Northeast B.C. communities to be given $86,000 for firefighting equipment

PEACE RIVER, B.C. — Eighty-six volunteer and composite fire departments across the province will receive funding for varying emergency preparedness equipment, including three in northeast B.C.

Pouce Coupe, Tumbler Ridge and the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality will receive funding for new firefighting equipment from the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. 

According to a press release, the funding comes from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF). 

• Pouce Coupe
  • $30,000 – bunker gear and a thermal imaging camera. 
• Tumbler Ridge
  •  $30,000 – replacement wildland firefighting protective equipment.
• Northern Rockies Regional Municipality
  •  $26,000 – personal protective equipment (PPE) for on-call firefighters. 

Nina Krieger, minister of public safety and solicitor general, says the funding will help support firefighters.

“Firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to protect people in B.C., homes and businesses,” said Krieger. “This funding will supplement training and help equip firefighters to be prepared for any challenges that arise, keeping themselves and their communities safe.” 

According to the ministry, the province is investing nearly $4 million to better equip and train volunteer and composite fire departments, while enhancing emergency response to keep people in B.C. safer.