Denman Island Fire Rescue
Wildfires can be a scary prospect. Should there be a wildfire on Denman Island, Denman Island Fire Rescue will be working with the BC Wildfire Service to fight and contain the fire. The BC Wildfire Service is based in Parksville and is on standby 24/7. There are additional resources such as 22 man crews in Port Alberni, and/or water bombers that can be called on in the event of a wildfire emergency. Denman Island Fire Rescue has mutual aid agreements with Hornby Island Fire Rescue, Union Bay Fire Rescue, Fanny Bay Fire Rescue as well as Oyster River Fire Rescue. Denman Island Fire Rescue can call upon these mutual aid partners to come to Denman Island to assist in the firefighting efforts.
The Comox Valley Regional District has developed an emergency alert system that will send out Denman Island specific alerts to landlines, emails and mobile phones. You can sign up for these alerts by going to: https:comoxvalley.connectrocket.com
You can also sign up by phoning the Comox Valley Regional District at 250.334.6000
Please do not rely on rumours or social media postings (unless they come from Denman Island Fire Rescue) as the source of information about evacuations.
We recommend that all households have grab and go bags on the ready so that in the event of an emergency you can leave in a timely manner. Evacuations can be stressful times so having a grab and go bag already prepared will not only save time but will also reduce the chances that in the rush to leave that you forget some items.
Grab and go bags should contain:
Food and water for at least 3 days (don’t forget the pets) and a can opener
Change of clothes (some people will switch out the clothes in the grab and go bags each summer and winter)
Medications for both humans and pets
Feminine hygiene products and adult incontinence pads
A cell phone charger and portable battery pack
Cash (if the electricity is not working then ATM, debit and credit cards will also not be working)
Photocopies of your drivers’ licenses, health care cards and passports
Reading materials
Flashlights and spare batteries for the flashlights
This is only a very basic kit. Check online under “grab and go” for more detailed lists.
A great proactive thing you can do, if you’ve not already done so, is to sign up for a free and confidential FiresmartTM assessment of your property. These assessments are carried out by Denman Island Fire Rescue firefighters who have taken the FiresmartTM Assessment course. These assessments will offer you tips and suggestions on things you can do to reduce the chances of a wildfire impacting your property. Firefighters find it easier to protect a ‘Firesmarted’ property. For more information and/or to sign up for a FiresmartTM assessment please email Denman Island Fire Rescue at: divfd@island.net
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