Lyonel Doherty
Times-Chronicle
The Oliver Fire Department prides itself in its quick response time, averaging six minutes per call.
That was the number reported by Fire Chief Bob Graham during a recent presentation to town council.
“We’re always under the 10-minute limit that the fire underwriters are looking for for insurance purposes.”
He noted the proximity of some calls allows them to arrive on scene within one or two minutes.
One has to wonder what the average response time was when the fire department was first established in 1922.
Graham said the department is currently staffed by five captains, a deputy chief and himself. The entire squad consists of 36 members, 29 of which are certified interior attack firefighters.
He pointed out that several members have chosen not to be certified to fight fires inside buildings. Instead, these members are utilized as truck drivers and pump operators.
Graham reported the department responded to a total of 208 calls last year. As of August 23, they were up to approximately 196 calls.
The chief said they not only respond to fires but public service calls as well. For example, checking alarm systems and assisting people when the power goes out in elevators. Stuck in an elevator, who you gonna call?
Don’t say ghostbusters!
(Photo courtesy of Oliver Fire Department)
Graham told council that members are first responders as well, dealing with medical emergencies such as heart attacks and stroke.
Auto extrication and live fire training also keep members sharp. In addition, they train by blackening their masks so they can’t see where they are going inside a fire-simulated building.
The chief pointed out that members participate in many community events, such as the Canada Day breakfast, elementary school fun days, and the Safety Village in Penticton. And it’s not uncommon for the department to give away 300 smoke alarms and CO detectors.
Graham said one of the more unique calls they responded to this year was a helicopter crash at a winery. Fortunately, there were only minor injuries on that call.
Of course, the largest incident was the Nk’Mip Creek wildfire, he pointed out, recalling the tense moments in protecting nine homes on the first day.
He added that some structures were lost to the fire, noting it was too dangerous to send crews in those forested areas where the flames were rapidly approaching. Graham said there was little hope in saving those structures.
“There was a large risk to our personnel and no easy means of escape . . . it was not a pleasant decision (to pull out).”
From there, the fire leap-frogged to McKinney Road where members protected another 10 structures in that neighbourhood.
Graham said the department is looking forward to a slower wildfire season this fall, noting they continue to conduct training scenarios such as over-embankment rescues.
Oliver Mayor Martin Johansen said the fire department has done an amazing job this year.
“Everyone on council is proud of you . . . you guys are always there . . .I can’t say thank you enough.”
During question period, Coun. Petra Veintimilla asked why Shrike Hill was not in the fire department’s protection area.
Graham said they are a town fire department with contracts to provide protection in rural Oliver and on Osoyoos Indian Band land.
He noted that Shrike Hill can form a committee to establish its own fire brigade if the residents desire.
