PRRD seeks up to $75k to kit out wildfire Structure Protection Unit with more equipment

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The regional district is looking to a national first responders program for funding towards completing its fire Structure Protection Unit. 

During the June 19th regional board meeting of the Peace River Regional District (PRRD), directors approved an application to the Enbridge Safe Community First Responder Program for up to $75,000.

If approved, the grant would go towards purchasing more items for the Structure Protection Unit, which is a trailer equipped to protect structures from wildfires.

When in use, the unit creates a wet barrier around buildings in order to mitigate fire damage in the area. 

It is operable but only partially complete, with phase one of the completed in December 2024.

The Enbridge grant would allow the PRRD to complete phases two, three and some of phase four of the Structure Protection Unit.

After the $75,000, the PRRD estimates there is still between $25,000 and $35,000 worth of equipment remaining to complete the unit. 

The unit is part of the FireSmart initiative, which is designed to reduce the risk of wildfire damage to homes, communities and forests.

A timeline on the grant decision was not included in the report.