On Jan. 18, the Chinook Emergency Response Society (CERS) held a community meeting at Grassy Plains School to address the issues of the Emergency and Disaster Management Act.

Scott Zayac from CERS said he was happy to see many concerned community members at the meeting.

鈥淲e had a packed house and informative and lively conversation. We had representatives from Regional District Bulkley Nechako (RDBN) and John Rustad鈥檚 office to field questions and offer guidance. Even though not all the answers were well received, they were respected.鈥�

Zayac said that, at this point, CERS intends to operate business as usual for the upcoming wildfire season. He stated that CERS will continue passing vital communication around wildfire starts and suppression efforts to the community.

鈥淚t is up to individual community members to decide if they would like to volunteer to respond to emergencies and wildfire starts.鈥�

Zayac added that CERS has an ongoing and constantly developing relationship with RDBN.

鈥淲e are grateful for this relationship and continue to work with them to assist residents. To our knowledge, the act does not affect the permitting process that is in place now, but your best answers would come directly from the RDBN.鈥�

CERS continues to thrive, improve our education systems, communication and coordination with Francois/Ootsa Lake residents, and is preparing for another wildfire season. 鈥淭his will continue no matter what happens with this legislation.鈥�

鈥淲e do not have an exact number, but after last night鈥檚 meeting, I feel confident it will be in the hundreds just from this region.鈥�

Zayac appreciates Cheslatta Carrier Nation Chief Corrina Leween鈥檚 community-focused time and effort in this endeavour and stated that CERS鈥檚 board member keeps in touch with her. Chief Leween was recently appointed to the provincial wildfire board.

The government is accepting input into the development of the regulations of the legislation until Jan. 31. This is the only opportunity for community members to have their voices heard. It is a chance to let the Province know about the community鈥檚 concerns and, more importantly, how they would like to see this legislation put boots on the ground.

The government can develop regulations that work in partnership with community members and community groups and not penalize or criminalize residents responding to emergencies.

Zayac said that April is only three months away, and CERS is anticipating another bad fire season in 2024. 鈥淟ast year, the first fire was reported on April 15 in the East Ootsa area.鈥�