Oliver Fire Department Celebrates Completion of Training Competencies

Type: News Release
Type: News Release
Type: News Release
Type: News Release

PLAYBOOK – Interior Operations Service Level

Oliver Fire Department members recently celebrated completion of competencies to meet the Interior Operations Service Level declared by the Town of Oliver and the Oliver Fire Department. The department has educated 12 fire personnel as Trainers and 28 members have successfully met the competencies to fight interior fires. Of the 33 Oliver Fire Department members 29 are also Exterior Operations Service level trained, with the 3 new members receiving first year training.

Oliver Fire Department follows the PLAYBOOK which outlines the BC Fire Service Minimum Training Standards established by the Office of the Fire Commissioner. The PLAYBOOK establishes clear expectations regarding training and the creation and management of training records. The Oliver Fire Department choose not to use third party trainers and trained internal department members as trainers to instruct and evaluate the required competencies to its members. The benefits of training the trainer has realized significant cost savings and having accredited trainers to guide future recruits.

Interior Operations is the service level that authorizes firefighting activities that include entry into structures and objects with the purpose and/or extinguishment of fire. This level requires use of specialized protective equipment and procedures beyond exterior operations service level. In the event of an interior operation service training Team Leaders supervise and ensure the safety of firefighters during the entire operation.

Year end statistics:

205 calls (busiest year to date)

· 15 structure fires

· 18 brush fires

· 9 vehicle fires

· 18 ambulance assists

· 28 MVIs

· 57 direct alarms

· 60 miscellaneous calls (gas leaks/wires down)

89 In-town

81 Rural

35 Osoyoos Indian Band

Major 2019 Fire – Eagle Bluff Fire and Fire Patrols

Inquiries:

Cathy Cowan, CAO

Town of Oliver

250 485 6200

Bob Graham, Fire Chief

Town of Oliver

250 498 9992