PRRD purchases new breathing equipment for Charlie Lake Fire Department

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The regional district is moving forward with getting new breathing equipment for the Charlie Lake Fire Department.

During the October 16th regular meeting, the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) board of directors approved more than $440,000 in expenses for 30 self-contained breathing apparatus.

 The funding was first approved in the September meeting, when the board provided over $660,000 in extra funding for the Charlie Lake Fire and Moberly Lake Fire departments.

According to a report from staff, the apparatus are considered a “critical component of firefighter safety,” and the new items would replace Charlie Lake’s existing inventory, which “no longer meets the latest operational and safety standards,” and are approaching the “end of [their] service life.”

“This investment will provide firefighters with modern, reliable and interoperable breathing apparatus, enhance response capability and reduce liability exposure related to equipment failure or outdated technology,” the report stated. 

The 30 apparatus will cost $445,582, excluding taxes, and due to the district purchasing them through the Canoe Procurement Group of Canada, the purchase benefits from cost-saving, volume-base pricing. 

Canoe Procurement Group of Canada is a not-for-profit organization which serves more than 6,000 municipalities, public sector entities and non-profits as a public sector buying group. 

No information was included in the report regarding when the purchase would be completed, or when the new apparatus would be delivered to the Charlie Lake Fire Department.