With wildfires raging across Canada, Central Saanich Fire is preparing for the worst and coordinating a mock drill on Alec Road on ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱, also known as Mount Newton.
Approximately 50 local emergency personnel from around the Saanich Peninsula will take part in a wildfire training exercise, which will include crews and vehicles on site, staff at the Emergency Operations Centre, and going door-to-door providing information packages to Alec Road residents, simulating an evacuation notice.
“We hope we never have to encounter this scenario, but if we do, it would require many departments and organizations coordinating,” says Central Saanich’s Fire Chief and Emergency Program Manager, Kenn Mount. “The purpose of this drill is to strengthen the logistics and iron out any bumps so that we are ready to best protect our community.”
The mock training will take place June 21, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Alec Road. It will include Central Saanich and North Saanich Fire Departments, Central Saanich Police, RCMP and Peninsula Emergency Measures Organization (PEMO).
Members of the public with questions or concerns about this event are invited to contact fdadmin@csaanich.ca or phone Central Saanich Fire at 250-544-4238.
While no residents will be asked to evacuate, all Central Saanich residents are invited to a "lessons learned" follow-up presentation to discuss the event and what we can all do to be better prepared on June 28, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at Fire Station 1, 1512 Keating Cross Road.
Residents in forested areas of the district are encouraged to FireSmart their properties. Wildfire hazards can be reduced by following simple, preventative steps like adding a few FireSmart actions to regular yard work routine. Contact the District’s FireSmart Coordinator to set up a home assessment and learn more about wildfire safety and preparedness at csfiresmart.ca.