Office of the provincial fire commissioner’s 2021 annual report points to an alarming trend in fire statistics.
City of Powell River fire chief Terry Peters said the report was outlined at the BC provincial fire chiefs association convention in Victoria, which he attended.
The report stated that between 2019 and 2021, fire-related deaths in British Columbia rose from 27 to 56, which is a 107 per cent increase. Additionally, only 42 per cent of reported residential structure fires had a working smoke alarm, the report stated.
“This indicates a significant public safety opportunity for the fire service to increase fire prevention education campaigns with an emphasis on working smoke alarms,” stated fire commissioner Brian Godlonton.
“That’s big provincial news and we’re not exempt here to any of it,” said Peters. “It’s why fire prevention is so important. Stuff like that keeps firefighters awake at night.
“I wonder how it could possibly be that we get into a situation like that with that number of fire deaths, and with the smoke detector statistics; I was horrified. The frontline defence is so minimal. It boggles my mind why somebody would not have a smoke detector.”
Peters said for people who have installed smoke detectors, it’s important to check the batteries regularly.
When the fire commissioner made his announcements at the fire chiefs’ convention, there was literally a gasp in the room, according to the local fire chief.
Peters said this community is not part of fire-related death statistics that the fire commissioner released and that Powell River Fire Rescue does the best it can with the resources it has. He said he tries to push the fire prevention side as best as possible. The department does not have a fire prevention officer, but the job is shared and the department does its best to make sure it is happening.
“We have different programs, like our fire safety house, getting kids involved, but the public has to take some responsibility, when it’s just as simple as having a smoke detector, or making sure the battery is adequate,” said Peters.
When firefighters are out inspecting local businesses, they ensure smoke detectors are in place and working, and that exits and everything else for the safety of the public is looked after. He said that’s one element of the many things the fire department does. The department doesn’t routinely inspect people’s homes, but if people want that, it will.
Peters said the fire commissioner’s report is a wakeup call for everybody.
“It’s a little bit of a black eye for our province,” said Peters. “We’ve got to do better. In this day and age, fire deaths should be going down, not up. It’s very disheartening.”
Peters said the fire department routinely passes along fire safety tips via social media. He suggested that people go to the department’s Facebook page for information.
“If anyone has questions or concerns,” said Peters, “they can contact the fire department.”
