In a recent issue of the Peak [“Three small wildfires highlight risk factors surrounding community,” August 10], Powell River Fire Rescue deputy fire chief Rocky Swanson was quoted as saying, “...we would have to be completely remiss to think that because of the changing climate this won’t be a problem, because it’s going to be a problem.”
No matter where you look as you drive in and around Powell River, much of what you see is bush, and under present conditions, very dry bush. Beautiful trees and undergrowth, walking and biking trails, and of course blackberries.
The drier the bush gets, the more likely a wildfire akin to what happened in Powell River in 1915 and 1918 is, and it is sure to happen again as the world warms up.
So what if it does happens here? What would you personally do if you had to evacuate Powell River? In fact, how would you do that? Are you prepared and ready?
My sister and her husband live on Horse Lake near 100 Mile House, which was threatened by the Green Lake fire last summer. They had their “toy trailer” packed with all the family valuables for two months, ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Fortunately, there are three ways you can go on a highway from there, but the stress of living with such concerns was restrictive and unpleasant emotionally.
That made me think about how many ways there are out of Powell River. We are vulnerable to a forest fire here, and also to winds from various directions.
So even if the chances of having a serious fire close by are slim to moderate, everyone needs to have a plan, because there would likely be at least a few days’ notice to get out. Choices would be needed.
While the idea of evacuation is up for discussion, is there a community plan for such an event? BC Ferries ought to be a partner in any forward thinking, as would the yacht club and any boat owners in town. Almost every major business should also be involved, in particular the food outlets and BC Hydro, as food supply and powerlines could realistically be at risk.
What would the response be if the supply line between here and Vancouver via Saltery Bay Terminal was inaccessible or electrical service was down? Perhaps a task force is in order.
All these and more factors have to be anticipated in the event of a devastating wildfire in our regional district, not an unfounded consideration in that there are currently about 550 fires burning in BC.
Yes, we have lots of water, but do we have the ability to deliver it to a fire, and the resources to do so?
Think about what you would do if you had to leave in a hurry.
Bill Lytle-McGhee, communications director
Climate Action Powell River
