Unprecedented wildfires are now common across the world due to climate change and the Errington Volunteer Fire Department (EVFD) continues to prepare in the event a wildfire happens in its jurisdiction. Wildfires on Vancouver Island led to evacuations and frayed nerves for residents living close to the flames, noted the EVFD in a press release. Although the fire hazard rating is still high and drought conditions continue, the smokey skies have cleared and Vancouver Islanders are expressing their appreciation for the efforts of all who stepped in to protect them and their properties. When the EVFD received a Community Emergency Preparedness Fund grant from Mid Island Co-op earlieearr this y, some of the personal protective equipment they purchased for use in wildfire deployment was put in to use defending properties under threat from the Wesley Ridge fire near Cameron Lake. The department was awarded a donation of $6,071.44 for new equipment for the purpose of fighting wildfire. The funding has been used to purchase personal protective equipment as well as new hoses and nozzles. Mid Island Co-op CEO Ian Anderson said the grant is a way of saying thank you and ensuring first responders are supported as they continue their vital work for years to come. “We are proud to offer our support to the Errington Volunteer Fire Department, with this contribution for new wildfire deployment equipment," said Anderson. "For Mid Island Co-op, it's about more than funding – it's about recognizing the incredible dedication, bravery and service that these firefighters bring to our community every single day. Whether they’re responding to emergencies and wildfires, assisting with rescues, or educating the public about fire safety, their work is essential to the well-being of our region." Anderson acknowledged they are glad to contribute in a meaningful way, knowing the donation will help equip EVFD volunteers with the resources they need to respond swiftly and safely. EVFD Chief Steve Ternes said the department is appreciative of the support it gets from Mid Island Co-op and agreed the new gear will play a important part in keeping the community and the members who volunteer with the EVFD safe. The EVFD recently deployed to the Wesley Ridge Wildfire when the community of Meadowood in Dashwood was threatened. Some of the new equipment was put into use there. “When companies re-invest in the community, we all benefit,” Ternes said. Every year people and property are threatened by wild land fires. Many of these fires occur in areas called the urban interface zone where homes are built into the forest landscape. Funding will help update the EVFD’s wildfire gear in the event there is an urban interface fire that impacts the community of Errington or surrounding areas. Turnout gear is very expensive and Ternes admitted the most people are not aware of the costs involved in keeping firefighters safe when they are on the front lines. “Our gear has to meet a National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) requirements," he said. "They have standards and to meet those standards the gear must be tested.” The cost can be substantial to outfit fire department members to current safety standards." Ternes said the department puts a lot of thought and time into preparing for the worst-case scenario and he believes the public should try and do their part to protect their properties.The EVFD provides free FireSmart property assessments to residents of Errington as well as rooftop sprinklers. Ternes said Area F Director Leanne Salter received a UBCM grant to purchase rooftop sprinklers for Errington residents, and they are available at Firehall No. 1 located at 960 Errington Rd. Sprinklers are an efficient tool which will help by raising the humidity and moisture levels in your yard if wildfire is approaching, stated the release. The EVFD recognizes the need to protect the rural community and Ternes reminds everybody to prepare in advance for any emergency and keep in mind emergencies can happen anytime of the year.
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