$119,545 in Community Emergency Preparedness Fund grant money was awarded to the RDN to purchase of wildfire suppression equipment. The equipment will be shared across multiple mid-Island fire departments. (RDN)

By Jordan Davidson

fighting wildfire

Provincial grant money aids wildfire fighting efforts for Oceanside departments

Jan 20, 2024 | 6:04 AM

NANAIMO — A large chunk of provincial grant money will help Oceanside fire departments with wildfire suppression.

Almost $120,000 from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) will go towards buying wildfire suppression equipment, including water pumps, fire hoses, tools, and personal protective equipment.

The equipment will be a shared resource between Qualicum Beach Fire Rescue, Dashwood, Coombs-Hilliers, and the Nanoose Bay Volunteer Fire Departments.

In a release sent out by the RDN, they said this grant money will equip firefighters with wildfire suppression equipment similar to that used by the BC Wildfire Service, making it easier for local and provincial firefighters to coordinate efforts.

“The wildfire suppression equipment purchased with this grant will benefit the whole area by providing the equipment needed to mitigate wildland interface fires,” said Qualicum Beach fire chief Peter Cornell. “This joint project is another example of the ability and commitment of our local fire rescue departments to work together collectively.”

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The equipment will be kept in two strategic locations for the quickest response in the event of a wildfire.

Other departments from Lantzville to Deep Bay will also have access to the new equipment if needed.

Other local fire departments also received CEPF grants of around $30,000 for various equipment purchases and enhancing their fire-response capabilities, including the Extension Volunteer Fire Department, Lake Cowichan, and the Gabriola Fire Protection Improvement District.

Through the CEPF, the provincial government is providing more than $6.2 million for 122 local projects, benefiting more than 200 volunteer and composite fire departments across B.C.

Since 2017, more than $17 million has been provided to volunteer and composite fire departments through the CEPF for additional equipment and training.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow