July 22 marks one year since the Dogtooth wildfire started south of Golden, a fire that tested the strength and resilience of our community.
On July 24, 2024, rapidly evolving fire conditions led to the evacuation of over 100 properties near Parson and alerts for more than 1,000 others. Structures were lost, including four homes. While the memories of that week remain vivid for many, so too does the response.
In the days that followed, the Town of Golden’s Emergency Operations Centre, BC Wildfire Service Southeast Fire Centre, and two BC Wildfire Incident Management Teams worked around the clock alongside the Nicholson Fire Department, Golden Search and Rescue, Golden Fire & Rescue, Golden Fire Jumpers, RCMP, and many more. Volunteers with Emergency Support Services provided critical help to evacuees, while residents and businesses stepped up in countless ways to support one another.
As we look back, we think of those who were directly impacted by the wildfire and recognize the dedication of the agencies, organizations, volunteers, businesses, and neighbours who came together when it mattered most. The strength, compassion, and resilience shown in the face of crisis are what define Golden and Area A. It truly was, and continues to be, the Golden way.
Looking ahead:
Since 2024, the Golden and Area Emergency Program (GAEP) has been successful in several grant applications to modernize the Emergency Operations Centre and equip the program with state-of-the-art communications tools, and the Emergency Program Executive Committee has been re-engaged. The GAEP Coordinator has been working with Emergency Support Services (ESS) to onboard and train new volunteers, started working with communities in Area A to develop Neighbourhood Emergency Programs, and is working on an updated Emergency Management Plan for Golden and Area A that will reflect new and upcoming changes to provincial legislation. Town staff have developed a draft crisis communications plan and are working towards an updated business continuity plan for the municipality.
Be Prepared: Know the hazards, make a plan and prepare a 72-hour kit of emergency supplies. For more information, visit preparedbc.ca
Get involved: If you would like to get involved with ESS, they are always looking for new volunteers. Learn more at golden.ca/ess or reach out to Leanne at Leanne.GoldenESSD@gmail.com
FireSmart your property: Protecting your community starts with you! Being proactive in making your home, property and neighbourhood FireSmart will help increase your home’s resiliency when wildfires approach. To learn more or to request a FireSmart Assessment, visit golden.ca/firesmart