ForestFires and Fighting them

A map was show of the high threat areas by lightning strikes the one we have in the North Shuswap is Anglemont which is in a high lightning corridor. The discussion leads into if we wanted to purchase sprinkler protection units. The province has some but they are expensive and not always immediately available. The suggestion was if we wanted to have 2-3 units strategically placed in the CSRD; one on the North Shuswap, Golden and the Salmon Arm /Revelstoke area. Each system would cover about 60 homes about 2-3 square km area. Many of the CSRD firefighter members have been trained to set these up. Many of the CSRD firefighters  have worked with these units in other forest interface areas.  UBCM; has 4 they are strategically placed in the province and need a tractor trailer, to move them. The units that are being proposed that we look at are smaller and use a type ll trailer out fitted hoses, 8 pumps, sprinklers and connections. The cost could be around 75- 85,000. When the BC government  rents  them out from other areas they cost the provincial government about 6 thousand dollars  per day. If the CSRD had their own we get the money back from the province in emergencies for theses costs. Those years that we do not have fire threats we could rent them out near those rates and they could pay for part or all of the costs of the unit. The sprinklers can cover a 60’ radius with just one line,  depending on the pressure and size of hose available.  In cases where the homes are not set up according to the Firesmart manual (i.e.; cedar shake roof, firewood by the house) it is unlikely resources from these units would be used as it is unlikely they would be effective. The idea is to use the sprinklers systems where they would be most effective and that owners took some responsibility to be Fire safe in interface settings.  In general the Directors were supportive of the idea and the Fire Service Coordinator Jack Blair will look into finding ways of getting funds to purchase these units.