Its been a while since I have had an opportunity to post anything, so here is the latest news.
Cam will be starting his first day on the new job beginning next week. We will spend approximately one month on orientation with him and then the 4 day on / 4 day off shift pattern starts right after Canada Day Holiday - Monday July 5th. There is lots of opportunties for volunteer firefighters to participate in daily activities and additional training time. All you have to do is let us know what you want. Reminder also that there is an opportunity for qualified volunteer firefighters to fill in as holiday and relief staff on weekends and stat days. A sign up sheet will be put up in the training room.
Reminder that Evan Parliament (CAO) will be speaking to the Association this Thursday night.
Call activity seems to have increased as of late. Two structure fires were reported, each on a Friday during the day. The first occured on Friday, May 14th. There were a few tense moments as only the Chief and Deputy were available to respond. We were joined some minutes later by Chris how was finishing up one of his jobs from his past life. Fortunately the fire was contained. A towel thrown over a hologen bathroom light fixture ignited and caused damage to the wall, light fixture and counter top. Some light smoke damage was also evident. About $500.00 in damage. The second fire, the following Friday occured in the morning and was the result of a faulty toaster catching on fire. Luckily the home owner had a large fire extinguisher and was able to knock down the rapidly spreading fire. Fire damage was contained to the kitchen, however significant smoke and dry chemical powder was found throughout the house. Damage will probably be in the $10,000.00+ range for this one. This being the Friday before the long weekend resulted in more firefighters attending with a total compliment of 9 on scene.
An early morning roll over MVI occured on Gillespie Road. The female occupant rolled her pick up truck over and down an embankment. She managed to free herself and crawl up to the roadside where bystanders helped her until emergency services arrived. Injuries were not life threatening.
If you haven't been by the Prestige Hotel lately, the fourth floor is now under construction. This building keeps getting bigger. Site work has now begun at the Evergreen Mall in prepartion for the construction of the new Shoppers Drug Mart. Work on Sooke Road between Charters and Phillips will continue for the next month as BC Hydro installs new underground wiring. As soon as this is completed, the repaving of Sooke Road will begin. Work on the Mariners Landing site is expected to get underway within the next month. This will include a reconfiguration of the Church Road intersection.
The Annual Firefighter Appreciation Banquet has been tentatively set for Saturday, October 16th this year. More information will follow.
Sooke has been selected to host the British Columbia Fire Prevention Officer Convention in May of 2012. This is great news for the community, the convention centre and hotel. The fire department will only have to play a small part in this event as most of the work is done by a committee consisting of FPOABC members.
A large trailer has been purchased to store and transport the District of Sooke display that was featured at the Ozone, the Rotary Auction and at the Vancouver Outdoor Adventure Show. The trailer it is now in has to go back to the generous owner that lent it to us. It will be in the fire hall for a few days until the load can be transfered and then moved to a suitable storage site.
Some work is planned for both fire stations as part of an energy refit and to meet the "green" requirements set out by the Province. Included will be new low energy light fixtures throughout both buildings and the change from propane to natural gas in Station 1. A new washing machine is now installed in each fire hall for turn out gear cleaning. Do NOT use these for other cleaning chores. Next up will be the installation of emergency power at Station 2. There is also a rush to try to get the Sooke Station 2 sign completed for the upcoming Communities in Bloom judging. Anyone interested in helping on this project - please contact me.
The canopy has been removed from 208 and the water tank and pump installed in anticipation of summer (hard to believe with the current weather). If you are unfamiliar with its operation, please check with one of the staff for a quick lesson or refresher.
Well that's it for now.
No comments:
Post a Comment