Columbia Valley Pioneer staff
A work experience program for firefighters in the region has been deemed a flaming success.
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has wrapped up this year’s pilot program that saw eight students gain valuable knowledge.
Columbia Valley Rural Fire and Rescue Service Chief Drew Sinclair said the program was successful in enhancing wildfire readiness and response, resulting in positive results on several occasions.
“These qualified firefighters were able to broaden their experience and skill base in a number of disciplines while bolstering our existing paid on call numbers and allowing us to increase our public outreach programs,” Sinclair noted.
The RDEK brought on the students to learn and assist with fire departments in Fairmont, Windermere, Edgewater, Panorama, Jaffray, Baynes Lake, Elko, and Hosmer. Under the direction of the fire chiefs, the students gained practical first-hand experience in firefighting, medical calls, wildland fires, and highway rescue.
The experience gained will assist the students in their firefighting careers.
Elk Valley & South Country Rural Fire and Rescue Chief Michael Hockley said the program allowed them to not only respond to fires and emergencies effectively, but it also meant the department “had enough coverage in our home halls to allow members from our departments to assist in other parts of the province during heavy wildfire activity this year.”
Hockley said the program was so successful that he hopes to see it continue for years to come.
