Reading about the disaster that is Jasper has refreshed thoughts of our own potential catastrophe that is LAU,WELNEW/John Dean Provincial Park here in North Saanich.
Surrounded by 782 residential homes, Dean Park is also home to vital communications equipment from airport radar, Coast Guard radar and e-con communications for 911 emergency calls. With only one access road, it is a possible catastrophe waiting to happen. Admittedly the park does have fire suppression equipment.
Dean Park residents have advised the appropriate authorities of the situation over the last few years, even requesting the closure of the entrance gate during extreme fire risks like we are currently experiencing to moderate the risk. The response from government departments has been tepid indifference, to say the least. From July 7 to July 28, a total of 11 cigarette butts were collected and documented from the parking lot and access road. We must remind ourselves that modern-day vehicles do not have ashtrays so the only ashtray available is out the window.
Admittedly, some fire suppression tactics and controlled burning have taken place but only after pressure from some residents. If Dean Park erupts into a massive fireball due to a combination of irresponsible smokers and incompetence by provincial departments then we certainly will have another Jasper right here in North Saanich unless common sense prevails by closing the gate to vehicular traffic during periods of extremely high fire risk.
Robin Chown
North Saanich
