Chief of the Blackpool Fire Rescue (BFR), Mike Savage and team are staying focused on fire safety in the North Thompson Valley.
“Right now we are getting ready for a meeting with BC Parks on Wednesday, Oct. 4, to discuss fuel mitigation between the south end of North Thompson Park and the subdivision at Carolyn Road and the possibility of a secondary egress road out of the park, possibly onto the pit on Ray Road.”
Savage said the egress would be gated for emergency use only, and go from the back end of the campground to the pit as an emergency egress route.
The BFR is also doing some fire mitigation work on the property between the last house on Carolyn Road and the park boundary by performing brushing up and spacing to mitigate the fuel management in that area and help “fire smart that piece of land a bit better.”
“We are getting the message out there to the community about checking your dryer lint, making sure your chimneys are clean and making sure you have your escape plan in place with all family members.”
Savage also noted there are ways to be safer in the kitchen.
“If you are cooking making sure your handles are turned away, burners are turned off after cooking, supervising children if they are working in the kitchen with you to reduce the risk of fires or injuries in the kitchen.”
Savage said not only is emptying your lint trap on the dryer important, but also cleaning out the pipe or outside vent now and then too which is so important to home fire safety.
The fire chief said all of the North Thompson fire departments sit on Wells Gray Community Forest (WGCF) wildfire roundtable hosted by George Brcko, Manager of WGCF. The roundtable involves all of the fire departments, BC Parks, Forestry, TNRD and the District of Clearwater who are very “proactive” in wildfire strategic planning for the future. The fire departments involved include Little Fort to Vavenby and the Upper Clearwater Fire Brigade.
With regards to recent funding awarded in the valley, Savage said both Upper Clearwater and Blackpool Fire Rescue have recently been approved for funding via grants through the community forests commission.
“We are really pleased about that. Upper Clearwater was looking for firefighting equipment and we are looking for an new E-ram and airbags for the rescue truck which we are approved for and are now waiting for the invoice and delivery of those which will greatly enhance our rescue capabilities.”
The funding for received by the Blackpool Fire Rescue was approximately $22,000.
In a follow up with the Upper Clearwater Fire Brigade about the recent awarded grants, Fire Chief Matt Edwards, commented about the amazing support their volunteer fire brigade has received in the North Thompson.
“Fires now are all classified as green and under control. I would like to thank the crew for a fantastic season, it is excellent to see the enthusiasm that comes from our members. A huge thanks goes to Blackpool Fire Chief Savage for doing everything that he does and helping us out as much and as often as he can, we all not only Upper Clearwater Fire Brigade but all of the community members appreciate his looking after us, also for continuing to share his knowledge.”
Chief Edwards acknowledged the efforts and support of TNRD Director of Area “A”, Usoff Tsao. “We are really grateful for all of his help steering some stuff in the proper direction for us. It’s so awesome that he is on our side as we grow together.”
Edwards shared appreciation to the local volunteer “dispatch centre” for the fantastic job coordinating communications every year.
“It’s hard to thank everyone because there are so many meetings and preparation that goes on into the background for all we do together to protect our area. We are very fortunate to have Deputy Fire Chief for the UCFB, who is essential to our brigade’s continued success. Fire prevention is more important now than ever and at the very least being able to run a few sprinklers to keep a wet line around your house ahead of time can make a big difference,” said Edwards.
The UCFB hopes to reach the goal of becoming a recognized rural fire department and begin building a fire hall in the near future. The fire team in Wells Gray Park is encouraging everyone in Upper Clearwater to check their chimney prior to winter, perform regular dryer and detector checks and be prepared with a safety plan that everyone in the household is familiar with.
