BURSTThe Bulkley Valley Search and Rescue (BVSAR) is continuing to fundraise for a new truck after the last one burned.
On Sept 1, 2024, Bulkley Valley Search and Rescue responded to a late-night call for assistance near Witset. The subjects in need were located a few kilometres down a decommissioned logging road, so BVSAR members parked the vehicles and continued the journey using their side-by-side.
After providing assistance and confirming the subjects were unharmed, they returned to the parked vehicles and found their main rescue response truck destroyed by fire. All of its equipment and contents were lost.
BVSAR Admin Ruth Bredenhof said to make matters worse, their insurance provided minimal coverage, and they suffered great loss.
“We are thankful we did get a decent amount of coverage for the contents of the truck, but we still need to make up for a large shortfall,” she said.
“We are currently relying on the use of volunteers’ personal vehicles, so we are actively fundraising to replace the truck as soon as possible. We rely on the main rescue truck to transport our volunteers to the various call-out locations.”
The truck had a customized canopy that contained essential supplies and gear to help ensure the group can respond as effectively and in as timely a manner as possible, she added.
The truck also has a hitch and the ability to pull the group’s trailers with ATVs, snowmobiles, or a boat, as required by the type of call-out.
According to Brendenhof, details of the investigation have not been released to them yet, and she is unsure if it was vandalism or an electrical issue.
The money raised at last year’s Banff Mountain Film Festival by BVSAR volunteers went toward the truck replacement fund, and they are planning another film festival fundraiser in January 2026. Tickets will go on sale soon.
They have also been applying for grants from various companies and organizations.
BVSAR needs about $160,000 and so far have raised approximately $50,000.
Anyone wishing to donate can check out their website.
The investigation into the cause of the truck’s fire is still ongoing.