Funding Boosts Fire Departments Across B.C.

Over $9 million in funding is being allocated to volunteer and composite fire departments in British Columbia to enhance emergency response capabilities. The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) will support critical upgrades to equipment and training for departments across the province, with specific support for communities like Burns Lake, Chetwynd, Heiltsuk Nation, Houston, Iskut First Nation, Masset, Port Edward, Smithers, Telkwa, Williams Lake, and Witset First Nation. These funds will enable fire departments to purchase new protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus, and improve firefighting training. The initiative aims to strengthen local fire departments, particularly in rural and remote areas, ensuring they can respond more effectively to emergencies. This is part of an ongoing effort by the provincial government to better equip first responders in the face of increasing climate-related challenges. Since 2017, the CEPF has invested over $369 million into over 2,300 projects throughout B.C.