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Basin communities prepare for wildfire season
Columbia Basin Trust is supporting 32 projects to strengthen local wildfire readiness
Wildfires are a recurring risk in the Columbia Basin, making local preparedness essential to protecting people, homes and critical infrastructure. To support that effort— particularly in small and First Nations communities—Columbia Basin Trust is providing nearly $1.4 million for 32 projects that will help communities prevent and respond to wildfires, including purchasing specialized equipment and training local staff and volunteers.
“The changing climate is increasing the likelihood of wildfires, and these projects show how seriously Basin communities are taking preparedness,” said Kris Belanger, Senior Manager, Delivery of Benefits, Columbia Basin Trust. “By strengthening local fire departments with better training and equipment, they’re helping make the region more resilient to climate change.”
Projects may focus on buying equipment like chainsaws and hoses, offering firefighters courses like first aid and wildland fire fighting, or doing essential planning.
Volunteer fire departments receiving support say the funding is making a practical difference on the ground.
“The priorities of the fire department and the volunteer firefighters are to reduce the risks to life, property and environment,” said Stephanie Whitney, Chief, Winlaw Volunteer Fire Department. “Bolstering our wildfire-related equipment inventory allows the department to be more effective in achieving these priorities.”
Since fall 2022, over 135 projects have received more than $6.3 million in Trust support. To learn more about the program and see previously approved projects, visit ourtrust.org/wildfirereadiness.
Columbia Basin Trust supports the efforts of the people in the Columbia Basin. To learn more about the Trust’s programs and initiatives, and how it helps deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the Basin, visit ourtrust.org or call 1-800-505-8998.
Lead image: Local volunteer fire departments in the Columbia Basin are strengthening wildfire readiness with support from Columbia Basin Trust. Columbia Basin Trust photo
