By Haley Grinder
[email protected]

The Invermere Fire Rescue Association (IFRA), a not-for-profit society operated by firefighters from Invermere Fire Rescue in the District of Invermere, is currently raising funds for a type II structural protection unit through means of an ongoing 50/50 raffle. 

The online raffle, which began selling tickets on Feb. 1, will be running for an eight-week period, with the IFRA closing ticket sales at midnight on Mondays and drawing a winner on Tuesdays. The upcoming draws will be held on a biweekly basis, with winners announced on Apr. 12, Apr. 26, May 10, and lastly on Tuesday, May. 24. Tickets cost $10 each, with 50 per cent of proceeds raised going towards the winning ticket holder, while the other 50 per cent will going towards acquiring a type II structural protection unit (SPU).

The  project was led by Chair and Captain Erik McLaughlin and Firefighter Janice Dallaire, who are both passionate about seeing the goal through. 

“We opted for a series of biweekly draws instead of one big draw over a longer period, because we felt this way would gather and keep more interest in the project itself.” shares Dallaire. “It does result in smaller prize sizes, however it seems to be more exciting for those purchasing the tickets, and most are becoming repeat buyers. And it’s a lot of fun for us as well, each time we get to call the winner!”

Despite the fun and engaging nature of the fundraising raffle, the cause is beyond important. An SPU is used to protect the community and structures within it should a wildfire threat present itself. The unit is equipped with specialized equipment and sprinkler systems, and can typically cost around $200,000. However, it is moveable and can protect up to 60 homes. 

“Basically, what the sprinklers allow it to do is actually feed an area of humidity around the structure, so that the embers from the forest fire don’t start structures on fire,” explains Cpt. McLaughlin. “Because that’s what starts the majority of houses on fire during a wildfire. It’s not actually the fire itself hitting structures. It’s the embers that can cast off the trees and whatnot. Like campfire sparks essentially. “So what the sprinklers do is go about creating humidity around the structure.”

In 2021, the IFRA received a total of 151 calls —  55 of which were motor vehicle incidents and 10 were public service — 13 British Columbia Ambulance Service (BCAS) assists. The remaining 73 calls were of a fire nature (false alarms, structure fires, wildland fires, vehicle fires). Hopefully, an SPU unit would decrease the number of calls received due to its proactive approach. 

Cpt. McLaughlin says, “ A structure protection unit is not normally something that’s provided by any sort of municipal government. So that’s why we’re going above and beyond, taking the initiative on ourselves to try and get this to work.”

In typical pre-pandemic years, they would have raised the funds needed through their well-known Fireman’s annual dinner and dance, which could generate around $10,000 to $15,000. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, they have been unable to host this crucial event since 2019. However, the IFRA remains hopeful that they can raise the funds in other ways.

Dallaire says, “We are incredibly passionate about seeing it come into fruition, especially after experiencing firsthand the effects of wildfire – and benefits of an SPU – in other B.C. communities this past summer,” adding that, “We will graciously accept help and support anywhere we can get it in order to make sure our community has this type of protection.”

For those interested in purchasing tickets or learning more about the IRFA, visit https://invermerefire.rafflenexus.com/