Peace River Regional District Chair explains Charlie Lake Fire Department investment

CHARLIE LAKE, B.C. — Peace River Regional District (PRRD) Chair Brad Sperling says the Charlie Lake Fire Department’s new Structure Protection Unit can protect approximately 30 houses at the same time.

According to Sperling, the unit relies on an array of sprinklers that can be spread out across a wide area to protect places with a high density of buildings.

Sperling also says the unit cost the PRRD “just shy of $290,000” to purchase for the fire department.

“This unit is all BC Wildfire certified, and the money came from Area C’s PRA (Peace River Agreement) and Gas Tax grants,” Sperling explains.

That BC Wildfire certification means, if called on, the Charlie Lake Fire Department will be able to use the Structure Protection Unit to assist in wildfire suppression efforts anywhere in the province.

Sperling says this is the first such unit purchased for the Charlie Lake department. He adds that the PRRD is working to acquire another that can move between local communities.

“That [second] one can’t leave the regional district, but if it was called up by, say, the Charlie Lake Fire Department, it would be like a backup unit to preserve more homes.”

Meanwhile, Sperling says the PRRD’s next planned investment into the Charlie Lake Fire Department is a new fire engine.

“Our next big purchase is, we have to buy another engine between now and 2030, so that’ll be our next purchase that we’re putting money away for.”

The PRRD’s website has more information on the fire department.