North Island Firefighters To Receive Better Access To Training

People in Port McNeill will benefit from an investment to enhance live fire training for local firefighters.

“Firefighters play a critical role in keeping people safe throughout our province and I have deep respect and admiration for the work they do every day,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

“As communities in B.C. continue to grow, we are ensuring that firefighters have the resources they need to protect homes and businesses. These new training facilities will allow fire departments to enhance and develop the skillsets of their volunteer and staff firefighters to keep their communities safe.”

Funding will go towards establishing regional training hubs for local fire crews to enhance their skills and strengthen public safety, while reducing the time and costs involved in travelling to facilities further away.

North Island MLA Michele Babchuk says that live fire training is crucial for firefighters, especially in the North Island where the communities are so intertwined in the region’s forested environments.

The Live Fire Training project addresses challenges faced by local firefighters in accessing facilities where they can train on real fires.

The province provided $1.75 million to the Fire Chiefs’ Association of B.C. for the project, with the Town of Port McNeill receiving $350,000.

To see the full release, visit Government of British Columbia.