By: Matt Treit, Fire Chief
The month of April was a slower than usual month for the Tumbler Ridge Fire Department which responded to only eleven calls for assistance during that time. These included four reports of ringing fire alarms, four First Responder calls, one grass fire, one chimney fire, and one report of a gas leak.
Firefighter Dwayne Fry practices a leg lock into a ladder during a practice in April. TRFD photo.
Training in April included the topics of initial attack, forcible entry, fire extinguishers, class B foam, and First Responder training. Congratulations to deputy Diana Vandale, and firefighters Doug Beale, Ian Leach, Mike Thibodeau, Cristal Bertrand, Dustin Curry, Brandon Braam, Dwayne Fry, Russell Colbourne, Darcey Knittle, and probationary firefighters Steve Tory and Chris Dell who all achieved 100 per cent attendance at practices during that month.
Additional congratulations go to firefighter Dustin Curry who completed his NFPA 1001 training as well as his completing his written and practical apparatus operator evaluations. NFPA 1001 is the Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications. This is a very significant event as it marks the first time in ten years that a firefighter has completed this level of training while a member of the Tumbler Ridge Fire Department.
We would also like to welcome two new members to the Tumbler Ridge Fire Department: Chris Dell and Justin Flynn both joined the department in April, and we wish them both the best with our organization.
We are at the point in the year when grass fires and forest fires begin to become a concern and also when more people are heading into the back country for recreational purposes. Always be cautious with campfires and ensure that they are being supervised by an adult while they are burning and then fully extinguished when they are no longer being supervised. More information on the fire danger and restrictions on campfires can be found at www.bcwildfire.ca.
The week of May 6 – 12 is Emergency Preparedness Week, which is a time when everyone should ensure that they are prepared to look after themselves and their families for a minimum of 72 hours in the event of a disaster or large scale emergency. There is information available regarding emergency kits and emergency planning at the following websites: www.getprepared.gc.ca and www.pep.bc.ca.
The Tumbler Ridge Fire Department currently has fourteen full members and three probationary members and is in need of more firefighters. If you have a positive attitude and are willing to commit to regular training, we would like to hear from you. No previous experience is necessary. Please stop by the fire hall or call 250-242-3939 for more information.