Learn more about the roles several emergency services from the Comox Valley played in supporting communities during last summer’s fierce wildfires in the BC Cariboo and BC Interior. A free public presentation is taking place at 6:15 pm (doors open at 6 pm) on Monday, February 26, 2018 in the Stan Hagen Theatre at North Island College in Courtenay.
During this event, you will hear stories from several local agencies that supported communities in crisis, from helping on the front lines with fire suppression and radio communication, to assisting with community evacuations and re-entry, to supporting fire evacuees with lodging, emotional support and meals. Having experienced this in the BC Interior and BC Cariboo, agencies will be available to share key learnings and provide advice for how residents on Vancouver Island should prepare ahead of time in case any disaster hits close to home.
“Interestingly, we carried out a major wildfire functional exercise in Oyster River just two weeks before emergency services from the Comox Valley were deployed to help in the BC Interior and BC Cariboo,” said Howie Siemens, Comox Valley Emergency Program Coordinator. “These wildfires allowed us to put into practice everything we and other emergency services have worked hard to prepare for.”
This event is organized by the Comox Valley Emergency Program. Participating agencies include Emergency Support Services, Comox Fire Rescue, Courtenay Fire Department, Oyster River Fire Department, Emergency Radio Communications, BC Wildfire Services, Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue, RCMP, Red Cross, Salvation Army and St. John Ambulance.
In addition to the presentations, there will be display booths with additional information, emergency kits for sale and draw prizes.
Learn more about the roles several emergency services from the Comox Valley played in supporting communities during last summer’s fierce wildfires in the BC Cariboo and BC Interior.
The Comox Valley Regional District is a federation of three electoral areas and three municipalities providing sustainable services for residents and visitors to the area. The members of the regional district work collaboratively on services for the benefit of the diverse urban and rural areas of the Comox Valley.
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Media Contact:
Howie Siemens
Comox Valley Emergency Program Coordinator
250-334-8890