OPEN BURNING BAN! (COVID-19)

Effective April 1, 2020 all open burning in the Comox Fire Protection District (most of CVRD, Area “B”) is banned and all existing permits are cancelled.

This is due to a number of reasons including:

· Consideration of the health and wellbeing of our community and neighbours.

· Many residents sheltering at home.

· Lessen the risk of having a fire become out of control and having our firefighters have to respond to it.

· Limit staffing to respond to open burning complaints.

This is subject to change at very short notice.

Are You Prepared?

Comox Fire Rescue is offering FREE “Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program” (NEPP).

Experience has shown that after a disaster, it may take three or more days for emergency services to reach many of the neighbourhoods and individuals. The NEPP program is designed to provide information, training and skills necessary for individuals and neighbourhoods to be self-sufficient after a disaster.

NEPP programs are scheduled at the Comox Fire Station on:

• Friday, March 13th, at 10 am

• Friday, April 10th, at 10 am

• Friday, May 15th, at 12 pm

Sessions are free. Contact the Comox Community Centre at 250-339-2255 to register.

Meet our Members: Anne Thomas

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Rookie Anne Thomas

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CFR: Was there a specific even that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?

I never grew up thinking that becoming a firefighter was even an option, now it’s huge passion of mine. Giving back to my community, volunteering, it's incredibly fulfilling. Firefighting sincerely found me and I’m eternally grateful for it!

CFR: What is your favourite part of working at Comox Fire Rescue?

I moved to Comox specifically for Comox Fire Rescue- it was by far one of my best life choices. I work along side with some pretty incredible people that I’ve learned so much from. The instructors and officers have become huge mentors in my “Fire Career” and couldn’t ask for better support. It's an honour to be part of such an incredible family.

CFR: Tell us about your family?

I have an incredible better half who is my number one supporter. I also have an adventure kitten named Pika.

CFR: Tell us about your day job? 

Most days during the winter you can find me at Mount Washington as a Pro Ski Patroller. 

CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies? 

Anything outside is where you’ll find me! Skiing, ski touring in the backcountry, surfing, biking, trail running and camping. 

“Anne has been such a great addition to our team. Her hard work and dedication to Comox Fire Rescue is amazing.” states Fire Chief Gord Schreiner. “Thank you for all that you do for our department and our community Anne! Keep up the great work!”

2020 Firefighter Youth Camp is fast approaching!

Every two years (since 2000) Comox Fire Rescue has hosted a 4 day Firefighter Youth Camp for approximately 30 Comox Valley high school students. The camp is open to both males and female students in grades 11 and 12.

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Applications and selections are done by the Work Experience staff in the local high schools. The goal of this camp is to provide significant learning and life experience and to provide skills and attitudes that can be applied now and later in life.

Volunteer training for the Youth Camp is provided by members of Comox Fire Rescue, as well as other firefighters from neighbouring departments.

“We are very fortunate to have a dedicated and hard working team at Comox Fire Rescue to host the Youth Camp.” says Fire Chief Gord Schreiner. “Without their support, as well as the great support from local business to provide food and supplies, this amazing Firefighter Youth Camp could not happen.”

The countdown is on! Here are some photos from the 2018 camp:

Meet our Members: Delaney Carr

This week on "Meet our Members", we interview Recruit Delaney Carr

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CFR: Was there a specific even that first interested you in becoming a fire fighter?

For 3 years before I joined I held a filled out application. I think what inspired me to hand it in was when I was watching a full structure fire happen in my old neighbourhood. Comox Fire Rescue responded, and watching the team work together was what encouraged me to hand it in, I want to be apart of helping others.

CFR: What is your favourite part of working at Comox Fire Rescue?

The training centre and all of our firefighters who take part of the training and educating others. Comox FD hosts some incredible courses like Live Fire and START which have been some of the most educational and resourceful courses in my FF career so far. These courses also are open to many other fire departments, it gives us the opportunity to work and train with new people and develop our skills and learn new things.

CFR: Tell us about your family?

I have my older sister, Ryley and my parents, Leslie & Rob. Also, my spouse Jayden, who is also a member of Comox FD.

CFR: Outside of the fire department, what are your interests/hobbies?

Everything Vancouver Island! We live in such a beautiful place. I love to be up the mountain snowboarding during the winter and anywhere with a lake or beach during the summer. I also am very passionate about travelling and seeing new places - I try to visit a new country every year.

CFR: What would you tell someone that is thinking about becoming a Paid on Call Firefighter?

I have found that devotion and perseverance are the keys in the fire industry. It is a lot more than fighting fires. Departments are looking for those with the desire and ability to provide community service, and it is wonderful being able to partake in charitable events and organizations. There is a lot of job satisfaction and reward that comes with it. 

CFR: What is your regular “Day Job”?

For 8 years now I have been working in the veterinary industry with small and large animals, I partake in pretty much every job inside the clinic I work for. I love what I do! Saving animals and educating clients on pet healthcare is my passion. My goal is to become a registered technician next year.

“It’s wonderful to have great people on our team like Delaney. Good luck on your continued training Delaney! " says Comox Fire Rescue Chief Gord Schreiner.