The provincial government is funding over 130 projects across the province to strengthen firefighters' ability to respond to emergencies.
“During an emergency, people rely on volunteer firefighters and community fire crews to keep their loved ones and homes safe,” Kelly Greene, Minister of emergency management and climate readiness, said in a news release. “By providing funding for equipment and training, we’re strengthening local firefighting capabilities so that people in rural and remote communities who depend on volunteer or partial volunteer fire departments are safer and better protected.”
The funding is through the community emergency preparedness fund (CEPF), which was started in 2017. Since that time it has funded over $26 million to volunteer and composite fire departments. That funding includes everything from new equipment to training. The CEPF has also given around $310 million to local governments and First Nations to help prepare for disasters and climate-related emergencies.
"The funding received through CEPF will enable the Heiltsuk volunteer fire departments to acquire self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) equipment, which are crucial for the safety and efficiency of firefighters, allowing them to breathe safely in smoke-filled hazardous environments," said Ian Larsen, fire chief of Heiltsuk Fire Department in the release. "With access to SCBA equipment, volunteer firefighters can undergo more comprehensive and realistic training scenarios, which are invaluable in preparing them for real-life emergency situations. Investing in the safety and training of these dedicated individuals will contribute to the welfare of the entire Bella Bella community."
In the Cariboo, North Thompson and Central Coast region funding will go towards:
- 100 Mile House - $38,055 for structure protection unit equipment
- Barriere - $37,000 for fire department equipment and training
- Cariboo Regional District - $501,321 for emergency response improvement project: equipment and training
- Clearwater - $40,000 for fire department training props and equipment
- Greeny Lake Volunteer Fire Department - $33,813 to update equipment and training
- Heiltsuk Nation - Fire department equipment supply - $40,000
- Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation (Canoe Creek) - $17,437 for firefighting equipment
- McLeese Lake Volunteer Fire Department - $12,847 for fire department equipment
- Williams Lake - $37,064 for structural turnout gear cleaning system
- Williams Lake First Nation - $11,415 for fire prevention and interface response supports: turnout gear replacement, mandatory safety equipment upgrades and prescribed training programs
100 Mile Houses fire chief, David Bissat, expressed gratitude for the funding to his fire department.
"The funding for sprinkler protection unit equipment will significantly enhance our ability to deploy resources more quickly and safely during interface wildfires. This investment is a crucial step in strengthening our community’s emergency preparedness and ensuring the safety of both residents and responders,” he said in the news release.
Clearwater's volunteer fire department (CVFD) has 24 members who bring a range of experience.
“Our firefighters have completed various levels of fire and emergency response training, including Exterior and Interior Firefighter certification, First Responder emergency medical response, and wildfire operations," said Mike Smith, the CVFD fire chief. "We place a strong emphasis on continuous training to ensure that all members, regardless of experience level, are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively to emergencies in our community. We are thankful for this funding which will further enhance our training opportunities, helping our volunteers stay prepared for any situation they may face.”
Barriere Fire Rescue (BFR) fire chief Alexis Hovenkamp said, “The world of the fire service is constantly changing. In the past several years, we have noted an increase to the severity of our rescue, suppression and wildland calls. Our Firefighters safety remains our top priority, and grants like this mean that we can hold more training and purchase updated gear and equipment to keep them safe. The District of Barriere and Barriere Fire Rescue would like to extend a huge thank-you to UBCM (Union of B.C. Municipalities) and the Provincial Government for the $37,000 grant funding allocated through the Community Emergency and Preparedness Fund.”
Hovenkamp adds the funding covers several different items to be purchased for the fire department including two sets of bunker gear, radios, a portable water tank, and personal floating devices. The training covered through this grant will include NFPA 1001 Testing, Fire Officer courses, Fire Cause and Origin courses, Life Safety Educator Courses and Fire Service Instructors.
The Cariboo has had some difficult fire seasons in the past number of years. Over 250,811 hectares have burned in the region since 2017.
With files from Hettie Buck
