It's that time of year again!

We are now in the driest part of the fire season and the danger of sparks from chimneys igniting the nearby bush is at its highest.  Please be very careful with your wood stove fires... don't burn huge stacks of papers that spew sparks out the chimney.  

Fire Chief J. Caldbeck

Thetis Island Fire Department

August 24 ~ Wildfire News

http://www.thetisislandfire.ca/wildfire-news-archive.html

CVRD Public Safety Department Fall 2012 Newsletter

http://www.cvrd.bc.ca/DocumentView.aspx?DID=8831

Cell Holes & Smoke Sightings

Everyone who lives here and uses a cell phone knows we have spotty cell phone service on Thetis. A map of the island would show many cell holes.  Both Central Fire Hall and Pilkey Fire Hall sit firmly in big ones.  Sometimes it is difficult to contact the Fire Chief on her cell phone because of this.  

If you  see/smell of smoke, or have another question or concern that you feel should be immediately addressed by the Fire Dept. call 911. It is perfectly fine to call 911 during fire season and explain to the Fire Comm dispatcher that you see/smell smoke on Thetis Island because there is now a total fire ban here.  The 911 Fire Comm dispatcher will take your information and page the Chief or Duty Officer to phone Fire Comm for the details.  The whole department does not respond with the fire trucks and sirens when an Officers' Page is activated. But we can get someone out to check it out immediately and determine if the department needs to respond with the big red truck and water.

Thank you Thetis Islanders for your assistance through this tense period of fire season.  Keep these numbers handy to contact the fire dept., but don't hesitate to call 911 if you see smoke and you can't get through to them.  And of course if you see fire or need medical assistance, call 911 immediately.

Chief's cell 252-0544

Deputy Chief's cell 252-0417

Duty Officer's cell 252-0228

Fire Chief J. Caldbeck

Thetis Island Volunteer Fire Department

Telegraph Harbour Marina Fire Lane

Last Sunday the TIVFD responded to a medical call at the Sunday Market at Telegraph Harbour Marina.  The Fire Lane behind the marina is clearly marked with NO PARKING - FIRE LANE signage.  Many vehicle drivers ignored the signs and parked on the lane anyway.  The TIVFD Rescue barely squeaked through... the FRs driving the Rescue said that there was less than an inch clearance on either side, and they had to drive at a crawl to get past the cars without damaging them or the Rescue.  This added extra time to getting medical aid to the patient.  Thank goodness it wasn't a cardiac arrest we were called to!  And had it been a fire, there would have been no way to get the fire engine down that lane. 

DO NOT PARK IN THE FIRE LANE BEHIND TELEGRAPH HARBOUR MARINA!  

There is a very serious reason why it needs to be kept clear.... YOUR SAFETY AND HEALTH!  Keep the Fire Lane clear at ALL times.

Fire Chief J. Caldbeck, Thetis Island Volunteer Fire Department