DAVIDSON — Most teachers take the summer months to rest and recharge before a new school year begins, but a teacher with the Sun West School Division chose to spend part of her summer fighting wildfires in northern Saskatchewan.
Kristin Sampson, who works as a Sun West career development teacher at Davidson, Kenaston and Loreburn schools, and is also known for her work with the Sun West Leadership Program, also serves as a volunteer firefighter with the Davidson Fire Department.
As a volunteer firefighter, Sampson participates in regular training and exercises so that she is prepared to respond with her colleagues to fires and other crises in the Davidson area. Volunteer firefighters like Sampson provide a critical service, and their dedication and skill save lives and protect communities across Saskatchewan.
This summer, as northern Saskatchewan was ravaged by hazardous wildfires, the call went out for help. The Davidson Fire Department was one of the groups to answer. Three Davidson firefighters, including Sampson, and one firefighter from the RM of Swift Current took Engine 481 “Herbie” and travelled to northern Saskatchewan to be part of the international effort to contain these fires.
“I had put my name forth at the beginning of the wildfire season,” explained Sampson. “Knowing I would not be able to go until July or August. I was not expecting to be called so soon for duty. We got the call at suppertime on July 1 and left the next day.”
The Davidson crew fought fires in Beauval for a total of 12 days, from July 2 to July 13. Their work included patrolling the community, helping set up sprinkler systems, assisting in control burns, putting out hot spots on the control burn sites, protecting valuables in the community, and extinguishing flare-ups once the fire hit town.
Sampson explained that some of the greatest challenges her crew faced came when smoke and fire hit Beauval.
“We were staged at different areas to protect the community,” stated Sampson. “The fire created its own storm — it was thundering just like a real storm and became dark as night. There was little to no visibility. It was scary entering the unknown knowing we had a job to do to protect the community.”
The difficulties they faced only reinforced the importance of volunteering to help in this crisis impacting nearly everyone across North America.
“It was a rewarding experience I will never forget,” reflected Sampson. “We learned so much about wildfires and the opportunity to work with other volunteer fire departments from around the province. Knowing we were able to save the community, and everyone was able to go home was very rewarding. We met a lot of great people from the community of Beauval and hope to be able to reconnect with them again one day.”
– With files from Sun West School Division.
