Dear Enderby and District community members:
Be Vigilant.
Conditions across our region are extremely dry and the potential for a human-caused wildfire is very real. I am asking everyone in our community to take a few extra moments to think about the activities we are doing outdoors.
The BC Wildfire Service continues to emphasize the importance of preventing human-caused wildfires. Human-caused fires are preventable – in these conditions, a small mistake can quickly become a serious incident. With that in mind, we are asking our community to think twice before doing anything that could create heat, sparks or ignition.
- ATV and off-road vehicle use in the backcountry – Hot exhaust systems, brakes and mechanical components can ignite extremely dry vegetation.
- Grinding, welding and cutting metal outdoors – sparks can travel farther than you think.
- Weed-whacking and brush cutting – contact with rocks, metal or other debris can create sparks, while hot equipment can ignite dry grass.
- Lawn mowing – be particularly cautious in dry grass and around rocks, fences, ditches and other combustible vegetation.
- Chainsaws and other small engines – make sure equipment is properly maintained and that you are following all applicable restrictions and requirements.
- Any activity involving flame, heat or sparks – stop and consider the potential consequences before you begin.
If you see smoke or a fire, don’t assume someone else has reported it. Report it immediately by calling 1 (800) 663-5555 or (*5555 from a cell phone) as soon as possible.
Be Prepared.
Don’t wait for an evacuation order.
While we all hope we never have to evacuate our homes, wildfire conditions can change very quickly.
- An evacuation alert or order can sometimes come with very little notice.
- Please take the time now to make a plan.
- Know where you would go.
- Know how you would get there.
- Have a Grab-and-Go Bag ready.
- If you have livestock or animals, have a plan for them as well.
Our Department is Ready.
I want to assure the residents of Enderby and our surrounding area that your fire department remains on guard and ready to respond.
And just as our neighbours stand ready to support Enderby, we stand ready to support them.
- Since Saturday, August 1, members of the Enderby & District Fire Department have been deployed to the Bradley Creek wildfire (K41351) as part of a Structure Protection Task Force.
- Today, members of our department were mobilized again to support the Structure Protection Task Force at the Quilpituk Creek wildfire (K51402).
When we deploy firefighters outside our area, we do so very deliberately. We continually assess several factors – including current incidents, available personnel, equipment, wildfire conditions, forecast conditions and the level of protection required within our own response area. Our responsibility is first and foremost to protect our community at home.
We work closely with our neighbouring regional fire departments and rely on the strength of our mutual-aid partnerships to ensure that our community continues to have emergency response coverage no matter what comes our way.
Teamwork.
The past week has been a powerful example of what can happen when firefighters, BC Wildfire Service, structure protection crews, emergency management teams, RCMP, ambulance personnel, search and rescue teams, heavy equipment operators, volunteers and countless support personnel come together with one common purpose:
- Protecting people, homes and communities.
- Wildfire doesn’t recognize municipal boundaries.
- Neither does the fire service.
- When a community needs help, we answer.
- And when our community needs help, our neighbours answer.
To Our Firefighters and Your Families.
Thank you.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication to this department.
Thank you for your willingness to serve.
Thank you for putting the safety of our community ahead of yourselves.
And thank you to the families who stand behind our firefighters and make that service possible.
Your dedication does not go unnoticed.
It is an honour to serve alongside each and every one of you.
Our Mission Continues.
We will continue to monitor conditions, prepare our crews and equipment, support our neighbouring communities when called upon, and remain ready to respond to whatever call comes our way.
Please do your part, a little extra caution can make a very big difference.
- Stay safe.
- Stay informed.
- Stay prepared.
- Stay vigilant.
Sincerely,
Fire Chief Bastiaansen
Enderby & District Fire Department
