Trucks from several different local fire departments will be on campus as the Office of the Fire Commissioner and the BC Wildfire Service do advance planning work in the region.
UBC’s Okanagan campus began housing 25 firefighters and their equipment today in its summer residence accommodations as part of its continued support of the BC wildfire emergency effort.
“Those in our community may see an increased presence of firefighters, staff and heavy firefighting equipment at UBC Okanagan in the coming days while the Office of the Fire Commissioner and the BC Wildfire Service do advance planning work in the region,” says Director of Campus Operations and Risk Management Shelley Kayfish. “We are working closely with these authorities to offer accommodation to emergency personnel as part of our commitment to the provincial emergency response plan.”
UBC Okanagan Deputy Vice Chancellor and Principal Deborah Buszard also welcomed the team.
“Our thoughts are first and foremost with all those who have been affected by these devastating fires,” says Buszard. “Firefighters and emergency responders have been doing an incredible job as they battle to preserve lives and property across the province. I’m very pleased that we’re able to provide a safe and comfortable refuge here on campus as they make further preparations.”
The firefighters and their equipment are expected to remain for the next couple of weeks.
