Forest fire centre dedicated to pilot

The memory of Simon Beauchamp, a 33-year-old air tanker pilot who died while fighting a forest fire 10 years ago, marked the dedication of Watson Lake's new forest fire centre Friday.

Beauchamp died while flying in the Watson Lake district in July, 1982, helping battle a major forest fire. A commemorative cairn at the new, $1.25-million centre now marks Beauchamp's contribution to the safety of the community.

"Simon was a special person who loved his job; he loved to fly and he loved to fight fires," said Terry Kennedy, air coordinator for the fire management branch of the Northern Affairs Program.

"This cairn also serves to recognize the dedication of all firefighters who perform under sometimes extreme conditions."

The dedication ceremony was just one of a numbher of events that opened the facility. Also included were a hose-cutting ceremony, demonstrations by an air tanker and a group of helicopters, and an appearance by Smokey the Bear.

Joe Ganske, regional director general for the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, performed the hose-cutting honors on behalf of minister Tom Siddon.

Helping him out were Watson Lake's deputy mayor, Carol McLlmoyle, and Don Taylor, a well-known Watson Lake resident and ex-speaker of the legislature who has been strongly supportive of DIAND's firefighting activities.

The new centre consists of two building that now house both the air tanker base and the fire centre itself. There are also an outside fuelling system and retardant loading facilities.

"Forest fires are a constant threat to Yukon communities, and modern, well-equipped facilities are absolutely essential to a quick response and maintaining public safety," Siddon said in a written statement.