A Member Owned Recreational Park
We have been very lucky to date in that our park has never really been under significant threat from fire in its long history. But as recent events have demonstrated in California, not being prepared is a recipe for disaster.
Our winters are getting warmer and our summers are getting drier. We cannot be complacent in our approach and we should all remain diligent in our efforts to minimise risk whenever we can.
We are served by the Bowser fire department and they are not next door. They are 9 minutes away and a lot can happen in 9 minutes.
Ask yourself the following questions;
do you know the Security phone number, if not it’s written on a board at Security, add it to your contact list. they would be your first call if you discover a fire!
Have you discussed with your family or camping neighbours a disaster plan?
Do you know where ALL the escape routes are from your campsite to the main gate AND the emergency exits?
Most new campers have a fire extinguisher but do you understand how to use it?
Where is the nearest fire hose to your site, can you use it if you had too?
Where is the power supply to your site, it’s too late at 3am to go looking in the dark to find it.
When was the last time you cleared out the undergrowth from vegetation surrounding your campsite, if you cannot answer that question then maybe it’s been too long.
Is your camp fire in the best location with a clear overhead?
Are your propane tanks easy to get at? or are they stuck behind a great pile of firewood, maybe you should look at that and take remedial action.
The park’s fire hoses run off the main water supply, the same one that supplies your trailer’s water. So it’s not designed to fight a forest fire for 3 hours let alone several days. So we cannot expect to contain a fire for long no matter how small.
So, Make a plan, know your limits, keep your site clear of debris and underbrush and if something does happen and you can help then do so, if you cannot then go help your neighbours but GET OUT OF THE WAY!
For those who would like to know how to use our fire equipment, it is intended to have a few teaching sessions across the summer. Please watch the notice boards for dates and times.
I recommend everyone attend at least one session.
Please be fire aware and let’s keep our park the beautiful place that it is.
Regards.
Kevin Baker, President Spider Lake Springs campers association