Call outs for GVFD drop in September

Derek Kilbourn

Sounder News

September saw a decrease in call outs for the Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department, with 47 calls in September 2023, compared to 54 in 2022.

The GVFD is still up in total calls for the year, with 449 calls by the end of September 2023, compared to 386 by end of September in 2022.

Medical calls are down year-to-date compared to 2022, with 230 listed on the statistics page for the GVFD for 2023, compared to 245 medical calls in 2022 by end of September.

Fire Chief Will Sprogis was reporting on the callouts at the regular meeting of the Gabriola Fire Protection Improvement District (GFPID) Board.

In his report, Sprogis noted the MCI (Mass casualty incident) training scenario coming up on October 22.

Gabriolans have volunteered to play casualties for the scenario.

Sprogis said agencies confirmed to attend so far are Gabriola RCMP, BC Ambulance Service, RDN Emergency Support Services (ESS), GERTIE, and the Gabriola Fellowship Church.

The GVFD is working with the Gabriola Land and Trails Trust (GaLTT) to host another vegetation drop. The last event saw over 200 vehicles drop vegetation. Currently there is no Firesmart money to pay for the event.

For recruitment, seven new candidates plus a former member have signed up with the GVFD, which puts the department over 40 members. Recruits are working through their initial training exams.

During the meeting, Paul Giffin, Board Chair, said there was no information available at the meeting regarding the new Deputy Chief position. The posting for the position closed for applications in September.

Giffin said there should be information in the near future on that position, as well as the contract accountant position advertised in September.