Volunteer-led team of veterans sifts through ashes of fire-ravaged homes in Lytton

Team Rubicon Canada,a small group of military veterans and first responders from across the country, ishelping residents in Lytton, B.C., recover personal belongings buriedbeneath the burned wreckage of their town.

The organization, which is a non profit, first launched its sift and search services during the Fort McMurray wildfiresin 2016.

The 12-person team has been on the ground in the Lytton area since July 12, starting itsrecovery efforts on the grounds ofthe Lytton First Nation.

Team leader Mark Eckley says during thefirst sifting operation Wednesday, they found an urn containing the ashes of a man's late wife and a coin collection from his children.

"It was quite a moving experience for our young sifters who are doing the work. It was emotional for the whole team," saidEckley.

Eckley says it was also an emotional experience for the residentwhose home they were searching.

"He was overjoyed. He cried. He was very happy with us. He says it was the first time he has cried since the fire."

The team is still waiting for all clear from the Ministry of Environment before itcan start recovery in thetown itself.