The District of Hope’s mission for fire safety in the community continues forward thanks to a $40,000 grant through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) 2024 Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF).
"We are grateful for the funding from UBCM's Community Emergency Preparedness Fund," said Fire Chief Thomas Cameron. "This support will enable us to acquire equipment and provide expanded training opportunities, enhancing our ability to protect the community."
The funding, which is being distributed through the Volunteer and Composite Fire Department Equipment and Training Fund, will provide new equipment and training for the Hope Fire Department. This equipment and training will ensure that the department "is well-prepared to respond to emergencies and protect the community."
The equipment being acquired includes: a Mark III Watson pump; wildland quick-connect fire hose; dual-certified wildland/rescue two piece coveralls; sprinkler protection unit gear, sprinklers, fittings, and a three quarter inch hose; pressure washer and in-flow hose washer.
Firefighters will also receive driver/operator training and forcible entry training.
This is the second grant the district has received this year to improve community safety. It received a $150,000 grant, earlier in January, from the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness to reduce the community's risk for climate-based disasters.
The district also received multiple grants last year, again from the ministry, towards improving wildfire safety in Hope.
