To support local volunteer fire departments with training, the province has divvied out funding to over 200 departments.
Many of those departments are located in the Comox Valley. According to the province, funding will go to the Comox Fire Department, Cumberland Fire Department and multiple departments within the Comox Valley Regional District:
Comox will get $30,000 for cancer mitigation. Cumberland will also get $30,000 for Phase Two of its exterior fire ground training.
Meanwhile, Denman Island, Hornby Island, Fanny Bay, Union Bay, Oyster River, Merville and Mt. Washington fire departments will share an allotted $208,750 for various projects.
The province says the funds are being distributed through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, totalling over $6.2 million. They add that most communities rely on volunteer firefighters to protect people, homes and businesses.
“Keeping people in our communities safe is a top priority and supporting our volunteer fire departments is key,” said public safety minister Mike Farnworth.
“We’re investing in training equipment and mental health support to improve firefighting and care for our front-line workers. This effort strengthens our push to build strong, resilient communities across British Columbia.”
Other areas on Vancouver Island getting funding include the Cowichan Valley, Port Hardy, Gold River and Tahsis.
