Deer Lake Fire Captain reflects on time he spent battling wildfires in eastern NL

    Thursday, 28 August 2025 11:55

    By Tonya Organ

    left to right: Deer Lake Fire Rescue Captain Michael Bickford and Carbonear Volunteer Fire Department Chief Trevor Crawford

    Michael Bickford has been the captain in his hometown for close to a couple of decades. He says it felt so surreal when he got on scene.

    When the thought of heading east to help other firefighters battling wildfires in this province came to him,  the Captain of Deer Lake Fire Rescue started up their Pumper 5 and got ready to lend a hand. Michael Bickford has been the captain in his hometown for close to a couple of decades. He says it felt so surreal when he got on scene. The father of three packed enough gear and headed out on August 16th. He returned on Saturday (August 23) admitting it was heartwrenching to think of what people have lost.

    Bickford says a couple of firefighters lived in a community that lost everything and another lost everything in three deep freezers due to the power being cut. He worked closely with the Chief of the Carbonear Volunteer Fire Department, Trevor Crawford, who was firefighting since the fires started. 

    Bickford is sending out a big thanks to the Knights of Columbus in Carbonear  for housing them at Camp McCarthy and a hearty breakfast every morning. He also sends thanks to Deer Lake Fire Rescue for allowing him the opportunity to help in Victoria. 

     

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