High-Angle Rope Rescue Training
KGC Fire Rescue was in town last weekend to provide High-Angle rope rescue training to a group of GFFR members.
After a classroom session on Friday evening and all day working in the parking lot at Station 4 (and from the ladder truck and off of the building), the group spent all day Sunday up on Rattlesnake Mountain running various slope and cliff based scenarios.
Posted by Kevin McKinnon
(2013-06-18 11:20:39)
GFFR Hosts Fire Suppression 12 Class
Last night GFFR had our annual visit from the Fire Suppression 12 students at GFSS and BCSS. After a year of instruction in Wildland (Forestry) fire fighting, Instructor Walt Osellame brings the class down for an evening to experience the big hoses and big water supply used in structural firefighting.
The classes got to try the 1 1/2" and 2 1/2" attack lines and the deck gun, tried on full protective gear (bunker gear and airpacks) and saw how we shuttle water when hydrants aren't available.
At the end, we sprayed some foam, and once the ice was broken just about everyone ran and splashed through it.
As always, it was a pleasure to have the class, and we look forward to next years group.
Posted by Kevin McKinnon
(2013-06-13 16:16:16)
UPDATE: Flood Advisory for Southern Interior - May 14, 2013
The BC River Forecast Center has downgraded the Flood Watch for the Kettle and Granby Rivers to High Streamflow Advisory level.
During a conference call Tuesday morning the River Forecast Center advised that water levels in both rivers were expected to remain steady or possibly decrease over the next couple of days, dependant on prevailing weather conditions. Both river systems are expected to remain below the levels reached in 2006.
The Regional District of Kootenay/Boundary Emergency Program remains activated at level 1, which allows staff to respond to requests for sandbags from residents. Staff are monitoring river levels, and further updates will be issued as required.
Residents are reminded to stay back from river banks. High water levels can push logs and other large debris into the river.
Posted by Kevin McKinnon
(2013-05-14 11:56:19)
Southeast Fire Centre urges caution with outdoor burning
The Southeast Fire Centre (Ministry of Forests) has issued the following bulletin. Please note that open burning within Grand Forks City Limits is not permitted at any time.
CASTLEGAR – The Southeast Fire Centre is asking the public to exercise caution with any outdoor burning activities this spring.
As the snow melts, dried grass from last summer is uncovered and that material can be highly flammable. Almost all wildfires at this time of the year are caused by people and are therefore preventable.
Homeowners and industry personnel are encouraged to consult the B.C. FireSmart manual and take the following precautions:
• Ensure that enough people, water and tools are on hand to control the fire and prevent it from escaping.
• Do not burn during windy conditions. Weather conditions can change quickly and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires.
• Create a fireguard at least one metre around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material.
• If you are planning a large burn, consider conducting smaller burns around the perimeter beforehand to create a fuel break and help stop the fire from spreading beyond its intended size. Each of these fires should be kept small and must be completely extinguished before starting a new fire.
• Never leave a fire unattended and make sure that your fire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before you leave the area.
A potential wind event is expected in the East Kootenay Region this Sunday and Monday. Winds tend to be calm in the morning and escalade in the afternoon and evenings.
If you are planning to do any large-scale industrial burning or conduct a grass burn over 0.2 hectares (Category 3 fires), you must obtain a burn registration number ahead of time by calling 1 888 797-1717.
Venting conditions should always be checked before conducting an open burn. If conditions are rated “Poor” or “Fair”, open burning is restricted. The venting index can be found at: http://www.bcairquality.ca/readings/ventilation-index.html.
In British Columbia, the Wildfire Act specifies a person’s legal obligations when using fire on or within one kilometre of forest land or grassland. If an outdoor burn escapes and causes a wildfire, the person responsible may be held accountable for damages and fire suppression costs.
Anyone found in contravention of an open fire prohibition may be issued a ticket for $345 or, if convicted in court, be fined up to $100,000 and sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person may be subject to a penalty of up to $10,000 and be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
Posted by Kevin McKinnon
(2013-03-28 15:30:56)
Call Statistics for 2012
Grand Forks Fire/Rescue responded to just shy of 300 calls in 2012.
There were a total of 298 calls: 83 were Medical/First Responder, 41 were Motor Vehicle Incidents, and 174 were "Fire" calls (which also includes things like the July wind storm, and gas leaks/hazardous materials calls).
The largest events were March 7th (Grand Forks and Winnipeg Hotel Fires) with 31 members responding (291 man-hours), and the July 20th wind storm (26 seperate calls in a three-hour period, with 27 members and two reserves responding, 127 man-hours). The swiftwater team responded to 5 river calls this year, more than average.
Including all callouts and training, the members of GFFR once again exceeded 10,000 hours of volunteer time spent providing protective services to the community.
Posted by Kevin McKinnon
(2013-01-02 16:34:46)
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