Editor:
I’m very concerned that we didn’t learn anything two years ago with the devastating wildfire in Sechelt. This year, with a province-wide fire ban, almost no measurable rain since mid-June, and a fire danger rating of “Extreme,” I thought surely we would see fire ban signs posted along Sechelt Inlet Road at Porpoise Bay, Sandy Hook, and Tuwanek as we had in 2015 – but we have not. When I contacted our local authorities about this, I was told that all the available signs had already been posted (where exactly, I’m unsure, as I have yet to see any) and “thanks for your concern.” I believe my neighborhood association got the same unhelpful response to their inquiry.
Our area attracts a lot of visitors, many of whom (based on past behaviour) can’t be bothered to stay up to date on things like fire bans, fire danger ratings, etc. With all the B&Bs, rentals and cabins out this way, our residential areas are more like recreation zones, and we’ve had several close calls over the years with irresponsible (usually illegal) beach/camp fires and tossed lit cigarettes. So I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask our authorities to post a few signs to help raise awareness and reduce the likelihood of a serious fire starting.
Here’s a suggestion: if we’re out of fire ban signs, print some more. Also, going forward, we need permanent signage on Sechelt Inlet Road (perhaps near Porpoise Bay Park) with current fire bans and fire danger ratings clearly posted. With our summers getting hotter and drier and more people visiting each year, we can’t afford to be complacent.
Incidentally, any residential neighborhood on the Coast that doubles as a summer recreation zone (and there are many) should be equally concerned about this.
M.J. Lord, Sandy Hook
