The B.C. government today announced it is providing $1 million in emergency rescue support for rural and remote communities throughout the province.

The Office of the Fire Commissioner has partnered with the Fire Chiefs’ Association of BC (FCABC) to launch the Road Rescue Grant program. This one-time grant will allow organizations in B.C. to apply for up to $50,000 to fund equipment or train emergency responders in road rescue.

“British Columbia is fortunate to have a network of dedicated and skilled emergency personnel who support public safety by responding to incidents on our highways,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Road rescue personnel answer the call for help in some of the most remote regions, going beyond the borders of their local government rescue areas to provide emergency support for accidents wherever they are needed.”

The grant program was established to support B.C. fire departments, fire brigades, fire societies, search and rescue groups, and First Nations communities registered with the road rescue program.

The funding is provided by the province and administered by the FCABC. The deadline for submitting a grant application to the FCABC is noon on Dec. 11.

“We’re proud to be able to work with the Fire Chiefs’ Association of BC and other groups to provide support,” said Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness. “We are so lucky to have a dedicated network of emergency responders province-wide who help people when they’re in trouble on our roads and highways.”

Highway rescue services within local areas are funded through local taxes. The province provides support to road rescue providers that are willing and able to respond outside their local government rescue service areas by offsetting response costs and providing WorkSafeBC coverage. This funding is intended to provide additional support for training and equipment purchases.

Cranbrook Highway Rescue file photo

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