B.C. fire crews’ radio equipment ‘deliberately’ vandalized: officials

CASTLEGAR, B.C. – Wildfire officials say vandals near Creston, B.C., have destroyed crucial radio equipment used to keep firefighters safe.

Fire information officer Carlee Kachman says someone broke into a radio communication tower at the top of the Thompson Rim Trail sometime between July 29 and Aug. 2 and destroyed all of the equipment inside.

Fire crews in remote areas use the communications technology to stay in touch with the fire centre, aircraft and other personnel.

Kachman says the equipment is vital to protecting firefighters and the public, and the vandalism put safety at risk.

She says replacing the radio communications tower will take several months and cost between $80,000 and $100,000.

For now, the B.C. Wildfire Service has created a temporary patch to keep in touch with crews in the area.