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Cariboo evacuee returns home to find property destroyed by fire, looted by thieves
Dondo says thieves took jerry cans, propane tanks, a smoker and a century-old ship’s bell after the wildfire destroyed his home and outbuildings.
On Sunday, Aug. 23, Jeff Dondo returned to his burned Chasm property and discovered that looters had stolen items that survived the destructive Pear Lake fire.
The Pear Lake wildfire forced Dondo to evacuate on Tuesday, July 28, as the blaze merged with the Big Bar Lake Fire, destroying his home and outbuildings.
Thieves took a 100-year-old ship's bell, a Traeger smoker, and fuel containers, although firefighters had previously moved these items to safety before evacuating.
Following the theft report, the Clinton RCMP Detachment confirmed receiving additional reports of looting from other residents in the Chasm area who also evacuated.
Despite the thefts, community members are supporting one another, with Samaritan's Purse Canada assisting Dondo in securing a mobile home before winter.