As a result of the previous couple of years living with the so-called “new normal” of wildfire threat, I decided to throw my hat into the ring with our local volunteer fire department. This decision was also partially influenced by my approaching retirement - I figured this would keep me off the streets a few days a month.
SGLVFD (South Green Lake Volunteer Fire Dept) is a very well run organization, staffed by excellent people. Of course, many of these are neighbours and friends too. But as of 2019 the political landscape changed, and now we fall under the scope of the Thompson/Nicola Regional District; meaning we will receive the majority of our funding from government. Now we must comply with provincial standards in terms of playbook training, structure, equipment, safety, and everything else. Not a bad thing, since training and equipment is tremendously expensive.
April 26,27, 28… three of us from SGLVFD attended the Live Fire Training weekend hosted by 150 Mile Fire Department. Periodically required, this course included multiple training modules designed to emulate real world conditions, and how to cope or develop strategies to deal with them. There was a mix of interior attack, and exterior control/containment as well. It was quite physically challenging for some of us older members, but we all managed to survive the weekend!
Live fire exercise; a three-man team shuts down a propane fire.
Attacking a car fire
A group of fire fighters take a break.