Submitted by Emmy O'Gorman--The Sandspit Volunteer Fire Dept. has been busy as of late, responding to three serious incidents, fundraising, renovating and educating. The emergency calls have all been very different, requiring the department to draw on recent training and to use a variety of tools and vehicles. The first was a call to Copper Bay, where a small fire sneaked away to ignite a large stack of logs nearby. The department used its 'crash truck' as well as its tender (water tanker) to respond to the out-of-area fire, which was threatening a cabin as well as the dry August bush very close by. The department is newly trained to respond to such incidents on behalf of the Ministry of Forests.The second was a call to an off-road motor vehicle accident, where an occupant had been trapped for many hours. Firefighters used their recent motor vehicle incident training, as well as their newly acquired hydraulic extrication tools (jaws of life) to first stabilize the vehicle, and then help remove the victim. BC ambulance relies on the fire department in these situations, as they cannot enter confined spaces under WorkSafe regulations. In this case the SVFD, BC Ambulance and the RCMP worked together with the help of by-standers to remove the man safely.The third incident was a night fire on Spur 1, in town. Thanks to members and dispatch everyone was notified quickly and the response was fast and strong. Over 10 firefighters, including two pumper operators, Chief and Deputy Chief, and three attack teams managed to knock down the fire quickly. The building was an empty double-wide trailer which burned quickly and furiously. The flames and sparks made the sky over town glow orange, always an unsettling sight for firefighters racing to the hall at 2 a.m. to suit up and jump on a truck. The department fought the fire until 5:30 a.m., and managed to save several large log piles surrounding the building from igniting.Running dances, delivering fire safety programs in schools, and painting the hall are also keeping the SVFD busy. The department is always looking for able, committed people to become volunteer members. Meetings are every 1st, 2nd and 3rd Tuesday at 7 p.m., at the Fire Hall.