Canada: How An 18YO Girl Evacuated 16 Hikers From A Wildfire

Colleen Knull, an 18-year-old girl, heroically saved 16 hikers during the Jasper Wildfire in Canada and used her training to do so. After several publications in Canada reported a story on Instagram about this heroic act, netizens are nothing less than shocked, happy and proud of this young firefighter. 

The A Young Girl Became A Saviour Amidst Wildfire

The wildfire in question was reportedly noticed a few days ago in Canada's Jasper National Park where multiple tourists and citizens go to enjoy hiking, scenery and picnics. The wildfire not only hit one of the largest national parks but also the quiet and steady town of Jasper.

CNN has reported how 30% to 50% of the town's structure is potentially damaged or completely destroyed. Many people, in thousands, had to be evacuated and now stand displaced with no loss of life reported yet. It is important to acknowledge the severity of the incident in order to appreciate the works of this 18-year-old girl who saved 16 hikers from this wildfire. 

Colleen Knull was working in Jasper Lodge as one of the kitchen staff for her summer job but little did she know it would end up making her a real-life firefighter. Due to Jasper Lodge being an exotic place for many people as Danielle Smith (premier of Alberta province) told CNN, "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," it had accommodated many people. 

Colleen was officially not on duty the day the evacuation notice was issued and was on leave but she did not hesitate to take the lead. The order came in late and it was already nightfall. Colleen took charge of the situation and woke up 16 hikers who were asleep and didn't know about the fire at all. She walked them downhill for four hours till they reached other crew members and returned safely. 

Colleen used her training for her job and navigational skills for the hike down. She used her pick-up truck and maintained contact with crew people to drive these hikers out of the evacuation till they reached safely. Her excellent tracking skills and routes saved many lives, Colleen wants to continue working for the fire department and help others. 

One of the hikers, Rebecca Tocher, said, "There was more intense smoke, my eyes were burning, and there was ash falling constantly. She was an amazing leader and was just making sure that everyone was working together." Another hiker named David Richmond said, "She was just on it and she led it the whole way."

Colleen said, "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." She further 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." 

Her bravery and courage have been praised by countless users across the internet and some say, "I got very emotional reading how powerful she was and is, she is still a teen but a tough woman!" While others said, "Seriously? Colleen Knull should, undoubtedly, be given an Order of Canada. Her rescue of people during the terrible fires was courageous and outstanding." Others argued if she was from Canada or the USA. Despite all of it, her bravery and courage are appreciated.