New Support To Strengthen Community Firefighting Capacity

Volunteer and composite fire departments across BC will soon receive more funding ahead of the upcoming wildfire season.

Through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF), the Province is providing more than $9 million, which will benefit more than 230 fire departments that are wholly or partially staffed with volunteer firefighters.

This funding helps with new or replacement equipment and the expansion of firefighter training.

More than $2 million will be available for fire departments around Vancouver Island, including on the North Island, and Campbell River and Comox Valley areas.

Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, says volunteer and composite fire departments are a cornerstone of the province’s emergency response system, especially in rural and remote communities where they are often the first line of defence.

He says the funding will help those first responders have the tools and training they need to keep people safe.

Funding will be provided to local governments, First Nations and community-run volunteer and composite fire departments for various projects, including a new training facility and live fire-training props for the Nanoose Volunteer Fire Department and the Qualicum Beach Fire Rescue composite fire department.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.