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Snowmobiler rescued in Burns Lake

A local adult male got stuck in deep powder but was able to ask for help.

The Burns Lake RCMP detachment received a call at approximately 1:50 p.m. on Jan. 13, 2015 from a person in the community saying that a snowmobiler was stuck in the Thompson Valley area, behind the Decker Lake Forest Products mill.

The snowmobiler was a local adult male who got stuck in deep powder. Luckily he was stuck in an area that had cellphone coverage and was able to text friends asking for help.

The Burns Lake RCMP detachment then activated the Burns Lake Search and Rescue and sent a couple of officers on snowmobiles to rescue the snowmobiler. A couple of local snowmobilers also volunteered to take part in the rescue.

"As the afternoon proceeded, we were getting concerned about darkness," said Staff Sgt. Grant MacDonald with the Burns Lake RCMP.

The snowmobiler was located at 6:06 p.m. He declined medical assistance and went home with family, said MacDonald.

"In this case, the snowmobiler was in an area that had cellphone coverage, but if he was not, it would have been more problematic," said MacDonald.

"We would like to extend our gratitude to the Burns Lake Search and Rescue and to the local snowmobilers for their timely assistance," he added.

The RCMP would like to remind the public to never go out snowmobiling alone.

"Ensure that you are prepared by having adequate food and clothing with you for you journey; we recommend in all cases for a person to use technology should they need any assistance; also to submit a trip plan to someone before you go out," said MacDonald.

The RCMP would also like to remind the public to never go snowmobiling under the influence of alcohol. Snowmobiles are motor vehicles, and a snowmobiler could be charged for impaired driving.