A troop of firefighters have returned to Gull Lake after spending a week assisting in northern Saskatchewan.
The Gull Lake Fire & Rescue team is happy to welcome back Stacy Schmidt, Kara Dyer, Kyle Rozel, and Tim Temoshawsky. These four members were stationed near Pelican Narrows, having arrived in the community on Tuesday, June 3. They came back home on Saturday, June 7.
According to Gull Lake Fire & Rescue Fire Chief, Bentley Gibson, the most intense fire they experienced was on the drive in.
"The actual road where it was closed (is how they travelled to the camp)," said Gibson. "The fire came out to the road and it was very warm when they drove by."
While stationed up north, the team worked to help secure the outer areas of the devastation. Places like hunting and fishing camps, and fighting flare-ups outside the main blaze.
"That and the hotspots," said Gibson. "They would put those out."
While the team expressed their excitement to be helping, they did encounter some difficult elements. Much of the wildlife suffered from the fires, adding to the sense of devastation alongside the human elements.
"Overall they were grateful for the experience," said Gibson. "It was something new every day."
While the team is willing to help again if required, Gibson is happy to have his team back together in time for the summer season.
"A big thanks to the businesses that employ these guys, working with them to allow them to go," said Gibson.