The B.C. government is investing nearly $4 million to improve emergency response across the province.
The funding comes from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) and will support 86 volunteer and composite fire departments, with a focus on making communities safer and better prepared for emergencies.
Three of the departments receiving funding are in the East Kootenay. The funds will help buy new equipment and support firefighter training.
Many communities rely on volunteer firefighters, and this funding will help improve response times to fires and emergencies, and improve the safety of both firefighters and communities.
“Volunteer firefighters show up when it matters most, and this funding equips them to respond faster and more effectively. Every community faces different risks and these projects will allow local fire departments to invest in the specific training and equipment they need to keep both responders and residents safe.” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.
The East Kootenay departments receiving funding are Fernie, Invermere and Kimberley
Fernie will receive $30,000 for fire hoses, nozzles, breathing equipment and training focused on responding to multi-storey residential buildings.
Invermere will receive $30,000 for structure fire equipment.
Kimberley will receive $30,000 for interface response pumps, water tanks and accessories.
Since 2017, more than $29 million has funded over 500 projects for volunteer and composite fire departments through the CEPF. The province has invested a total of $369 million in the fund, supporting thousands of projects across B.C.
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