Emergency Preparedness Week is all about recognizing the shared responsibility we all have in keeping our community safe, and that starts with acknowledging the people who dedicate themselves to that mission every day.
Our local firefighters, RCMP officers, paramedics, BC Wildfire Service crews, Municipal Emergency team, and Emergency Support Services volunteers are the backbone of our emergency response. Whether they’re responding to wildfires, helping with evacuations, or supporting residents through crisis situations, their commitment and courage are unmatched.
These teams work tirelessly to protect homes, land, and the people who live here, often under intense and challenging conditions. But as we’ve heard throughout this week, they can’t do it alone.
Wildfire preparedness starts at home. When residents take simple actions like clearing dry debris and following FireSmart tips or preparing a grab-and-go bag, it helps reduce risk for everyone, including our emergency responders. It means fewer structures to defend, fewer calls for help, and safer conditions for those on the front lines.
We all have a role to play. By working together, emergency personnel and residents alike, we strengthen our whole community’s ability to respond, recover, and stay resilient through wildfire season.
Take a moment today to thank a local responder. And then take one more step to prepare your own household, because when it comes to wildfire safety, we’re all in it together.
