2018 has been a challenging, busy and productive year for the South Green Volunteer Fire Department (SGLVFD), says fire chief Peter McKie.
He was pleased to announce the SGLVFD has just completed its Fire Underwriters Survey (FUS) upgrade with the installation and accreditation of the dry hydrants at Access #5 and #10 roads.
“We’re really happy to say we have been [FUS] upgraded.”
McKie notes the FUS upgrades meant they went from 3B to 3A, which results in properties within 300 metres of the dry hydrants being considered to be “hydrant protected.”
“The long-term goal is to place dry hydrants at every second or third access road and then go for accreditation on a large-diameter hose lay.
“This will ultimately give every property a 3A FUS rating. It will decrease the homeowners’ fire insurance premiums.”
The SGLVFD has also installed dry hydrants at Access #1 and #14 roads. “We’ll be performing at the accreditation testing to get them registered as soon as possible.”
McKie says the SGLVFD plans to install and get FUS certification for two dry hydrants a year until 2023.
The fire chief explains the need to install and certify dry hydrants at the shoreline of the access roads was due to WorkSafe BC’s decision that firefighters were not allowed to be in the water or go on the ice to drill holes in order to draw water from the lake.
Fire department transfer
Meanwhile, the fire department is working through the transition of the SGLVFD to the Thompson-Nicola Regional District for Jan. 1, 2019 when the TNRD will assume the liability of the fire department.
McKie says the financial and capital assets will be transferred to the regional district, but the TNRD will not be involved in the day-to-day operations.
Other news
The SGLVFD has a new water truck that will be able to carry 2,000 gallons of water to a fire scene.
It will be in service in mid-January.
This gives the SGLVFD two new trucks that will be accredited until 2035.
The department also has three new captains – Bob Bell, Art Groves and James Walter.
McKie reminds area residents and property owners they can support the volunteer fire department at the two bottle depots – fire hall and the 70 Mile House Eco Depot.
Snowmobile Club news
Green Lake Snowmobile Club (GLSC) volunteers have put in a lot of hours clearing downfall and danger trees on the trails during the past month for the enjoyment of all users.
The core group of eight men have also been assessing the impact on some of the trails that were closed after the 2017 wildfire season.
There has been some significant damage to trail signage that will have to be replaced.
The GLSC and Recreation Sites and Trails BC hope they will be able to open some of the closed trails in the near future.
Trail users are reminded if there is six inches or more of snow on the trails, quads and other motorized vehicles other than snowmobiles are not allowed on the trails as the club will be grooming trails when there is enough snow.
The GLSC holds a general meeting at the clubhouse (176 Green Lake South Rd.) at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of the month.
Everyone is invited to come out to see what’s going on.