By Canadian Press

Millions added to B.C. funding for rural, volunteer and First Nations firefighters

Sep 22, 2023 | 1:01 PM

VANCOUVER — The British Columbia government is providing more money to rural, First Nations and volunteer fire departments across the province.

A statement from the Office of the Premier says the money will be used to help local fire departments upgrade equipment and training.

The statement says $1.4 million will go to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities for community firefighting training and the purchase of new or replacement fire hoses, first-aid kits or other equipment.

The Fire Chiefs’ Association of B.C. will receive $1.75 million to provide fire training for rural and First Nations fire departments, while another $1.6 million will go toward an education campaign targeting youths, seniors and those most at risk of fire-related injuries.

The province says the funding builds on the $6.3 million provided to more than 100 volunteer and composite fire departments across B.C. earlier this year for equipment and training.

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In making the announcement, Premier David Eby says B.C. residents depend on firefighters every day and it’s important they have “everything they need to do their life-saving work.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 22, 2023.

The Canadian Press