Four operators of marinas in Gibsons Harbour recently donated more than $6,000 to replace the Gibsons and District Vol-unteer Fire Department’s (GDVFD) 25-year-old off-grid firefighting equipment.
The Gibsons Landing Harbour Authority, Hyak Marine Ltd., HiBaller Productions Inc. (operators of Smitty’s Marina) and Gibsons Marina shared the cost of the two rapid attack pump units. This equipment will be deployed to pump water from lakes, the ocean, ponds or streams to fight forest fires as well as blazes near or on the water where municipal water sources are not available.
Fire Chief Rob Michael notes that the old equipment could not be repaired, as parts were no longer available. The current budget could not provide for replacing the units. As the need was both acute (especially in the current extremely dry forest conditions) and immediate, firefighter Greig Soohen approached local businesses. The marina operators immediately recognized the benefit of having this equipment available for responding to on-water and shoreline emergencies, and stepped in.
With the prospect of its ranks being greatly affected by recent layoffs at Howe Sound Pulp and Paper (approximately one-third of the GDVFD volunteers are mill employees), Soohen notes that the equipment can be readily deployed when a full complement of firefighters are not available.
The GDVFD welcomes new volunteers and invites anyone interested in learning more about firefighting to contact 604-885-6870 and speak with the newly hired training officer, George Williams. Applications are also available at the Gibsons & District Volunteer Fire Department.
– Submitted
