Session Title: Fire Danger
Convenor: Siglinde Ewing
Note taker: Same
Participants: David, Sylvia, Dave, Lorne, Shawn, Karen, John
Summary of discussions: The main concern that was raised was the amount of debris and natural fuel that is in all the park areas where it is illegal to remove it for any purpose. Our purpose was to clarify what we could do to minimize fire danger, what the park mandate is exactly and in the event of a fire , how we could protect ourselves and what is in place already. We were surprised to learn that fire risk is already being looked at very carefully by parks for this area and that a number of safety practices are already in place. This is very reassuring.
David Pemberton, Parks Officer, was very knowledgeable and concise . The Federal mandate states that it is necessary to maintain eco systems. However, there has to be a balance and fire risk is a reality. This is what is already in place:
1. Helicopters are on stand-by 24 hours/day when fire danger is extreme in the Gulf Islands. They fly every day for two and one-half hours on smoke patrols and if smoke is sighted it is checked by a patrol immediately.
2. Storms and lightening strikes are monitored and followed up.
3. The parks board is currently working on a fire risk map which will be completed on March 31, 2009. This will include such things as access, evacuation process and where the largest and most significant dangers are.
Other things that we are looking at as possibilities are:
1. David will look into having organized work bees organized by Parks. Wood could possibly be given to the First Nation elders or such community projects as the Lamb Barbecue.
2. Once the fire risk map is completed areas will be recognized for prescribed burns. Venting areas will be considered at the time before any burning takes place.
3. Fire breaks and buffer areas will be put into place.
4. We are reminded that as individuals we need to be responsible and look after our own back yards so to speak.
We also learned that the B.C. Ferry system will help with evacuation if needed. They have two points at which they will access the shore to pick up people. They have a fast-speed zodiac and there will be private boats used as well. There is also a boat stationed at the Money moorage for evacuation purposes.
Narvaez Bay has a natural dugout so water is available there. The fire pumps are easily transportable.
The prevailing winds during the main fire season are 78% S.W. which is reassuring. They won’t blow the fire back onto Saturna Island itself.
There is a fire technician who will be in charge from May 15th to September 15th. He will live both at East Point and in Victoria but will definitely be aware of current conditions.
Parks officials do have to confront individuals that are not in compliance with rules and safety issues. Last year 10 people were charged.
David will look into setting up a booth at the Lamb Barbecue with information on this topic.
Two contact people are available if you have any questions:
David Pemberton in the Parks Office 539-3624, and also Richard Lamy who has the fire portfolio for the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve (GINPR) at the Pender Office . Phone #629-6415
Those of us who attended the session were for the most part reassured and felt that we are in good hands.
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