The Naramata Volunteer Fire Department is undertaking fire prevention of a different sort today after learning a former website URL now directs users to an adult website.

“We’re in the business of fire prevention,” said Fire Chief Tony Trovao. “Today that prevention is providing information so other organizations don’t get burned like we did.”
From December 2003 through December 2012, the volunteer department maintained its own web presence. It allowed the domain address, which it renewed annually, to expire.
“That’s when the parasites stepped in,” explained Trovao. “After we allowed the name to lapse, they stepped in and used it to redirect traffic to another website, this one with nothing to do with the Naramata Volunteer Fire Department.”

This process is commonly known as domain drop catching or domain sniping. It is the practice of registering a domain name once registration has lapsed, usually immediately after expiry.

“This is not something a fire department — or a community of good people, for that matter — should have to deal with,” said Mark Pendergraft, Chair of the Regional District’s Board of Directors. “The Regional District is working with Chief Trovao to clear this parasitical connection and protect the integrity and reputation of the Naramata department and community.”