Over $453,000 from the Columbia Basin Trust is being split among 12 small communities and Indigenous nations to help fight and prepare for wildfires.
CBT officials said the funding will be used to pay for gear such as water tanks and equipment trailers or to provide specialized training to firefighting crews.
“Communities are thinking ahead when it comes to adapting and preparing for a changing climate,” said Natasha Barisoff, Delivery of Benefits manager. “As climate change makes the threat of wildfire all the more prevalent, these projects are helping Basin communities prepare well in advance to prevent fire and minimize damage, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to save properties and protect well-being.”
The Trust said the money can also be used to help pay for planning efforts, such as community structure protection inventory or working on water availability and delivery.
One grand will see $45,000 go to the Village of Canal Flats to improve the local fire department’s ability to combat wildfires.
The Village will use the grant to buy a structure protection trailer to store and transport equipment.
“As the fire seasons grow fiercer, with the ability to devastate entire towns, the need to acquire equipment at a quicker rate is more apparent than ever,” said Zacc Farrell, Canal Flats Fire Rescue Chief. “Having equipment ready to go in the event of an emergency will help us respond quicker and more efficiently in an effort to eliminate and reduce devastation.”
You can see a full list of the projects the CBT is funding below.
More: Small Community Wildfire Preparedness Grants (CBT)