Six volunteer and composite fire departments in the West Kootenays have secured provincial funding to help strengthen operations and keep communities safe.
“Volunteer firefighters have a huge impact on our communities, and I’m glad that our government understands how important they are in keeping our communities safe,” says Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay Central.
“We are so fortunate to have amazing volunteer firefighters and industry experts working across the region, and I am so grateful for the work they do.”
The following local fire departments are receiving funding through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund:
- Central Kootenay Regional District – Volunteer and Composite Fire Departments Equipment and Training: $503,802
- Nakusp Volunteer Fire Department – PPE Procurement: $40,000
- Nelson Auxiliary – PPE and fire officer training: $39,864.58
- Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department – PPE and equipment upgrades and replacements: $28,562
- Burton Community Association – PPE procurement: $40,000
- Kootenay-Boundary Regional District Fire Department – Equipment, training, and live fire training facility upgrade: $134,955
“In small communities like Edgewood and Burton, volunteer firefighters are vital to keeping people safe,” said Steve Morissette, MLA for Kootenay-Monashee.
“This funding is going to help these volunteer fire departments make sure they have the proper equipment to support members while they work.”
Through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF), the provincial government is providing more than $9 million for over 130 projects throughout B.C., supporting more than 230 fire departments that are fully or partially staffed by volunteers.
This funding helps fire departments conduct and expand training, buy or replace equipment, and increase their capacity.
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