The B.C. government announced recently it is establishing new regional training hubs that will support local fire crews with enhanced firefighting skills, along with reduced travel time and costs.

The province has provided $1.75 million to the Fire Chiefs’ Association of BC to support the creation of the regional training hubs, including in the Regional District of East Kootenay, Regional District of Central Kootenay and Regional District of Kootenay Boundary.

Live fire training gives firefighters the opportunity to train in a controlled environment with an active fire. This may involve non-combustible structures with multiple floors and rooms, such as shipping containers (known as C-cans), motor vehicles and dumpsters, as well as gas meters.

Access to nearby training sites is not available in some parts of the province, and getting this type of training for firefighters can mean long drives with high travel and other costs for local departments.

By establishing regional training hubs, firefighters throughout the province will have more opportunities closer to home to maintain and improve their skills, enhancing their abilities to respond to fires, the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General stated Feb. 16.

“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.”

B.C. government photo

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