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Concerns Rise Over Fire Safety in Duncan, B.C.

A business owner in Duncan, British Columbia, has voiced alarm over new municipal regulations, which have reduced firefighter responses to small warming fires. The policy, implemented by the local government, has raised fears about the potential for these fires to escalate into dangerous situations.

Will Arnold, the proprietor of Experience Cycling, located along the Trans Canada Highway, noted that he and fellow business owners frequently find themselves extinguishing fires set by individuals experiencing homelessness in the area. Arnold recounted troubling instances where people have inadvertently fallen asleep near their fires, leading to serious injuries when their clothing ignited.

“It’s a significant concern for us,” Arnold remarked, reflecting on the dangerous implications of these unsupervised fires. He emphasized that the situation has escalated to the point where the risk of larger fires threatening nearby buildings is increasing.

Policy Changes and Community Impact

The recent shift in policy was enacted by Duncan’s city council in September. According to officials, the fire department faced an overwhelming number of nuisance calls regarding small fires, prompting the need to reconsider their response capabilities.

Mayor Michelle Staples stated, “We are not talking about calls for structures here. What we are talking about are very small fires that are not in close proximity to buildings or awnings.” The council’s intention was to manage resources effectively and avoid burnout among fire department personnel, who are primarily on-call rather than on duty 24/7. She added that they have been exploring alternative solutions, such as involving bylaw officers and security personnel in managing these fires instead.

However, Arnold expressed skepticism regarding this new approach. He pointed out that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are often called upon to assist with fire-related incidents, including urging individuals experiencing homelessness to extinguish their own fires or aiding businesses in managing the situation. Nevertheless, Arnold fears that these measures may not be enough to prevent a major incident.

“I’m genuinely worried about the lack of fire protection in our area,” he stated, adding that the rising costs of insurance and business operations are compounding his concerns.

The Growing Threat of Wildfires

As discussions around fire safety continue, the broader context of wildfire risks in British Columbia further complicates matters. The province has seen a number of significant wildfires in recent years, which puts additional pressure on fire response resources. Given the current trends, many residents are increasingly aware of the consequences that fire can present, not just from small incidents but from the broader environmental conditions that spark large-scale wildfires.

Arnold’s call to action reflects a larger dialogue about community safety and resource management in the face of ongoing challenges. As the city navigates this policy change, the stakes remain high for local business owners and residents alike, all of whom are invested in ensuring their neighborhoods are safe from fire hazards.

Source
globalnews.ca