Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who are the Volunteer Firefighters in my Community?
They are your next door neighbour, the soccer mom down the street, and the mill worker you see at the local gas station each morning – people just like you. They are people in your community that have a desire to contribute to the safety and protection of the community and have taken some basic training to be able to do that.
2. Are Volunteer Firefighters expected to attend all emergency calls?
No, it is understood that there will be times when a volunteer is not available. That is why maintaining a healthy roster is important to the fire department.
3. What duties do Volunteer Firefighters perform?
Volunteer Firefighters:
- respond to emergency call-outs for fires, medicals and highway rescues
- train to a recognized standard for fire fighting, medical aid and highway rescue
- provide public safety information, and
- maintain apparatus and equipment
4. Is there a role for me within the volunteer fire service?
Various roles are available within the fire service, depending upon the department’s needs. Roles range from Active Firefighter to Office Assistant to Instructor…. volunteering to help out at any level is always needed.
5. What will be expected of me as an Active Firefighter?
You will be required to complete a “Basic Training Package”. The fire department will have weekly practice nights and additional training opportunities are available. You will also become trained in the command system and learn chain of command. When you have successfully completed your training you will be placed on active call out duty and will carry a pager in order to respond to the fire hall for emergency calls.
Members are expected to attend as many fire practices as possible during the course of a year. Fire practices usually occur once a week and last for a couple of hours.
6. I work shift work, I may not be around all the time or at times may not be able to attend training sessions – is this a problem?
No, we understand that members cannot be available at all times – family and work come first. We do monitor attendance closely though; if a member is not very active, they may be asked to step down.
7. How can I join a volunteer fire department?
Generally you must reside within a fire protection area in order to volunteer for that particular fire department. Leave a message at the firehall – a fire department representative will get back to you.
8. How can I contact my local volunteer fire department?
Complete list of contact information.
9. Is my property within a fire protection area?
Contact the Regional District. You will need to provide your civic address or legal description for the property in question.
10. How can I have my property included into a fire protection area?
Contact the Regional District to:
- determine if fire protection services are available in your area,
- provide a cost estimate for fire protection services, and
- provide assistance with the application process.
11. Is there a cost to receive fire protection services?
There is no cost to apply for fire protection for your property but there will be an annual cost to cover operating costs for your local fire department. This will be in the form of a property tax levy based on the value of the property being protected. You may wish to check with your insurance agent to determine if some or all of the annual tax levy will be offset by reductions in your homeowner’s insurance.