Two volunteer fire departments in the North Thompson are getting praise for protecting homes after a diesel truck fire caught on fire nearby yesterday.

The truck caught fire in the eastbound lane of Highway 24, about 11 kilometres downhill of McDonald Summit and five km outside of Little Fort. Four homes near that part of the highway had to be evacuated, and one was evacuated overnight.

Area director Bill Kershaw says the Little Fort Volunteer Fire Brigade and Blackpool Volunteer Fire Department were first to the scene, and set up sprinkler protection units at the closest home on Cartwright Road.

“It shows to the province the need for these little fire departments. That’s where the liability comes in about the rural fire departments. All these people look after situations like this. And the province has got to take better responsibility on the liability.”

Kershaw says the truck that caught fire was carrying an estimated 53,500 litres of fuel. But the fire did not spread and no one was hurt.

“And of course, I think we were a little lucky with the weather being a little wet like this so it didn’t catch the bush on fire. I can see where their concern was; you never know what’s going to happen if that gas releases,” Kershaw says. “I think on a personal basis, they did everything just perfect to protect the locals… I think they did very well.”

(Photo: Kurtis Rainer)