A wildfire detection system is being installed in Harrison Hot Springs this week.
On Friday, Aug. 30, village officials announced installation for the village's Sensenet system is scheduled to start on Wednesday, Sept. 4. There will be 100 sensors installed throughout the East Sector Lands and on the western forested side of the village between B.C. Hydro lines. Additional equipment will be installed at the Harrison Hot Springs Fire Hall, the Harrison Hot Springs Resort, the Harrison Yacht Club and the village's reservoir. If smoke is detected, village officials will be notified and action can be taken.
The installation of the Sensenet system has been several months in the making. In April, the village council voted 3-2 against installing the Sensenet system, and then-mayor Ed Wood asked for the motion to be recalled. This recall motion passed with Coun. Michie Vidal opposed; Coun. Leo Facio's vote could not be counted due to technical difficulties while he attended via Zoom.
On May 21, Wood declared a state of local emergency (SOLE) related to wildfires; the closest fire to the village was about 17 kilometres north. Under the SOLE, Wood signed a $174,000 contract with Sensenet without council's knowledge or consent. The provincial government requested the SOLE be cancelled the following day, and council ultimately did approve the $174,000 contract at a subsequent meeting.
The $174,000 was to come out of general reserves. In July, Council voted in favour of spending $20,000 to pay Rogers for the installation.
In a report to council released earlier in August, CAO Tyson Koch said Wood's "premature" actions caused significant difficulties and delays in getting Sensenet up and running in the village. Koch said staff and legal counsel had to go into lengthy negotiations with both Sensenet and Rogers to establish the correct terms.
The subscription to the Sensenet system will run the village $50,000 annually after 2025.
