A fire at an occupied home at Lac des Roches on Nov. 19 was extinguished quickly due to the fast actions by Interlakes Volunteer Fire Department (IVDF) members. The damage at the Gerald Crescent home was extensive, but limited to one wall of the house. Jamie Moberg, a nearby resident and IVFD first responder said initial evidence indicated heat from a wood stove ignited a buildup of hidden bat droppings on the stove pipe where it passed through the wall to the exterior of the house. Bats are a nuisance and potential health issue for many homeowners living near the lake, but few knew they were also a fire hazard. The incident serves as a reminder that all emergency services for police, fire or ambulance, must be called into 9-1-1 for appropriate dispatching to be initiated. A second call to local first responders is fine and will be attended to on a best-efforts basis by the dedicated volunteers, but calling 9-1-1 first will ensure the appropriate responders throughout the Interlakes area are notified through an established paging protocol.
Bring binoculars
The annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count is scheduled to take place Dec. 19. This fun-filled day begins and ends at Lac des Roches and would be enjoyed by anyone interested in observing wildlife in the area. Local enthusiast and guide Wendy Marshall will provide details at 250-593-2327.
Animal movement
A clear layer of thin ice developed over most of Lac des Roches on Dec. 2, when the wind subsided and temperatures dipped to below -10 C. Without the cover of water, otters were spotted moving on the ice throughout the next day, revealing the location of their hidden ice holes under docks. Only because of a light snowfall overnight on Nov. 23 were Boultbee residents able to see signs of a violent confrontation between two bucks. Warmer temperatures during the following day melted the tracks and erased all evidence of the night’s drama.
Book club
A record number of 19 reading enthusiasts attended the last book club meeting for 2009 on Nov. 29. A discussion of Jamie Ford’s first novel, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, birthday cake for the hostess and a fun book exchange was enjoyed by all. The next book, The Long Walk: The True Story of a Trek to Freedom, by Slavomir Rawicz will be discussed on Jan. 9 at Lac des Roches.
Old phone books
Before recycling 2009 Kamloops phone books, neighbours at the lake may like to reuse it first. Although the 593 exchange is part of the Williams Lake directory we receive as part of our phone service, the nearest services — besides 100 Mile House — are located in Kamloops. A business directory for North Thompson communities, even if outdated, is very handy.
Celebrations
Birthday wishes to Jamie Moberg, who is a busy local businessman, trainer and IVFD volunteer to name a few of his many activities. Lorraine Jollymore celebrated her 75th birthday in Washington at a special party with many friends and family. Anniversary wishes to Al and Marie Wallewein who monitor water quality and loons on little Lac des Roches. Al, the webmaster for the Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake Stewardship Society is also celebrating his birthday this month. Happy third anniversary to Barry Reid and Lois Motz, who are executive members of the stewardship group and volunteers with IVFD. They still appear to be enjoying a very long honeymoon here.