Sounder News
The Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department says it is set to enhance its training capabilities thanks to a generous $40,000 grant.
In a statement to the Sounder, Fire Chief Will Sprogis said the funding will allow for key upgrades to the department’s existing training facility, ensuring local firefighters have access to new resources, while keeping live fire training on the island and saving a substantial portion of the department’s training budget.
The plans for expansion include the addition of a propane-fired car and fire prop, as well as a propane cylinder to fuel the new fire prop.
Sprogis writes, “this will provide a more realistic and challenging environment for training, helping the department better prepare for emergency scenarios. Additionally, a water supply will be added to the standpipe of the live fire building, allowing for more dynamic and hands-on exercises.”
These improvements build upon the burn building originally constructed in 2020 through a grant from UBCM (Union of BC Municipalities).
In previous years, the department has successfully used grant funding to create a structural protection trailer and add SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) for training purposes.
According to the statement, “the continued success of the department’s grant applications underscores the importance of these investments in strengthening local fire services. This grant is absolutely vital for our small volunteer fire department. It helps us stay on top of evolving training needs without having to travel off-island, which would otherwise strain our budget.
“Having these upgrades in place will be a game-changer for both training efficiency and safety.”
The department statement included a special thank you to Firefighter Oliver Bussler, saying his dedication and assistance with the grant application process played a key role in securing the funding.
In announcing all of the recipients of grants, local MLAs say the funding is intended to strengthen the work of local volunteer and composite fire departments to help keep people safer in emergencies.
“The dedicated volunteer firefighters across Ladysmith – Oceanside should have the best equipment possible when they are saving lives every day,” says Stephanie Higginson, MLA for Ladysmith – Oceanside. “This funding will support their hard work by providing the equipment and gear updates they need, so that the can continue keeping our communities safe.”
The following local fire departments are receiving funding:
• Nanaimo Regional District – Equipment for regional training facility and training props – $200,000.
• Bow Horn Bay Volunteer Fire Department – Replacement of bunker gear – $40,000.
• Cranberry Improvement District – New and replacement equipment – $40,000
• Extension Volunteer Fire Department – Personal protective equipment upgrade and replacement – $39,520.
• Gabriola Fire Protection Improvement District – Live fire-training facility upgradess – $40,000.
• Ladysmith – Turnout gear decontamination cleaning equipment – $33,737.
• Mountain Fire Protection District – Updating equipment and training – $40,000.
• North Cedar Improvement District – FireSmart structure protection equipment and personal protective equipment – $40,000.
• Parksville – Decontamination equipment – $40,000
“Communities like Gabriola and Cedar rely on volunteer fire departments to protect people’s lives and livelihoods,” Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo – Gabriola Island. “Our government is investing in firefighters to make sure residents across the mid-island are kept safe.”
Through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF), the provincial government is providing more than $9 million for more than 130 projects throughout B.C., supporting over 230 fire departments that are fully or partially staffed by volunteers. This funding helps fire departments conduct and expand training, buy or replace equipment, and expand their capacity.
“This funding is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of both our firefighters and the communities they serve,” says George Anderson, MLA for Nanaimo – Lantzville. “Updated equipment not only improves our emergency response capabilities but also strengthens the health and well-being of our first responders.”
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