Pouce Coupe firefighters seek new volunteers

POUCE COUPE, B.C. — Pouce Coupe’s Volunteer Fire Department is looking for some new recruits for its fire house.

The department set out a notice looking for volunteer firefighters, with “comprehensive training” being available, regardless of experience.

With a current roster of around 15 firefighters, the department is looking to expand by five or six volunteers, according to department chief Blair Deveau. Deveau has served on the brigade since 2015.

Deveau says on average, the fire department will answer 90 to 100 calls per year, and told Energeticcity.ca the roster size in his time has been “pretty steady.”

“Most of the stuff  we do is medical,” said Deveau. “If you come in fresh with no experience, we train you and get you up to all the standards.

“Sometimes we’ll lose one or two members, but in a few years we gain them back.”

Volunteer firefighters can join the brigade as young as 18 years old. Deveau said age in the department ranges from early 20s to mid 50s.

Successful applicants must also pass a criminal record check, hold a valid driver’s licence, provide references and more.

All potential recruits must pass a physical exam with their doctor prior to enlisting. Volunteers can come from around Pouce Coupe, including from Dawson Creek and Tomslake.

“[New recruits] are very limited to what they can do,” said Deveau. “We also do some small physical demand tests like carrying ladders of a certain weight.”

Deveau says most calls involve assisting BC Ambulance Service on-site of auto accidents and major medical emergencies.

To find out more, visit the fire hall at 5012 49th Avenue in Pouce Coupe, call the hall at 250-786-5794 or email Deveau at firechief@poucecoupe.ca.