Latest news with #SquamishSearchandRescue
Edmonton Journal
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Edmonton Journal
'I want answers': Canadian firefighter says he was denied entry to the U.S.
Article content A B.C. firefighter says he was denied entry into the United States, where he was going to take part in a competition for First Responders from different countries around the world. Jamie Flynn posted on social media on Thursday to detail what happened to him when he was en route to Birmingham, Alabama. He said he was supposed to represent Vancouver firefighters in the Jiu Jitsu category at the World Police & Fire Games. He described the games as an 'international event uniting frontline responders through sport,' in a post on Instagram. Article content 'Being denied entry to the United States is deeply upsetting,' he told National Post in an emailed statement on Friday. 'I lost my flights, my time away, and my opportunity to compete at the World Police & Fire Games in Alabama — an event I had trained extensively for.' Article content View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jamie Flynn (@jamieflynnbase) Flynn said he is a British citizen living in Canada as a permanent resident. He is a firefighter in Vancouver and volunteers with Squamish Search and Rescue. He has served in the British Parachute Regiment (SFSG) and has also served alongside U.S. forces under Joint Special Operations Command. 'I operated under U.S. command, wore the American uniform, and fought under the American flag. I've always felt a strong bond with the United States,' he told National Post. 'I have no criminal record and no known issues that would justify this denial.' In his post on Instagram, he said he trained for the competition in the U.S. for months. 'And still, I'm grounded — sidelined not by injury or lack of effort, but by bureaucracy and silence,' he wrote. Flynn intended to fly to Alabama from Vancouver International Airport on Wednesday. He never made his flight because his Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) had expired and would not be renewed, Global News reported. He said he received an update on the ESTA app that said, 'Travel not authorized.' Article content ESTA is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It is valid for two years, or until a passport expires, and allows for multiple entries. If a traveller receives a 'travel not authorized' response to their application, CBP says online that they can look into applying for a visa if they still wish to enter the country. The denial only prohibits travel under the Visa Waiver Program and does not determine eligibility for a visa, per the agency. Canadian citizens travelling with a Canadian passport do not need to apply for an ESTA. Flynn said that he did not receive an explanation from anyone at the U.S. border, the U.S. consulate or the ESTA program. 'This feels like a clerical error,' he said, and, he added, it's cost him thousands of dollars. 'I'm gutted. I'm angry. And I want answers.' Article content Latest National Stories
Vancouver Sun
03-06-2025
- General
- Vancouver Sun
B.C. search and rescue agencies warn drone users after near miss with helicopter
A near miss between a drone and helicopter during a rescue mission last Saturday has led to a warning from B.C. search and rescue agencies. According to a statement on social media, Squamish Search and Rescue responded to a hiker who had fallen near the top of the first peak on the Stawamus Chief and seriously injured their leg on May 31. 'Given the steep terrain, several members were flown in with the support of Blackcomb Helicopters and the subject was longline evacuated,' the statement read. 'During the rescue, a drone was flown dangerously close to our team and the helicopter between loads. It only moved after being signalled to leave the area. Flying drones in B.C. parks is prohibited and operating them near active helicopter rescues is extremely dangerous.' Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. North Shore Search and Rescue responded to the statement by issuing its own message to drone users about where they cannot operate small drones. Larger drones, those heavier than 250 grams, are governed by Transport Canada and require a licence to operate. 'We will not discuss drones greater than 250 grams. Those larger drones are subject to a host of Transport Canada pilot licensing and Remotely Piloted Aircraft System regulations. Rather, this post will focus on 250 gram 'micro drones', that are typically flown recreationally by the public and are likely going to be the ones we encounter,' the NSSR statement read. ' Drone use around active SAR rescues and training events, and the risk it poses, is always a concern for North Shore Rescue. This is especially the case given our frequent use of helicopters. It is a matter of safety for rescuers, our subjects, and the public we serve.' NSSR said that it was not easy for drone users to know where they can and cannot fly. For example, National Research Council of Canada's drone site selection tool only contains federal-type airspace restrictions and does not have any indication of provincial or municipal restrictions. According to B.C. Parks , it is illegal to operate a drone in any provincial park without permission, which is rarely granted. This is because drones create noise pollution, disturb wildlife, can invade privacy and disrupt emergency activities. On the North Shore, Cypress Provincial Park and Seymour Provincial Park are out of bounds for small drone operators. NSSR pointed out that drone use is also banned in all Metro Vancouver parks and all District of North Vancouver and West Vancouver parks. dcarrigg@
Vancouver Sun
22-05-2025
- Vancouver Sun
Search underway for missing teenage hiker in Squamish
A search is underway Thursday for a teenager who went missing Wednesday while hiking with friends in Squamish near Shannon Falls. Sea to Sky RCMP-Squamish say 18-year-old Oluwafifehanmi Fashola, who also goes by the name Peter, was reported missing and hasn't been seen since Wednesday night. Police have released very few details. RCMP could not say whether the teen became separated from his friends or how many friends he was hiking with at Shannon Falls. RCMP Const. Kelly Wu said all investigators could say at the moment was that Squamish Search and Rescue members were out searching Thursday for Fashola. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Police describe Fashola as Black, five ft 10 and approximately 186 pounds, with black hair. He was last seen wearing black pants with a white stripe, and a brown shirt. Anyone with information on the teen's whereabouts are asked to contact the Sea to Sky RCMP-Squamish at 604-892-6100 or Crime Stoppers. ticrawford@
