The South Green Lake Volunteer Fire Department (SGLVFD) has a new pumper to add to its fleet.
The 2005 Spartan Superior, which has four-wheel drive, has 83,000 kilometres on it and is in mint condition, says fire chief Peter McKie.
Noting the truck came from Kelowna Fire Services, McKie adds they found it to be too big for their city streets. They bought it after their 2003 wildfires so they could fight structure fires in interface areas, he notes.
“They put it up for auction, a third-party purchased it and we purchased it from them.” McKie says the truck will probably be in service by the middle of June.
Training continues
McKie says SGLVFD members continue to gain knowledge and experience with regular and Structure Firefighters Competency and Training Playbook training sessions.
The Playbook sets out a competency-based ladder that provides for a minimum level of sequential training and operational requirements that must be met by each fire department. Feb. 22 was a busy day at the fire hall with Playbook self-contained breathing apparatus and personal protective equipment module training, which helps to ensure firefighters are protected during fire callouts.
“We continue to help our area fire departments as much as possible. We had 12 members from 70 Mile, 10 from Loon Lake and six from Watch-North Green Lake volunteer fire departments attend and complete the module.”
Noting two SGLVFD firefighters also passed the course and evaluations, the fire chief adds 11 local firefighters completed the recertification of all practical elements of the required annual maintenance training.
Further training
Three members took their Air Brake Training Course, which will allow them to drive the fire trucks when completed. It was held in 100 Mile House. Three members will also be going to 150 Mile House to take the Live Fire Training Course.
“We continue to keep our members current with additional training.”
Training weekend
On May 25-27, SGLVFD will be hosting a training weekend featuring a day-long structural protection workshop put on by the Office of the Fire Commissioner.
The workshop focuses on the use of wildfire pumps and hose (as well as the use of fire service hose and hydrants) in the application of sprinklers on structures.
The sprinklers help prevent ignition of the structure when subjected to wildfire encroachment, by creating a humidity bubble over the structure and dampening the combustible fuels.
As part of the Playbook commitment and requirements, two SGLVFD officers travelled to Blackpool, between Little Fort and Clearwater, for Emergency Scene Management (Fire Officer 1) training. They completed modules 1 and 2.
“It was completed over three weekends and a test day.”