Seeing a serious slippage in volunteers, the Cariboo Regional District is actively recruiting firefighters.
“We’ve seen the loss in many organizations,” CRD director Area C Jon Massier said.
“But it’s critical with the Barlow Creek department where we’ve slipped under the minimum.”
Fire stations are required to have 15 active members at all times. Since Barlow has fallen below the minimum member requirements, the CRD has had to put in a mutual aid call to the Ten Mile Lake detachment.
Mutual aid calls can only work if the coverage area is within a 13 kilometre distance. Thankfully Ten Mile and Barlow are overlapping zones.
“If we don’t get our volunteer base up, there’s a possibility the department would have to close after 20 plus years,” Massier said, adding fire insurance coverage for that area would be null and void.
“We’re not trying to scare anyone, we’re just getting the information out there.”
Within Quesnel and area there are six active fire departments: Barlow, Kersley, West Fraser, Bouchie Lake, Ten Mile and the city of Quesnel.
While every department numbers vary, each detachment is “actively recruitment.”
“I think there’s a bit of apathy,” CRD chair Al Richmond said.
“People need to get out there, call their local department and see what they can do.”
Richmond added residents need to “search their souls” to help maintain this service.
Training is free and includes a number of courses “great for perspective employment and even just every day” Massier added, such as first aid, rescue, WHMIS and more.
“It’s all paid for,” Massier said.
“Plus you get to drive big trucks.”
There’s a also a junior firefighter program designed for youth 16 plus.
“There’s tons of volunteer opportunities, all types of duties,” Massier said.
“You are exposed to a variety of learned skills and it looks great on your resume.”
Anyone interested in learning more is encouraged to call their local detachment:
• City of Quesnel, Sylvain Gauthier, 250-992-2691
• West Fraser, Phil Megyesi, 250-992-0055
• 10 Mile Lake, Norm Livingstone, 250-983-6070
• Kersely, Vince Berlinguette, 250-991-1205
• Barlow Creek, Tom Maxwell, 250-992-8927
• Bouchie Lake, Jim Braem, 250-255-9927