TIVFD: August 16 - October 23

That was quite the run in EXTREME hazard and your fire department wants to thank all of you for following the regulations and keeping our risk of wildfire as low as possible.  We went to HIGH hazard on July 31st, which meant restricted high hazard activity hours and posting of a fire watch after noon.  Two weeks later we shot up to EXTREME on August 16th and all spark producing activities had to shut down.  We were hoping that it would be a short-lived period of nervousness, but the drought continued, and we were unable to lower the hazard rating until October 16th.

We dropped to MODERATE from EXTREME on October 23.  That was 68 days in EXTREME.  That is a record for us.

All around us the other Cowichan Valley fire halls were out daily addressing bush fires started by human activities and one fire was out of control for several days.  Here on Thetis, because of your alertness and commitment to keeping our island out of the wildfire statistics and keeping our island homes safe, we were able to dodge a serious fire event.  Your firefighters, the water supply Auxiliary Team and the Structural Protection Unit Team greatly appreciate your support.  We train for events we never want to happen.  You make them not happen for us.

Fire Chief J. Caldbeck