A fire
in the Chalet came narrowly close to causing a catastrophe
for Camp Oshkidee. Quick thinking and decisive action
by the lone occupant resulted in limited damage and
almost certainly prevented a total loss of the Chalet
itself.
A 911 call resulted in a response from two RCMP officers
who appeared on the scene and reported that the Meadow
Lake Fire Department would not respond because Oshkidee
is located outside of the service area. The two officers
and the caretaker from Flotten Lake Resort pitched in
to help fight the fire until it was extinguished. A
chain saw was used to remove all of the logs located
above the fireplace; all the way to the ceiling. Many
of the logs were burned more than halfway through.
Fire damage was limited to the log wall above the fireplace
and to the centre beam. Considerable smoke damage also
occurred to the ceiling. Damage estimates are still
being gathered in response to the insurance adjuster’s
initial investigation and on-site visit.
The Board is currently preparing plans for reconstruction
of the area above the fireplace and hope to have the
work done in time for the summer camping season.
The cause of the fire has been identified as a combination
of extreme heat transfer from the chimney and pyrolysis
of the cedar logs – the effect of which over time
reduces the amount of heat required to produce combustion.
A fireplace expert examined the chimney and flues and
determined the fire was not a result of a chimney fire
as was originally thought.
Please pray for the Board and the ministry as we battle
circumstances that might otherwise serve to produce
discouragement and despair. Rather, believe in faith
and pray with us that God will continue to provide all
the resources needed for the ongoing ministry of Camp
Oshkidee: “To expand the kingdom of God one camper
at a time.”
As you might expect, the Chalet fire has produced another
financial strain for the Board to deal with. The year
ahead was already looking especially challenging due
to the launch of Oshkidee Children and Youth Camps.
The fire repair ($10k insurance deductible) and completion
of the Chalet kitchen renovation project will result
in a significant draw down on our financial reserve
fund. Your financial support of Camp Oshkidee is most
welcome and needed at this time.
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