We're recommending companies review their emergency management plans for wildfire preparedness--to identify gaps in planning and improve site level preparedness.
DATE ISSUED: Feb. 20, 2024
EFFECTIVE DATE: Immediately
As the 2024 wildfire season approaches, the British Columbia Energy Regulator (BCER) is recommending permit holders review their emergency management plans for wildfire preparedness. Also, consider actions that may be taken now to address any identified gaps in planning and improving site level wildfire resiliency and preparedness. Actions to consider include:
- Review of asset locations, considering where deployment of structural protection units (SPU’s) may be needed and where SPU’s may be available.
- Creating on-site sufficient water supplies to provide a minimum of 24 hours of structural protection from wildfires/fires. Please note authorizations are required for some types of water use and storage. If there are questions about authorizations, please contact servicedesk@bc-er.ca.
- Ensuring sufficient area beneath and around any flare stacks are free of combustible materials and vegetation, per section 47(h) of the Drilling and Production Regulation and inspecting all flare equipment to ensure liquids carry-over or burning cinders which could cause ignitions of surrounding areas are prevented.
- Improving vegetation management in accordance with FireSmart BC recommendations around critical sites to the extent allowed within permits.
- Reviewing staff safety plans, evacuation protocols and designated muster areas.
- Reviewing reporting procedures:
- How to report a wildfire by calling 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cell phone.
- Confirming when a site has been evacuated to the authority having jurisdiction.
- Reporting any hazardous products on-site which could create risks for wildfire crews through BCER or the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness’ call centre.
All field staff should know how to monitor current wildfire conditions and it is recommended they install the BC Wildfire Service app on their mobile devices to provide near real-time awareness of any new fire locations. Companies with GIS capabilities can make use of near real-time fire information available at https://www.bc-er.ca/news-publications/provincial-emergency-updates/ under BC Wildfire Service Links.
If you have any questions regarding this Safety Advisory, please contact:
Peter Dalton
Director, Emergency Management and Security
BC Energy Regulator
250-794-5200