Province funds training and upgrades for several fire departments

Over 130 fire department projects are receiving funding through the province’s Community Emergency Preparedness Fund. (CEFP)

This included ones for seven fire departments in the Bulkley Valley and Lakes District.

They include:

• Smithers: $40,000 for radio communication upgrades
• Telkwa: $40,000 for equipment and gear
• Witset: $40,000 for fire department gear and training
• Houston: $40,000 for protective clothing and equipment
• Granisle: $40,000 for fire department training and equipment upgrades
• Burns Lake: $21,500 for structural protection equipment
• Southside: $14,650 for radio equipment and training.

“During an emergency, people rely on volunteer firefighters and community fire crews to keep their loved ones and homes safe,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness

$9 million is being spent by the province with 230 fire departments in total benefiting.

Since 2017, more than $26 million has been provided to fire departments through the CEPF for additional equipment and training.