It’s Time To Get FireSmart About Wildfires In BC

FireSmart is a shared responsibility. It is about living in a fire-prone ecosystem and taking the necessary steps to protect your family, property, and community from wildfire. Over time, FireSmart principles have shown that they are effective at reducing the risk related to losses in the most extreme wildfire conditions. With a few simple steps you can contribute to increasing your property, neighbourhood and community resiliency to wildfire.

Learn more at www.firesmartbc.ca

In British Columbia, wildfires are becoming an increasing threat. Fortunately, there is a solution that everyone can be a part of. Introducing FireSmart BC: the go-to resource for combating the problem of wildfire in BC. There are simple steps you can take to protect your home, neighborhood and province. Learn more at firesmartbc.ca



Wildfire Protection Kits, Comox Fire Rescue

Comox Fire Rescue has a limited number of Wildfire Protection Kits for sale. 

During a wildfire embers can be carried a long distance. Hot embers can easily ignite a dry roof or surrounding area. The WASP gutter mounted sprinkler system helps protect your home from these hot embers. The wildfire protection kits provide a simple and quick way to get water on your roof and surrounding area. 

WASP is a trusted manufacturer of sprinkler equipment sold to fire departments throughout North America. The kits are quick and easy to install and come with everything needed to help protect a standard size home. No ladders or tools are required. 

Comox Fire Gord Schreiner states: “Our fire department uses these same sprinklers in our structural protection trailer and throughout our province. They are designed to be quickly deployed in an area threaten by wildfire. We are pleased to be able to offer these to citizens so they can be better prepared in case of a wildfire in our area.” 

The kits sell for $154.99 each and come with two adjustable, agricultural grade sprinkler heads designed to conserve water and work on very low pressure if required, two mounting brackets and two forestry grade flat garden type hoses. Any profits made from this project will be reinvested by the fire department into additional interface fire equipment. 

For more information contact Chief Gord Schreiner at firehall@comox.ca

Comox Firefighters Support BC Francophone Youth Games!

The Comox Firefighters Association has donated $2,000.00 to the Francophone Youth Council of B.C. as a contribution to the organization of the B.C. Francophone games which will take place in the Town of Comox May 17th to 20th. These Games will be taking place at Ecole Au-coeur-de-l’ile school located behind the Comox Fire Station. 

 These games give the students the opportunity to interact with other students from around the province and share their sport and artistic talents and develop their scientific mind while growing their leadership skills. This funding will assist in making the games a success and benefits the students participating and the community at large. 

Comox Fire Chief Gord Schreiner states: “I am so proud of our firefighters. They give so much of themselves and assist our community in so many ways. We are pleased to be able to support one of our closest neighbours (Ecole Au-coeur-de-l’ile school ) with this important event.”

The funds donated by the Comox firefighters come from their “Pay it Forward” account which is created from funds raised through their Comox Fire Training Centre. Countless groups and charities have benefited from this fund. 

Free Personal Emergency Preparedness Class

Comox Fire Rescue will be hosting a free Personal Emergency Preparedness (PEP) class this Friday March 8 at 10am.

72 Hours: Is Your Family Prepared?

If an emergency happens in your community, it may take emergency workers some time to reach you. You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 72 hours.

This free class will help you plan and learn to help you in case of an emergency.

To register for CPR and PEP courses held at our fire station, contact the Comox Recreation Centre (http://comox.ca/recreation) at 250-339-2255.

Comox Firefighters Paying it Forward!

Comox Fire Rescue recently hosted their annual “Pay it Forward” day for other Vancouver Island fire departments.

Comox brought in two excellent presenters to share information safety information with firefighters from; 19 Wing, Cumberland, Oyster River, Fanny Bay, Ships Point, Qualicum, Cherry Creek, Sidney, Campbell River, Bow Horn Bay, Sontula and Sathlam. Over sixty firefighters attended this great day at no cost to them. All costs were covered through the Comox Fire Training Centre.

 The first presenter, Dr. Kenneth Kunz delivered a powerful message about job-related cancer in firefighters. Statistics show that firefighters have a much higher risk of getting cancer. Dr. Kunz discussed a variety of ways for firefighters to reduce their risks. This was Dr. Kunz third presentation at Comox Fire Training Centre in the past four years. 

The second presenter was Lionel Crowther. Lionel has been a firefighter for the last 21 years and is now a Lieutenant with the Winnipeg Fire Department.

On Feb. 4, 2007, a tragic fire changed the lives of the Crowther Family.  Lionel and two other firefighters were caught in a flashover in a single-family home fire. Lionel suffered severe burns to 70% of his body.  Tragically, Captains Lessard and Nichols did not survive.  

Since that incident, Lionel, his wife & family have epitomized the meaning of resiliency, hope and survival. Lionel came to Comox to explain the many challenges and triumphs he and his family faced because of this tragic incident, from the very personal view of being a husband, father and survivor!

Crowther states: “I truly appreciated being able to spend the time in Comox with your department.  What a great team you have developed! I read a lot and many of the leadership articles I read, epitomized the work you’ve done here in Comox. Thank you again for the opportunity to speak with your members & for your island hospitality!”

Comox Fire Chief Gord Schreiner states: “I am so proud of our team here for reaching out and sharing with other fire departments and for assisting us with bringing in these excellent presenters. Our firefighters give so much of themselves and we work hard everyday to ensure our firefighters are well-trained and have the latest information when it comes to safety.”