Chase RCMP say they’ve recovered some stolen firefighting equipment from a rural property in the Celista area.

In a brief news release, Sgt. Barry Kennedy, says the equipment – which was recovered on Thursday, Aug. 24 – “was critical to the firefighting effort and its loss most certainly impacted operations.”

“Chase RCMP are thankful for tips from community members which resulted in this equipment being returned it to its rightful owner and put back into operations,” Kennedy said.

No details about a suspect or suspects were released as Kennedy says the investigation into the theft of the equipment is ongoing.

One day earlier, Kamloops RCMP said they too recovered some stolen firefighting equipment after a pair of thefts in the Aberdeen-area on Monday and Tuesday morning of last week. They also said one youth was arrested – and later released – during another theft in progress early Tuesday morning, Aug. 22, in North Kamloops

RCMP in Kamloops said they recovered a pellet rifle, a stolen medic bag and AED, and a bag containing some wildfire gear that was “directly related to local wildfire response.”

They also said they’re looking for more stolen equipment following concerns about stolen equipment raised by the BC Wildfire Service earlier this month.

“It is extremely disheartening to see these crimes occurring and potentially hampering the efforts of those who are trying to protect life and property in extremely dangerous and volatile environments,” Kamloops RCMP Superintendent Jeff Pelley said.

“We will be working proactively with our partners and the public to ensure that those found responsible for any thefts affecting the ability of firefighters on the frontlines are held to full account, with zero tolerance displayed for such senseless criminal acts.”