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Four local fire departments receive CEPF help
The B.C. government this morning announced it is disbursing nearly $4 million to equip and train volunteer and composite fire departments.
Through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF), the province is supporting 86 projects throughout the province, including four in the East Kootenay, under the Volunteer and Composite Fire Department Equipment and Training funding stream.
This funding aims to help volunteer and composite fire departments prepare for and respond to emergencies supported by new equipment and the delivery of firefighter training.
“Volunteer firefighters show up when it matters most, and this funding equips them to respond faster and more effectively,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “Every community faces different risks and these projects will allow local fire departments to invest in the specific training and equipment they need to keep both responders and residents safe.”
“Firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to protect people in B.C., homes and businesses,” added Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “This funding will supplement training and help equip firefighters be prepared for any challenges that arise, keeping themselves and their communities safe.”
Out of that funding, $120,000 is coming to four fire departments in the East Kootenay.
Canal Flats Fire Rescue is getting $30,000 for breathing-apparatus cylinders and training equipment.
Fernie Fire Department is getting $30,000 for fire hose, nozzles, breathing apparatus and training.
Invermere Fire Rescue is getting $30,000 for structure-fire equipment.
And Kimberley Fire Department is getting $30,000 interface response pumps, water tanks and accessories.
The Central Kootenay Regional District is receiving $480,000 for breathing-apparatus, fire-equipment and firefighter training.
Many communities throughout B.C. count on volunteer and composite firefighter departments to protect people, homes and businesses. Since 2017, more than $29 million has been provided to more than 500 projects for volunteer and composite fire departments through the CEPF.
The CEPF is administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) on behalf of the province.
“UBCM appreciates the provincial government’s support for training and equipment for volunteer and composite fire departments through this program. This funding contributes to local emergency-response capacity and assists communities as they work to maintain effective and reliable fire services at home in our communities,” said UBCM president Cori Ramsay.
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