The Columbia Basin Trust has supported 43 more wildfire resiliency and readiness projects.
Small communities and First Nations around the Basin are completing planning assessments related to wildfire resiliency, purchasing wildfire prevention and protection equipment and training their firefighters.
“Over the years, Basin communities have worked hard to be ready for various wildfire situations through effective on-the-ground actions such as planning, wildfire prevention and community capacity building,” said Hannah Holden, Senior Manager, Delivery of Benefits, Columbia Basin Trust. “Every additional planning step taken, piece of equipment purchased or skill learned increases their capacity to prepare for wildfires, so we’re pleased to provide support in this way.”
Projects include a trailer, mobile sprinklers another wildfire prevention and protection equipment for the Elkford Fire Rescue.
“Should the need arise in interface areas, the trailer will have the ability to offer sprinkler protection from wildfires to the residents of Elkford and surrounding municipalities,” said Enzo Calla, Director of Fire and Emergency Services. “Elkford Fire Rescue exists to enhance the quality of life within our community by ensuring life safety and protecting property with minimal impact to the environment, which this additional equipment will help facilitate.”
yaqan nuɁkiy is purchasing a trailer, pump package and a long list of wildfire prevention and protective equipment, plus providing training to its firefighters.
“yaqan nuɁkiy community members have expressed concerns regarding the risk wildfires have on the safety of their families, homes and schools, etc., and the majority of our homes and lands are classified as extreme fire risk,” said Victoria Dekker, Community Sustainability Planner. “We have been very successful with increasing wildfire resiliency, response and worker capacity through previous projects, and are excited to keep the momentum going by purchasing and training with this prescription-burning equipment and storage trailer.”
The Regional District of Central Kootenay is purchasing a generator and wildfire prevention and protection equipment to be used by the Balfour Volunteer Fire Department.
Also receiving funding are the Regional District of East Kootenay Elk Valley and South Country Rural fire and Rescue Services. They will receive $38,500 for a repeater, pumps and other wildfire prevention equipment.
Canal Fire Rescue with purchase wildfire equipment with $59,000 from the Trust.
The East Kootenay Livestock Association is receiving $4,200 for sprinkler protection units which will be loaned to agriculture produces in Cranbrook and area.
RDEK Elk Valley and South Country Rural Fire and Rescue in the Elko area will receive $28,280 for training, a repeater and wildfire equipment.
In Hosmer, RDEK Elk Valley and South Country Rural Fire and Rescue will receive $39,4=500 for personal protection and wildfire equipment.
Jaffray receives $27,100 for a repeater and protective equipment.
The Wasa and District Lions Club will receive $21,000 to complete a planning assessment to help build wildfire resilience in Wasa and surrounding area.
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