The Oliver Fire Department is a well-oiled machine, according to the chief.
Bob Graham recently took the opportunity to tell members of Town council about the training expertise within the department.
Graham, who was appointed chief a year ago, said the department is back as a cohesive team. And they are doing their homework by studying the “playbook,” the new provincial training standards.
He noted that all members are trained in exterior attack, while others are working on achieving their interior level. Interior means they can enter a burning structure and fight the fire from inside.
Graham said they have certified instructors who train other members in-house. They are also certified to train people in other fire departments. In addition, the department has 10 members taking a fire officer’s course.
He pointed out that the public will get a firsthand look at this training at the upcoming spring seminar in Oliver from May 3-5. He said most of the 20 training sessions will be taught by Oliver members.
“We encourage you to come down and see us in action,” Graham said, noting they will be hosting the Saturday night (May 5) party again in Oliver Community Park.
Graham said the department is working with the Town of Osoyoos to share training facilities. For example, Oliver members will use Osoyoos’ training tower, while Osoyoos members will use Oliver’s fire training buildings.
Graham touched on last month’s calls in Oliver, including chimney fires, a dumpster fire (suspect apprehended), burning complaints, and a vehicle fire.
He explained that a duty officer is normally dispatched to the scene first in order to assess it. This cuts down on false alarms, Graham pointed out.
