In a remarkable display of bravery, 18-year-old Colleen Knull saved 16 hikers during the devastating Jasper Wildfire in Canada, utilizing her training to guide them to safety. Reports of her heroic act have spread across social media, with netizens expressing their admiration and pride for the young firefighter.
Wildfire threatens Jasper National Park
The wildfire, which ignited in Canada’s Jasper National Park, quickly spread, affecting one of the largest national parks in the country. This park, a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offers hiking, scenic views, and picnicking opportunities. Unfortunately, the quiet town of Jasper also suffered significant damage, with CNN reporting that 30% to 50% of the town’s structures are potentially damaged or destroyed. Thousands have been evacuated, though fortunately, no fatalities have been reported.
Colleen Knull: From kitchen staff to lifesaving firefighter
Colleen Knull was employed as kitchen staff at Jasper Lodge for a summer job, unaware that her role would pivot to that of a real-life firefighter. As Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta Province, said, “Many families from the province regularly visit. A postcard-perfect mountain town, Jasper is famous for hiking, skiing, kayaking, and biking. It is also home to dozens of species such as elk, mountain goats, cougars, lynx, black bears, and grizzly bears,” highlighting the area’s popularity and the gravity of the situation. Despite being off duty on the day of the evacuation, Colleen did not hesitate to act. When the evacuation order came late in the evening,
Colleen took charge, waking 16 hikers who were unaware of the imminent danger. She led them on a four-hour descent to safety, utilizing her navigational skills and maintaining contact with the crew. Her determination and expertise ensured that all hikers reached safety.
Colleen’s training and dedication
Colleen’s training and experience played a crucial role in the rescue. She used her pick-up truck to transport the hikers and employed her tracking skills, gained from previous horseback rides along the same trail.
“I had previously ridden a horse up to that lodge on that same trail and throughout the way I and my employer cut logs on the way up. There were 67 logs, so there would be 67 cut logs on the way down. So I used my tracking skills – following horse tracks, horse manure,” Colleen explained. She added, “I do it because, at the end of the day, I know I’d want to go home, and I’d want somebody there to help.”
Internet praises Colleen’s bravery
Colleen’s courageous actions have garnered widespread praise online. One user remarked, “I got very emotional reading how powerful she was and is, she is still a teen but a tough woman!” Another stated, “Seriously? Colleen Knull should, undoubtedly, be given an Order of Canada.
As Colleen Knull continues to aspire to work for the fire department, her heroism during the Jasper Wildfire serves as a testament to her courage and dedication to helping others.