By Ken Alexander.
Twelve South Green Lake Volunteer Fire Department (SGLVFD) firefighters completed the British Columbia Structural Firefighters Competency and Training Playbook, which are the minimum standards for exterior operations only.
The remaining firefighters are in the process of finishing the training and all SGLVFD members are expected to be certified by the end of the summer.
There are 13 modules in the playbook and training started in September 2015, and the last module, Emergency Scene Traffic Control, was completed on April 22, 2017.
Noting it was a lot of work to get through the Playbook for a small fire department, SGLVFD fire chief Peter McKie says it wouldn’t have happened nearly as quickly if it wasn’t for trainers and evaluators Del Westfall and Dave Plenert who also serve on the local fire department.
“We’re going to be doing some catch-up training in the summer, as well as ongoing Playbook-require maintenance [ongoing practical training for all the modules].”
McKie also put a lot of work in the training as he transferred all of the Playbook information, videos and slides into PowerPoint presentations and booklets.
The fire chief says he was very pleased with how well the training went.
“I’m just overwhelmed by the dedication of the firefighters who, as a team, fully took ownership with the Playbook training.”
Dry hydrants
Last month, the province eliminated the need for water permits and water licence fees for volunteer fire departments that have to draw water from static water – lakes and ponds, etc. – to fight fires and for ongoing training.
Fire chief McKie says it’s good news for SGLVFD because it means around $2,000 in savings in permits – the fire department is looking to install two dry hydrants in the September.
The new legislation will also result in a $150 annual savings for a water licence.
Garage and pie sale
The SGLVFD Auxiliary has made more than 700 pies for the annual Garage and Pie Sale at Fred Potter Memorial Fire Hall (546 Green Lake Road South) on May 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
There will be a variety of pies available for $8 apiece.
There will be a lot of treasures at the garage sale along with a table of raffle baskets. Tickets for the baskets are three for $5.
Hotdogs, pop and water will be available for purchase.
Anyone having donations for the garage sale and needs them to be picked up can call Roger Graham at 250-456-7755.