Two Gravenhurst residents were formally recognized this week for their selfless actions during a large brush fire that threatened multiple properties in August.
Craig Howard and Jim Davis were presented with certificates of appreciation and civilian challenge coins by Fire Chief Jared Cayley and Fire Prevention Officer Kyle Steele during a recent council meeting. The honours were given in recognition of their critical assistance in helping firefighters contain the rapidly spreading fire.
“The outcome could have been vastly different had these two individuals not stepped forward,” said Mayor Heidi Lorenz.
According to Fire Prevention Officer Steele, the fire had surrounded three bunkies on a property and was growing quickly when the emergency call came in. Linda Gerber and her husband — who are also set to be recognized at a later date — picked up fire personnel at the Hewitt Street boat launch, transported them to the scene, and assisted in keeping the flames at bay until the fire department could take over.
Jim Davis played a vital role by continuously transporting firefighters and equipment back and forth from the fire throughout the incident.
Craig Howard assisted by moving both people and essential equipment. He ferried Elexicon workers across the water and helped transport Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) firefighters who had been dropped off by helicopter nearby.
“Without them, the fire would have grown much larger in size and possibly destroyed two or three cottages,” said Steele. “Cottages were saved, bunkies were saved, and people’s property was saved. For that, I’d like to personally thank them.”
In a brief address to council, Davis deflected the praise.
“The real heroes are the men and women of the Gravenhurst Fire Department,” he said. “Because of their quick response, the bushfire did not become a forest fire.”