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Wildfire evacuee was 91Ƶtreated like royalty91Ƶ

Woody Winkelmann just wants to say thank you
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Surrey firefighter Geoff McIntyre, left, Assistant fire chief Chris Keon, middle, talk to Williams Lake resident Woody Winkelmann about their firefighting efforts. (Katya Slepian/Black Press)

Despite what91Ƶs been a traumatic, drawn-out experience, Williams Lake resident Woody Winkelmann has no complaints about the evacuation process.

Along with his wife Cathy, Winkelmann had to pack up his things and make the long seven-hour drive to Prince George from Williams Lake when the evacuation order came down mid-July. Along the way, he was amazed by the strength and integrity of the emergency personel on scene.

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91ƵIt was literally raining ashes and here were those cops standing out there in that,91Ƶ said Winkelmann of the police who lined the evacuation routes, helping escort evacuees to Prince George. 91ƵThey91Ƶre away from their wife and kids too.91Ƶ

The two weeks spent under evacuation order weren91Ƶt easy, especially when one of the Winkelmann91Ƶs front tires broke down, forcing them into a Prince George Canadian Tire on a Sunday. Thankfully, an off-duty mechanic was around to help.

91ƵThe lady gave me a price 91Ƶ $850,91Ƶ said Winkelmann. But when the mechanic told him the job was done and he went up to pay his bill, he got quite the surprise.

91ƵIt said $583. Canadian Tire knocked off $300. They wouldn91Ƶt take our money.91Ƶ

Woody WInkelmann is thrilled about how he was treated as an evacuee. Katya Slepian/Black Press.

Winkelmann had a similar experience while making a sign saying thank you to Prince George for helping him, his wife and all the evacuees in a time of need.

91ƵI tried to give [the cashier] my money but she said no!91Ƶ Winkelmann said.

Cathy and Woody Winkelman made up a poster to show Prince George how grateful they were. Katya Slepian/Black Press

The same experiences was repeated everywhere the Winkelmanns went in Prince George.

Everywhere we went we got treated like royalty,91Ƶ he said. 91ƵEveryone was super nice about asking if we were okay.91Ƶ

Despite the hardships, Winkelmann isn91Ƶt complaining.

91ƵAll we want to do is say thank you,91Ƶ he said.

91ƵPeople are [complaining] 91Ƶ give me a break.91Ƶ


katya.slepian@bpdigital.ca

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