Communities throughout the province will benefit from new regional training hubs that will support local fire crews with enhanced firefighting skills, along with reduced travel time and costs, while strengthening public safety.

“Firefighters play a critical role in keeping people safe throughout our province and I have deep respect and admiration for the work they do every day,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “As communities in B.C. continue to grow, we are ensuring that firefighters have the resources they need to protect homes and businesses. These new training facilities will allow fire departments to enhance and develop the skillsets of their volunteer and staff firefighters to keep their communities safe.”

Live fire training gives firefighters the opportunity to train in a controlled environment with an active fire. This may involve non-combustible structures with multiple floors and rooms, such as shipping containers (known as C-cans), motor vehicles and dumpsters, as well as gas meters.

Access to nearby training sites is not available in some parts of the province, and getting this type of training for firefighters can mean long drives with high travel and other costs for local departments. By establishing regional training hubs, firefighters throughout the province will have more opportunities closer to home to maintain and improve their skills, enhancing their abilities to respond to fires.

“We are extremely grateful for the live fire training centre project,” said Cameron Adams, fire chief, Pemberton Fire Rescue. “The generous support provided not only enhances our training programs, but also grants our teams the opportunity to strengthen our commitment to enhancing preparedness in our region. This investment will elevate our training opportunities and strengthen our training excellence through fostering the development of safer and more resilient firefighters throughout our community. Thank you for investing in our firefighters.”

The Province has provided $1.75 million to the Fire Chiefs’ Association of BC to support the creation of the regional training hubs.

The hubs will be located in the following communities:

• Regional District of Central Kootenay
• Regional District of East Kootenay 
• Regional District of Fraser Fort George
• District of Kent
• Regional District of Kootenay Boundary
• Village of Pemberton
• Town of Port McNeill
• qathet Regional District (Powell River)
• District of Vanderhoof

The Province is committed to strengthening firefighter skills and training, and enhancing fire safety awareness for everyone in British Columbia to build stronger, safer communities.

Learn More:

For a news release about training to help fire crews protect communities, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023PSSG0058-001489