Memorial to fallen firefighter saved from northern flames

The daughter of a water bomber pilot who died in a plane crash is grateful a memorial in his name survived the fires near La Ronge this summer.

"When we heard how strong and how vibrant the fires were, we were really amazed," Rebecca Galloway said. She and her family thought there was no way the site would be spared. 

The day the fire rolled through by the airport, she was told it was so smoky the water bombers couldn't fly. But ground crews as well as other people involved in the fire effort worked to protect the site.

When we heard how strong and how vibrant the fires were, we were really amazed and thought there's no way this site has survived- Rebecca Galloway, daughter of deceased pilot Andy Clark

"It means so much to us and our family." 

Galloway visited the site two days ago and said there are many burned trees around it, some very close to spot.  

Her father, Andy Clark, was a pilot in the north for many years for Northern Air Operations. 

Clark died nine years ago when he was doing training runs for a new water bomber plane. The memorial, which is right beside the crash site, was established by his co-workers and friends.

The put in a gazebo, brought in a big rock, and put up a plaque. 

Galloway said it's a special place that allows her and her family to gather there and think of her father and other people who fight fires. 

In remembering her father, she told CBC he loved flying in the north.

"He actually said he had the best job in the world."