The Dunster Community Forest Society (DCFS) is reviving the Dunster Community Fire Brigade in response to growing concerns about wildfire safety in the area.
The initiative follows a fire suppression workshop held in May at the Dunster Schoolhouse, which inspired local residents to take proactive steps towards fire preparedness.
The idea to form a brigade stems from concerns about delayed response times from the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), which can take up to an hour by road.
DCFS Business and Marketing Administrator Marie Hyde explained the urgency: “We don’t want to be stuck with our pants down – we should have some kind of a first response.”
Dunster has a history of community-led fire response.
Dunster Fire Station #1, a small red shed near the general store, was established by former store owner Claude Hill.
For years, Hill and local volunteers tackled fires in the region using a basic trailer with a 250-gallon tank and other equipment.
“When you’re outside of the town of either McBride or Valemount, there’s no fire protection, period,” Hill said of his decision to create the station.
“So I thought, ‘Okay, we’ll get our own firefighting equipment.’” However, after Hill retired in 2002, the station fell into inactivity.
DCFS is now working to restore Dunster Fire Station #1, restocking it with updated firefighting gear.
The society is applying for grants and funding to purchase hoses, trailers, and water tanks.
Residents are also being surveyed to collect data on household resources, which will aid in disaster response.
According to Hyde, local loggers and their equipment could assist in fighting fires before BCWS crews arrive, particularly when the wildfire service is stretched thin.
She is optimistic about a coordinated community response and is developing a map to assist both the fire brigade and BCWS.
To support fire safety efforts, the DCFS is seeking volunteers for the fire brigade.
Hyde noted that many residents have taken preventative steps by installing sprinklers and participating in FireSmart assessments.
“The community can come together with our own equipment to at least work on our homes or areas close to the highway… until BCWS shows up to do the real work in the bush,” Hyde said.
The DCFS continues to explore additional funding opportunities to ensure the fire brigade has the resources needed for the upcoming fire season.
The Dunster Community Forest Society (DCFS) has formed the Dunster Community Fire Brigade, inspired by a May fire suppression workshop.
The move comes in response to concerns about the delayed arrival of BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) crews during fires.
DCFS Business and Marketing Administrator Marie Hyde highlighted the importance of local preparedness, stating the need for a first response team to manage fires before BCWS arrives.
Efforts are underway to restock Dunster Fire Station #1 and secure funding for new firefighting equipment.
The DCFS is also seeking volunteers and encouraging fire safety measures within the community.
