Most of you have probably already heard about the fire on Sugar Island. At approximately 1:45pm July 10th, 2020 the transformer on a Hydro pole on Sugar Island blew and sent two live wires down to the dry pine needles sparking two fires in 34 C temperatures. The fire was spotted by Sarah MacLean, who quickly contacted 911, and her vast network of friends on Gull Lake. Even though Kilcoo Camp is closed for the summer, their emergency crew quickly responded. Ian Currie, an alumni of Kilcoo, managed to fire up the pump even after 40 years, that's stellar training!! The Minden Fire Department and the MNRFF also responded quickly. Miners' Bay Lodge flew into action and arrived with pumps, their team and volunteer guests from the lodge as well. Pumps, hoses and buckets quickly appeared from all over the lake. Multiple bucket brigades were formed in no time! Over 100 Gull Lake Cottagers showed up and volunteered to help get the water up the hill to fight the fire! Luckily the prevailing winds kept the fire uphill and it did not spread down to the cottages.
The Gull Lake community never disappoints. It was an amazing effort by everyone, and once the fire was under control, a big cheer could be heard across the lake. The cottagers were vigilant throughout the night and took two hour shifts checking for root fires and hot spots. The Saturday rainfall was most welcome and helped to saturate the soil and extinguish the last of the trouble spots. The Gull Lake Cottagers on the Island would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone that attended, volunteered, and helped quash a near disaster, including the MFD, MNRFF, Kilcoo Camp, and Miners' Bay Lodge.
