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A homemade protest sign painted white with red lettering.

Text credit:
Paraphrased from the Salmon Arm Observer, August 19, 1998

Click here for the Ombudsman’s report: Public Report no. 39 -Silver Creek Fire Review

Feature photo:
A protest sign on Pat Nesbitt’s front lawn.

Photo credit:
James Murray, Salmon Arm Observer, c. 1998

 

As the immediate danger from the forest fire decreased, the demand for an explanation about how the fire was handled increased.

According to the Salmon Arm Observer, Pat Nesbitt, a Silver Creek resident who lost his home in the firestorm of August 6th, was one of those residents looking for answers. His home was not insured. Forest Minister Dave Zimhelt’s stated that the provincial emergency program would not cover Nesbitt’s losses. Zimhelt’s words stung.

A sign on Nesbitt’s front lawn read, “The government burnt us out. This fire was fought on bankers hours and terms.”