In preparation for the fast approaching wildfire season, firefighters from across the region will be conducting a critical interface training exercise in Blind Bay and Sorrento.
On May 10, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) will host an Engine Boss Course at Shuswap Hall #2 through the BC Wildfire Service. The course will focus on structural firefighters working together to defend properties during a wildfire.
Training will see all 13 CSRD fire departments and crews from Salmon Arm, Sicamous, Armstrong and Golden working in task forces to simulate a large interface fire that has spread into the community. Blind Bay and Sorrento area provide the ideal terrain for this training as there are a significant number of wildland urban interface areas.
Knowing from past experience that embers from nearby wildfires can drop into communities and create spot fires that can grow quickly and cause the most damage when they land on or near flammable materials around a home, that will be the focus of exercise, explained the CSRD.
"Crews will be training on patrolling, communicating and actioning spot fires during this simulated training event," the CSRD said in a media release. "While there will be a heavy presence of emergency vehicles in the community on May 10, this is a training event and not an actual wildfire response."
To effectively conduct the training, the CSRD is asking property owners or communities that are interested in participating to contact them. They are looking for a couple of homes in a variety or neighbourhoods to let crews come on the property and simulate extinguishing a spot fire. There will be some water flow from the hoses to make it realistic, but that is usually only on lawns and treed areas.
"By volunteering your property, you not only contribute to vital firefighting training but also gain firsthand insights on how to safeguard you home from wildfire," the release added. "We thank you for your understanding and ask for your support in this training event."
Anyone interested in participating or getting more information is asked to contact Deputy Regional Fire Chief Len Youden at lyouden@csrd.bc.ca or 250-832-8194.
