They modified an Ice Rescue Trailer into a Disaster Response/Support Unit. Decker says the trailer is stocked and ready for members with cases of water, food, n95 masks, stretchers/cots, blankets, generator, air conditioning, and first aid supplies.
Given the forest fire situation and risk across the province, the Bay of Islands Volunteer Search and Rescue team spent some time getting ready to go and help, if needed. Several Search and Rescue teams are already supporting forest fire operations and evacuations on the east coast. BOISAR Coordinator Shawn Street says all search and rescue teams have been put on standby.
Street says they have about 15 members here ready to go at any time. He says with the accommodation shortage due to the high number of evacuees, they can also be called to help…Stephen Decker handles fundraising with BOISAR. He says they modified an Ice Rescue Trailer into a Disaster Response/Support Unit. Decker says the trailer is stocked and ready for members with cases of water, food, n95 masks, stretchers/cots, blankets, generator, air conditioning, and first aid supplies. BOISAR is reminding everyone that following the fire ban will help officials devote resources to the areas in greatest need.
UPDATE: A new evacuation alert is now in effect for the Town of Victoria. An evacuation advisory issued for cabin owners in the Martin Lake, Great Rattling Brook and Rushy Pond areas off Route 360 (Bay d’Espoir Highway) has been extended to include all cabins from Rushy Pond to Rifle Lake (approximately 45 kilometres from the Trans-Canada Highway). Of note, the reception centre at Persalvic in Victoria has relocated to Carbonear. This transition will allow officials to accommodate a larger number of evacuees.
Fire Chief Nikkia O’Brien says thanks to the quick actions of our firefighters, the situation was brought under control — but it’s a stark reminder of just how serious our current fire ban is.
This includes Northern Traverse, Long Range Traverse, Big Lookout, Gros Morne Summit and Ferry Gulch, Western Brook Pond Gorge Day Hike, and Tablelands Off-Trail Hiking.
BayFM recognizes support from the following agencies: