VICTORIANEWS Class act
Vic High grads celebrate 60th anniversary Page A3
NEWS: Ferry gambling idea jettisoned /A5 ARTS: Conservatory kicks off workshop series /A17 SPORTS: Strawberry Cup up for grabs /A20
Proudly serving Esquimalt & Victoria
Friday, June 12, 2015
250.381.8725
If you’re storing anywhere else, “you’re paying too much”
www.upakstorage.com
www.vicnews.com
Warm weather puts firefighters on high alert Unseasonable dry weather producing an increase in grass and mulch fires Kendra Wong
the number of mulch fires. From January to June of this year, crews have responded to 23 mulch With unseasonably warm tem- fires, almost double the amount peratures, dry weather and lack they had the previous year. “With the exceedingly dry conof moisture, local fire departments are bracing for a long season of ditions, they can start with something as simple as a cigarette butt grass and mulch fires. “With the way things are right being carelessly discarded to somenow, things are really dry out there. one deliberately setting it with a Our hazard rating in Greater Victo- match or a lighter,” said Doug ria, certainly in Saanich, is at high Carey, deputy chief with the Victoria Fire Departand that means ment. the surface fuels “People go out and He noted it are very dry. So takes a minimum grass fires are very have a smoke break and of one fire truck easy ignited,” said in two hours it’s gone and four firefightCapt. Richard Pala ers to respond to a of the Saanich Fire from smouldering to mulch or grass fire. Department. flaming. ” In Oak Bay, the The fire depart– Capt. Richard Pala, fire department ment responded is keeping a close to 59 grass fires Saanich Fire Department eye on grass levels in 2014. So far this year, they’ve seen 20 grass fires — in parks. “Right now we’re monitoring our 14 of which were in May and three grass levels. Some of the areas like already in June. The main culprit: cigarette butts. Anderson and Gonzales hills there, “People go out and have a smoke we’re starting to look at whether or break and in two hours it’s gone not that’s going to be posted in the from smouldering to flaming,” said next week or so, with regards to Pala, noting that many of the fires fire danger for those grass areas,” occurred in front of businesses said Oak Bay fire chief Dave Cockle, such as gas stations, offices or bus adding that they’ve had two bark mulch fires in June, both outside stops. Broken glass, which can also the Oak Bay Recreation Centre. magnify the rays of the sun, are also cause for concern. PLEASE SEE: The Victoria Fire Department has Firefighters asking public also seen a significant increase in to be fire aware, Page A6
Victoria News
Christine van Reeuwyk/Black Press
Victoria fire chief Paul Bruce, left, and Oak Bay fire chief Dave Cockle checked out a Dallas Road beach earlier this year for beach fires. Fire officials say warm, dry weather is increasing the odds for more mulch and grass fires this summer.
DID YOU KNOW?
One of these people will experience some form of hearing loss during their lifetime.
1 in 4 Canadians identify themselves as deaf, or hard of hearing.* Hearing loss does not discriminate by race, age, sex or occupation and can sneak up on you at any time, causing confusion, frustration and stress for you and your loved ones. A simple hearing screening can dramatically improve your quality of life!
CALL TO REQUEST YOUR FREE HEARING SCREENING TODAY!
Why Choose Miracle-Ear? Hearing Specialists. Industry Pioneers. Personalized Service.
Hearing aids do not restore natural hearing. Individual experiences vary depending on severity of hearing loss, accuracy of evaluation, proper fit and ability to adapt to amplification. Hearing screenings are always free. © 2014 Miracle-Ear, Inc.
Miracle-Ear Now in Canada!
Victoria
Douglas Shopping Center
2950 Douglas Street
778-402-4315