‘Large scale fires’ not a concern here - prevention is key
Nikita Mohile
Amid the devastating news coming out of Jasper, Alberta, and the staggering number of wildfires burning elsewhere across the country this summer, it’s easy to wonder if Uxbridge could ever be affected by a fire like those mentioned above. Uxbridge has had its share of hot and dry weather, so what about Uxbridge makes it almost resistant to wildfires?
The Cosmos met with Uxbridge fire chief and community emergency management coordinator Mike MacDonald to learn if Uxbridge should be worried about wildfires and other natural disasters.
"We don't call them wildland fires here because we're considered a rural and more urban area that doesn’t have large, dense uninhabited forests and areas of brush, unlike northern BC or northern Ontario," says MacDonald. He also says that the abundance of farmland in and around the township is a saving grace.
But that doesn't mean it's impossible to start an unsafe fire.
"In the fire service, we look at three lines of defense," MacDonald explains. "Prevention and education is number one, inspection is number two, and last is suppression."
A key aspect of prevention, education and inspection is the Township’s burn permit process that is in place to ensure people are burning fires in safe conditions. Even in the event of a fire, the chief noted that they can rely on residents of Uxbridge to call the fire department before the fire gets out of control.
MacDonald also says that the fire department closely monitors weather forecasts and information provided daily by the province related to risk of fires, and if necessary will impose a fire ban, a key to prevention.
“The best way to control a fire is to prevent it, so it’s up to every individual to stay educated on fire safety.”
Because of Uxbridge’s geography and community awareness of how to stay safe with fire, MacDonald says he is "confident that a fire would have a very low probability of getting out of control."
While large-scale fires aren't as much of a concern for Uxbridge, other emergencies aren't out of the question. After a summer with record-breaking temperatures, the possibility of a heatwave is ever-present. Various halls and municipal buildings can be converted into cooling centres in a heatwave. The Township would then work with agencies and perform wellness checks on at-risk populations who are without access to air conditioning.
"In a severe heatwave you're always worried about the vulnerable population. Seniors, young children, and those with medical conditions," says MacDonald.
Similarly, when the tornado hit in May 2022, the main priority was citizens' safety. Immediately after the tornado went through, the Township set up and staffed the Emergency Operations Centre at the fire hall and notified utility companies, Durham Regional Police, the Works department, and the Building department, all in an effort to return power, maintain safety, clear roads, and inspect buildings. While the Uxbridge Arena was supposed to be an emergency shelter, it was hit especially hard and was considered no longer safe.
With emergency situations, MacDonald says it’s always best to expect the unexpected.
"It's great to have a plan," says Macdonald, "But you have to have an ability to shift gears and be flexible; you'll always have to think of something else."
Nikita Mohile is a student contributor to the Cosmos.