With wildfire seasons becoming increasingly intense, communities in the Columbia Basin are stepping up their preparedness by investing in essential equipment, training and strategic planning.

Columbia Basin Trust is supporting 34 projects that focus on proactive measures to help communities prevent and respond to wildfires, including purchasing specialized equipment and training local firefighters.

“Planning and preparation are key to helping communities stay safe during wildfires,” said Hannah Holden, Senior Manager, Delivery of Benefits, Columbia Basin Trust. “Every piece of equipment purchased or person trained strengthens our region’s ability to respond effectively, protecting homes, properties and community assets while respecting the ecological role of fire in our forests.”

Some funded projects focus on equipment purchases, such as chainsaws and hoses, while others involve training courses like first aid and wildland fire fighting. Essential planning efforts, such as ensuring water availability and delivery, are also supported.

Since fall 2022, over 100 projects have received more than $4.8 million in Trust support. To learn more about the program and see previously approved projects, visit ourtrust.org/wildfirereadiness.

Below are some highlights from the recently approved projects:

Regional District of East Kootenay: Columbia Valley

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is purchasing a Structure Protection Unit, including a trailer and necessary equipment, to be shared among four fire departments: Windermere, Fairmont, Edgewater and Panorama.

This initiative will benefit communities from Canal Flats to Edgewater. Structure Protection Units include pumps, hoses, sprinklers and attachments to help minimize wildfire damage to structures like homes and buildings.

“Our firefighters have the training. Now is the time for more equipment to help defend our communities,” said Jon Tames, Deputy Fire Chief. “The Structure Protection Unit will enable our firefighters across the Columba Valley to have the additional resources needed to address the interface and wildfire threats to our communities.”

Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it First Nation

Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it First Nation is acquiring wildfire prevention and protection equipment to enhance its Structure Protection Unit. The Nation will also provide additional training to its wildfire fighters, with some attending the FireSmart BC Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit.

“Our service has been steadily increasing its experience with fighting fires,” said Arthur Joseph Reszka, Fire & Emergency Services Officer. “This project will benefit our community by appropriately equipping our Structure Protection Unit in case of (and with anticipation of) wildfire risk, namely by enhancing and extending our preparedness and response.”

Columbia Shuswap Regional District: Nicholson

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District is purchasing hoses, nozzles, water thieves, a pump, safety equipment and a self-supporting water tank for the Nicholson Fire Department.

“Following the 2024 Dogtooth Wildfire, it was decided that the Nicholson Fire Department required additional equipment,” said Ken Leonty, Training Officer. “These new purchases will demonstrably improve our ability to respond to brush and forest fires and will improve the effectiveness of structural protection.”

Regional District of Kootenay Boundary: Fruitvale, Montrose, Warfield and area

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary is purchasing wildfire prevention and protection equipment, including hoses, nozzles, adapters and valves, for use in Fruitvale, Montrose, Warfield and surrounding areas.

“Increasing the capability for our firefighters to respond to wildland fires positively impacts life safety, property conservation and environmental conservation,” said Glen Gallamore, Deputy Fire Chief. “This equipment also provides a higher level of safety for our first responders, citizens and visitors.”

Columbia Basin Trust supports the efforts of the people in the Columbia Basin. To learn more about the Trust’s programs and initiatives, and how it helps deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the Basin, visit ourtrust.org or call 1-800-505-8998.

Lead image: The Regional District of East Kootenay is strengthening its wildfire readiness in the Columbia Valley with support from Columbia Basin Trust. Columbia Basin Trust photos

Columbia Basin Trust

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