Bob Cavenagh

(This draft is in response to questions about the fire pump at the marina. I talked to David Glover who thinks the pump is quite functional but awkward and best used for planned fires, like burning brush, etc. In an emergency he seems to think it best for the marina to bring the pump out and set it up.

Please send us your comments on the document, and web links to add. I have sought references but am not fully satisfied with what I have located to date.This one is quite comprehensive but too 'full;' SafeCanada: Fire Prevention )

Most lake cottages are built of wood and there is always a potential for fire. On the mainland the fire company can get equipment to most cottages, but on an island one has to be self reliant. Thoughtful planning and advance preparation should be on every cottage owner's mind. Here are some suggestions and facts:

1. Have a fire plan and make sure all family members and guests know it in some detail.
2. Have an evacuation plan, especially from bedrooms. An occasional fire drill isn't a bad idea , and always 'walk' an evacuation plan to make sure it works. Get evacuees well away from the structure and other burnable materials. ( See HRDC: Fire Escape Planning At Work, At Home )
3. Keep a list of emergency numbers close to your phone (fire, ambulance, marina, neighbors) and program them into your cell phone.
4. Install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and make sure they are in good shape. ( See Health Canada: Smoke Detectors )
5. Maintain fire extinguishers in suitable locations. Larger units are more useful, but make sure they can sustain freezing weather.
6. When in doubt, evacuate. Cottages can be replaced, people can't.
7. If possible, notify the marina or David or Lisa Glover. There is a water pump at the marina that can be brought out, but that will require some time.
8. In case of a cooking stove or other small fire, evacuate everyone except one or two able adults immediately. Only those individuals should participate in fire fighting efforts with fire extinguishers, baking soda, etc. They should have an evacuation strategy in case the fire can't be contained.
9. If there is a chimney fire in a wood stove, close all possible dampers on the stove and evacuate.
10. If you suspect an electrical fire, shut off the main switch if you can do so safely. This is always good practice but will shut down your water pump.
11. Don't count on your garden hose. If something knocks out the electrical system, your water pump will not operate.

There are other things you can do to improve fire protection:

1. Inspect your property for fire hazards. Dry leaves and overhanging branches can be hazards. Root out unnecessary flammable items in the cottage. Inspect the electrical system for deterioration and animal damage (I have had a troublesome porcupine).
2. Keep grills and fire pits a safe distance from the cottage.
3. Store flammables such as paint and gasoline well away from the main cottage.
4. Consider buying a fire pump or even a 'trash pump'. Perhaps you can share one with a neighbor. The pump at the marina cannot be brought to you as quickly as one you own. Such units start under $300, use a gasoline engine that will work without electricity, and can draw water from the lake. It should be kept set up and ready to use.
5. (an interesting concept, but practical?) You may wish to consider installing a water storage tank, preferably on higher ground than your cottage. If the tank is high enough, gravity can push water through a hose, or else you can use a pump. Either way, stored water can be delivered more easily than water pumped from the lake.This concept really SHOULD be shared with neighbors.

See also http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa-130.pdf from the US Department of Homeland Security