An important Fire Safety update from David Gallup

Hello, I’m sure everyone is looking forward to another glorious summer in the Bay.  I hope everyone has a great time, but I want to remind you to be safe and careful with fire, boats, swimming etc. Below are some helpful reminders:

• We have made some changes to the Fire Safety page on our BICA website, so please take a few minutes to review it by clicking on the link. (Note: There are some useful links for fire prevention and risk mitigation at the bottom of the Fire Safety page).

• Take a moment to look at the map and identify the pumps closest to you.  We also recommend that you visit your neighbors and learn where their pump and accessories are stored.  If your island/pump location is off, you can fix that yourself by changing the GPS location on your member profile page.  Click the Update This Property button.

• If you do have a fire pump, don’t forget to get it out and test it. It’s a good reminder on how to use it as well.

• We have had a great response to the WhatsApp BICA COMMUNITY groups.  Please use the Emergency Only BICA group for reporting fires, accidents and injuries.  Anyone can request to join the group, you don’t have to have a fire pump or know how to run one.  All other posts should be in the other WhatsApp BICA COMMUNITY groups.  

• While there is currently a fire ban, once lifted, if you are planning to have any type of outdoor fire on your islands, it’s very helpful to announce it in the Non-Emergency BICA group.  Be sure to burn in a safe area away from fuel sources.  Have plenty of water available, keep the size down, and don’t burn if it’s too windy.  A fire ring is a good idea, and watering the area before burning is recommended.  Be sure the fire is completely out before leaving it unattended.  Remember, fire can spread by pine needles in the cracks in the rocks and stay burning underground for hours or days.

• We will once again have a FireSmart Training session with NEMI VFD Chief Duayne Deschamps and his great crew.  Everyone who has attended one has said it was time well spent.  Duane covers everything from risk reduction to active fire fighting, with an emphasis on keeping yourself and everyone else safe.  We end with everyone getting a chance to start and run a pump and to handle the hose and nozzles.  Training will be held on Sunday, July 26th at Bay Villa from 9 -11 AM and is open to 20 participants.  Please email David Gallup at dr_gallup@yahoo.com to reserve your spot.

• Finally, one of our ten $500 NEMI fire pump subsidies from 2024 was never claimed.  We are offering it up, first come, first served.  Please email David Gallup at dr_gallup@yahoo.com to stake your claim.  

Thank you for your attention to fire safety in the bay.

David Gallup
BICA Board Member