BC announces extra funding for small fire departments
The Province of BC has announced $5 milion in extra funding for equipment and training for smaller volunteer and composite fire departments and First Nations communities.
Some BC First Nations carry huge debts after wildfires
Many BC First Nations that stayed behind to try to stop wildfires from burning through their communities are still waiting to be reimbursed by the provincial and federal governments. Some First Nations are carrying debts in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
State of the art Six Nations facility training Ontario firefighters
Six Nations Fire Department is training firefighters from all over Ontario in a new 50,000 square foot facility that includes an open concept classroom and interior training house. The department is seeking private career college designation.
Federal government to create indigenous fire marshal’s office
Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett has committed to resume tracking fire-related deaths in First Nations communities and to establishing an indigenous fire marshal’s office to oversee data collection and spearhead fire prevention. At least 173 people have died in fires on First Nations reserves since the federal government stopped tracking such deaths in 2010.
Some First Nations fare better at firefighting
Although many First Nations have poor or non-existent fire protection services there are some success stories. The Six Nations Fire Department in Ontario and the Cree Nation independent government in Quebec have well-equipped and trained fire departments.