EFFECTIVE DATE: May 3, 2019

The BC Energy Regulator (Regulator) is reminding industry to exercise extreme caution for all activities during the upcoming fire season.

Companies are strongly urged to undertake the following proactive measures:

• Increase vigilance when conducting flaring operations.
• Sufficient blackened areas.
• Flare stacks in good working order – no carbon build-up.
• Knock-out drums checked, and high-level alarms and/or shut-offs in good working order.
• Increase site maintenance including the clearing of debris and vegetation.
• Review Emergency Response Plans with employees, specifically wildfire procedures.
• Report smoke or fire to 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 for cell phones.
• Provide employees with regular updates of fire hazards and preventive measures.
• Provide up-to-date emergency contact information to the BC Energy Regulator.

This year, the Regulator is requesting permit holders to provide current, clear and up-to-date emergency contact information. We ask this information be regularly reviewed and kept current to ensure direct point of contact, if needed, during a natural disaster. During such situations, contact information may also be shared with BC Wildfire Management and Emergency Management BC. Please email us current contact information using the subject line: “Primary Emergency contact” to EMP@bcogc.ca and provide the name, phone number(s), email and individual’s role within the company.

Links to wildfire mapping and other provincial emergency information are available on the Regulator’s Provincial Emergency Updates webpage, including the FireSmart Guidebook for the Oil and Gas Industry. If operations are affected by fire, permit holders must report the disruption to the Regulator by calling the Emergency Officer at 250-793-7084.

Operators are encouraged to follow the Province’s Wildfire Situation website and stay abreast of news and bulletins related to current fire situations. It’s important to ensure staff are prepared to respond to any urgent requests from Wildfire Management with respect to fire operations around facilities and pipelines.

To view a map of active wildfires, go to BC Wildfire Service’s webpage.

If you have any questions regarding this Safety and Environmental Advisory, please contact:

Security and Emergency Management Branch
BC Energy Regulator
EMP@bcogc.ca
250-794-5343