Comox Fire Rescue provides a variety of preventive and emergency services to a population of over 18,000 in an area of 16 square miles. This includes the Town of Comox, the Comox Fire Protection Improvement District, the Bates Huband Local Service Area (Regional District of Comox-Strathcona), and the Comox Indian Band. They also operate the Comox Fire Training Centre, which trains firefighters from all over Vancouver Island, and even parts of BC and the rest of Canada. The training centre is certified by the JIBC.
Effective at noon on Saturday, June 27th there will be a campfire ban in effect for many parts of the province, including the part of Vancouver Island that falls within the Comox Fire jurisdiction.
All Beach Fire permits in our Fire Protection District will be cancelled at this time, as well as camping fires.
Goose spit Regional Park beach fires will be left to Regional District to regulate.
For more information, click here for a statement from the Ministry of Forests.
Comox Fire Rescue received a call on Sunday afternoon, June 21 of smoke in the North East Woods.
A fire was located very deep in the forest area. Sixteen Comox firefighters used over 2000 gallons of water and three hours to extinguish the fire. A small crew from the Coastal Fire Base (forestry) in Campbell River was also dispatched but the Comox firefighters had it well in hand before the forestry crew arrived. Comox firefighters returned to the location the following day to ensure the fire was out.
Sixteen Comox firefighters used over 2000 gallons of water and three hours to extinguish the fire
Chief Schreiner states: “This is the largest of several incidents we have had in the North East Woods in the past week. The area is extremely dry and any small fire can quickly become a major problem. These fires can be very dangerous, extremely difficult to extinguish and can threaten nearby homes. If you are caught lighting one of these fires you would faces severe consequences. I am proud of our firefighters who quickly responded to this incident and worked very hard to limit and extinguish the fire.”
If you see or smell any smoke in any of the local forested areas please called 911.
Comox firefighters returned to the location the following day to ensure the fire was out
This week on Meet our Members, we interview Ron Barrow!
Lieutenant Ron Barrow
CFR: Could you provide a brief background of your fire service career?
My career as a Search and Rescue Technician in the Airforce posted me back to my home town of Comox in 1999.
CFR: Was there any specific event that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?
I met the dedicated professionals within the CFD which lead me to join in 2002. That atmosphere continues to be a big part of the reward for me.
CFR: What is your favourite part of volunteering for Comox Fire Rescue (or working in the valley in general)?
Contributing to our communities well being and participating in the continuous learning and professional development offered in the Training Centre have motivated me from the beginning.
Lieutenant Barrow training new recruits at the Comox Fire Training Centre
CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?
I enjoy all outdoor activities, with friends and family all year round. Especially boating and fishing with my wife Destinee and spending time with our grown boys Blayne, Jayden and Cedar...woof!
Thank you Ron for your many years of dedicated volunteer service!
We're back! The BC Fire Expo was a great experience full of networking, learning, and (of course) drooling over trucks. Thanks to everyone who made it and braved the Penticton heat!
From the FCABC website:
The BC Fire Expo is the largest exhibition of fire service equipment and services in the Pacific Northwest.
With an average of 120 inside booths and 30 outside displays, the BC Fire Expo attracts over 300 Chief Officers, Emergency Vehicle Technicians and firefighters from across B.C.
The calendar says summer starts on June 21st, but the weather is saying otherwise! The warm weather and lack of precipitation are leading up to a long dry summer. Here are some tips to keep your home safe this season!
