Fires currently burning in the Bella Coola area are producing large amounts of smoke. At the current time 1530 hrs Aug 6th there is no immediate threat to structures. There is a concern for air quality. Fire fighting efforts are underway. To read the full bulletin go to

ftp://ftp.for.gov.bc.ca/HPR/external/outgoing/FireCentres/Coastal/VA0359/Bella%20Coola%20Fires%20Bulletin%20Aug%206.pdf

The Vancouver Island Ham Happenings for 2013 is sponsored by the Cowichan Valley Amateur Radio Society.  The event will be held Sunday August 25th 2013 at the  Cowichan Community Centre in Duucan. For more information go to  http://rac.eton.ca/events/detail.php?event_ID=1606

Ken Long VE7JU is Canada’s newest Certified Emergency Coordinator

Congratulations are extended to Ken Long, VE7JU for successfully
completing his Certified Emergency Coordinator qualification exam. All
EC’s, DEC’s, AEC’s are encouraged to complete this program of study
along with the IMS-100 and IMS-200.

Congratulations Ken!

Doug Mercer VO1DTM/VO1DM CEC
Chief Field Services Officier – Radio Amateurs of/du Canada

This morning, Aug 4th, around 0500 an earthquake wth initial reporting of a 5.5 magnitude was reported south of Port Hardy.  Yet another reminder to be prepared. For full details go to  http://www.earthquakescanada.nrcan.gc.ca/index-eng.php

The website noted will take you to the Canadian Government website announcing  Emergency Preparedness Week. In addition you will find links to other sites that will provide more information on preparedness.

http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/media/nr/2013/nr20130503-eng.aspx

188 deceased and over 11,000 injured and relief efforts continue in China. The emergency frequencies of  3855kHZ, 7050kHz, and 14.270 kHz have been released.

For more information go to http://southgatearc.org/news/april2013/china_earthquake_update_3.htm#.UXXQYbWG1gE

China earthquake – update

A day after a strong earthquake hit southwest China’s Sichuan province, the death toll stood at least 156, with many more injured and without homes.

Fan Bin BA1RB reported that it was a 7.0 magnitude quake in Ya’an city, Sichuan province with its epicentre near Lushan County.

The Sichuan amateur radio association took immediate action withBD8DX and BD8AAA leading a team heading to the disaster area providing emergency communication services.

A request is made to keep the HF frequencies of 3855kHz, 7050kHz and 14270kHz clear for disaster traffic.QQ

For more information go to http://www.southgatearc.org

As of 0415 PDT, 1115 UTC  April 21,2013  HF frequencies remain in use.  Nearly 200 dead and 7,000 injured..

All Hams involved in the Boston Marathon are reported to be safe. Some good news in an otherwise bad news day. For the release go to http://cqnewsroom.blogspot.ca/

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the bombings in Boston today, April 15th 2013. Special thoughts to those ham radio operators who were helping at the race. May you all have a speedy and complete recovery

Please see the url noted below for an update on ham radio involvement and frequencies in use for the flooding in Argentina.  http://www.southgatearc.org/news/april2013/floods_in_argentina_final.htm#.UWqCzbWG1gE