A Prince George woman lost some of her most precious memories in a fire that claimed two cabins on Cluculz Lake Friday.
Edith Palumbo and her family have spent countless weekends at their cabin on Shallow Bay Rd for the last 40 years.
"Our whole life was here at the lake. We've put our heart and soul into our cabin, it was our most favourite place to be," said Palumbo.
The fire originated in the neighbouring cabin around 10 p.m., and quickly spread to the Palumbo's cabin, sauna and boat house.
"It's so strange, the steps leading up to the sauna are completely intact, but the building is gone," she said.
The Cluculz Lake Volunteer Firefighters were at the scene within 12 minutes, said Deputy Chief Gail Poisson.
There were three fire trucks fighting the fire, along with an ambulance, two police units and forestry services.
"This is one of the worst fires I've seen. I'm not a seasoned firefighter, but even compared to what you see on TV - we're lucky that we only lost the two cabins," she said.
Palumbo said it was a lucky turn of events that she wasn't at the cabin during the fire. She left for Savona Friday afternoon for a camping trip with family.
She says she's happy she wasn't there for the fire.
"I would have been just hysterical, having to stand there and watch without being able to do anything," Palumbo said, while crying.
The cause of the fire is still unclear, said Poisson. There is some speculation that fireworks were involved, as they heard fireworks going off in the structure of the first cabin.
Fireworks of any size or description are restricted during an open fire ban, which was in effect during the time of the fire. Anyone found in violation of an open fire ban may by issued a fine for $345.
A permit is required to purchase or explode fireworks as per city bylaw, and even if you live out of the city boundaries, you will need a permit to purchase fireworks from stores selling them within the city.
One firefighter, Gail's husband Dave Poisson, went down and was rushed to Vanderhoof hospital due to smoke inhalation.
"I understand it's summer, and it's more fun to have a campfire, but people's lives are in danger. It's not a great feeling to not be able to catch your breath," Gail said.
Dave was kept overnight, and is still feeling a little light headed Gail said.
For Palumbo, she lost more than just a cabin.
Over the years, the Palumbo's built a boathouse, a pizza oven, a sauna, a deck and an addition to the cabin itself. They even had a full tennis court where they would hold tournaments for all the neighbours.
"It was a legacy. Me and my husband put this all together, and finally got it to where it was easily maintained so we could just enjoy it," she said.
"It's just really hard because my husband passed away recently, and it's been a tough year anyway... and then this happens."
Palumb's son and daughter-in-law are staying on site in their camping trailer, and she would stay in a tent if she had to, but has had many offers from their neighbours for a place to stay.
She said they are waiting for clearance from the insurance company before they start cleaning up the sight. By the looks of it, she doesn't expect to be able to rebuild until next spring.
"The extent of what happened is just mind boggling. We'll never be able to replace what we had, but hopefully in time, it'll be a nice place again."
