Search for missing fire chief from flood-stricken B.C. Interior now a recovery mission, say RCMP

RCMP say the search for amissing fire chief feared swept away by flood waters in Cache Creek, B.C., has now turned into a recovery mission, the chief presumed dead.

Sgt. KathleenThainwith Ashcroft RCMP said 11 search and rescue personnel are working alongside about two dozen volunteers from the local fire hall on the recovery.

"We're justdoing the best we can and keeping the focus on bringing him home," Thain said.

ClaytonCassidy, 59, waslast seenjust outside the village about an hour west ofKamloopsearly Friday morning checking water levelsin the creek near theBrooksideCampground.

KamloopsSearch and Rescue (KSAR) members, fire crews andRCMPofficersspentFriday and Saturdaysearching forCassidy.

RCMPsaidhis vehicle was foundnear a washed-out bridge where he was last spotted. Thain said crews have presumed he was swept away or fell into the water.

"It is hard. It's a smallcommunityup here, they're very tight-knit," she said.

"Chief Cassidy is a very big part of thiscommunity. Sothey'recomingtogether, they're rallying."

Cassidy, known for his dogged community involvement, won aB.C. awardfor his leadership and bravery during a past flood.

In 2016, Premier Christy Clark laudedCassidyfor his tireless community service and grit during the2015 Cache Creek flash floods, noting that"some people rise to the occasion and others go above and beyond."

Thain said many in the town were dropping off food and water to support the search and rescue volunteers.

"It's just been a fantastic, supportive response," Thain said."This community is amazing."

The province's Interior has been hit with flooding caused by heavy rains over the last few days. But Thainsaid the flood situation had been downgrading, with water levels dropping.

With files from Yvette Brend and Liam Britten