Brave 18-Year-Old Leads 16 Individuals to Safety During Jasper National Park Wildfire
By Mike-Ross
On July 22nd, Jasper National Park was the scene of remarkable heroism as 18-year-old Colleen Knull, a volunteer firefighter, sprang into action to evacuate people from a fierce wildfire.
Even though she was off duty from her summer job at the Jasper Lodge, Knull's quick thinking and bravery ensured the safety of 16 individuals.
Colleen Knull
Despite having less than a year of experience with the Enderby Fire Department, Colleen Knull’s instincts kicked in immediately when she saw smoke rising from the mountainside.
“My first indication of trouble was seeing smoke from the mountainside. Using my wildfire training, I assessed the smoke, wind direction, and the fire’s proximity,” she explained.
Before the official evacuation order was given, Knull sprang into action, going door-to-door at the lodge to alert guests. Recognizing that a nearby hiker campground was unaware of the danger, she hiked up the trail for five minutes to evacuate everyone there and bring them back to the main group.
Her swift actions led her to guide 16 people on a demanding four-hour trek through challenging terrain to safety.
Rebecca Tocher, one of the hikers, recounted the severe conditions: “The smoke was overwhelming, my eyes were burning, and ash was falling continuously.” Despite these harsh circumstances, Knull’s leadership remained steadfast. “She was an incredible leader, making sure everyone worked together,” Tocher added.
Knull’s familiarity with the area and her firefighting skills were invaluable. She recalled a recent trip where 67 logs had been cleared from the trail, which helped her navigate the route to safety.
David Richmond, another hiker, praised her efforts, saying, “She was on top of it and led us all the way.”
Knull’s motivation was simple yet profound. “I do it because I’d want someone there to help me if I were in the same situation,” she said.
Throughout the descent, Knull stayed in contact with search and rescue teams to ensure a smooth evacuation. She eventually drove all 16 individuals out of the danger zone in her pickup truck, with no serious injuries reported.
The experience strengthened her resolve to pursue a career as a full-time firefighter.
Watch the video below.
You are currently reading about Brave 18-Year-Old Leads 16 Individuals to Safety During Jasper National Park Wildfire. If you've found this helpful, please share Brave 18-Year-Old Leads 16 Individuals to Safety During Jasper National Park Wildfire on your favorite social media site, such as Facebook, Twitter, or Google+
