PRRD approves talks for multi-jurisdictional mutual aid agreement with Grande Prairie 

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) Board of Directors has authorized staff to negotiate an interprovincial mutual aid agreement with the County of Grande Prairie Fire Services.

According to a staff report reviewed by the directors during the November 21st regional board meeting, the agreement would facilitate increased collaboration between fire departments near the provincial border with B.C. and Alberta. 

During the March 6th PRRD Regional Fire Chiefs meeting, emergency services representatives from Grande Prairie joined B.C. fire chiefs and spoke about the border hindering ‘efficient emergency response.’

As there is currently no inter-provincial agreement in place, fires within 10 kilometres of the border can only be acted upon ‘if they pose a threat to the Province of Alberta.’ With a formalized inter-provincial agreement, collaboration between the Peace River region and the County of Grande Prairie can be substantially improved. 

Staff confirmed the mutual aid agreement would not impact paid fire departments, and that in the event that paid fire departments would be included in a call to action, resource assessments would be made. 

Following the unanimous approval of the recommendation, the board authorized staff to begin negotiations for an inter-provincial mutual aid agreement.