Fort St. John firefighter on preparedness in wake of Fish Creek fire

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Fort St. John’s deputy fire chief says the last week has been a good example of why emergency preparedness is important.

May 4th to 10th is Emergency Preparedness Week, an annual awareness campaign reminding residents to be prepared to evacuate in case of unexpected crises like fires and floods. 

Matt Troiano says the 56-hectare Fish Creek Community Forest fire, which began on May 1st and led to the temporary closure of both the forest and a nearby golf club, showcases why emergency preparedness is so important.

Homes located near the fire needed to be evacuated for the safety of the people living there. The day after the fire began, everyone living in the area was able to return home, but Troiano says that might not have been the case if the initial evacuation didn’t go smoothly.

“This past week is a really good example,” Troiano explains. “In a little bit different circumstances, there could have been a much larger impact on some of these properties.”

Troiano says the Fort St. John Fire Department advises residents to have ‘72-hour kits’ on hand, with everything they will need to sustain themselves and their families for three days in case of an emergency.

“A good thing to keep in mind is clothes,” Troiano says. “Clothes, and any kind of toiletries or something like that, that will keep you sustained. It’s always good to keep some water, some food, rations and that kind of aspect.”

He also recommends coats and warm clothing, in case residents need to evacuate their homes in the winter, as well as essential items for pets.

“There’s some really good, comprehensive lists online that will help guide you,” he says. “There’s also some kits that are pre-built that you can purchase, but it’s just a matter of ensuring that you have what we would refer to as a ‘go-bag’ in case something happens.”

Troiano says emergency preparedness is especially important during the wildfire season.

“This time of year, especially with what we just experienced [at Fish Creek Community Forest] over the past week, this would be a good opportunity for families to have a look at this and take it seriously.”

The federal government’s website has more information regarding Emergency Preparedness Week.

Troiano’s interview aired on 100.1 Moose FM during the May 9th episode of This Week in the Peace. To view the full episode, look below.