it is helping people in desperate situations. When we drive back home in a week I want to look in the review mirror and see a part of the world that is better, due directly from our efforts."

With the need in the area matching the capability of Team Rubicon, the group got to work organizing this operation which will mostly provide firewood and debris cleanup, shares Lloyd.  "Through the BC government regional office, we have been put in touch with the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako who is assisting us in identifying communities and properties where the need is high and where we can be most effective. The work will involve cutting firewood, clearing fallen trees, and cleaning up debris on fire-impacted properties. In the aftermath of Fort McMurray, we engaged in debris cleanup and added an element of ash-sifting which allowed us to recover some valuables and family heirlooms for some homeowners. This may be within our scope for this operation as well."

While Larin and Peddle leave their homes in Cochrane to help others, Peddle says joining the cleanup efforts wasn't a hard decision and may provide him with the purpose he has been seeking.  "Some vets and first responders feel the loss of that type of sense of purpose - that is my personal reason for going."

If you would like more information on joining or donating, you can check out their website at HERE.