Kamloops, BC – July 18, 2022 – The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) is inviting residents to attend an upcoming Open House to learn more about becoming a volunteer firefighter for the Monte Creek area.
The Open House will take place on Saturday, July 23, 2022, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Pritchard Fire Hall, located at 4289 Harrison Road. It will be hosted by the Pritchard Fire Department, and TNRD staff will be in attendance.
“Now that residents have voted in favour of establishing fire protection services in the Monte Creek area, we wanted to begin the recruitment process as soon as we could. Also, training a roster of new recruits is a process that will take several months to meet the provincial minimum standard,” stated Manager of Fire Protection Services Jason Tomlin.
“Serving as a firefighter in your community is a rewarding opportunity, and we encourage all area residents who are interested to stop by the Open House to learn more.”
On May 28, 2022, the majority of eligible residents in Monte Creek, Del Oro and Lafarge voted, through referendum, in favour of establishing fire protection and constructing a new fire hall. The new fire protection service will impact 356 properties in Electoral Area “L” (Grasslands) and Electoral Area “P” (Rivers and the Peaks). Construction of a new fire hall in Monte Creek is anticipated to begin in 2023.
No previous experience is necessary to become a volunteer firefighter, and adults of all ages, genders and backgrounds, are welcome to join a volunteer fire department. Volunteer firefighters train to professional standards, and are paid per call for their response, training and practices. All required personal protective equipment is provided and there are no out-of-pocket costs.
Volunteer firefighters receive insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC, 24-hour accident insurance coverage, and $100,000 life insurance. The federal government provides tax credits to volunteer firefighters who serve at least 200 hours per year, which includes for response, training or practices.
Volunteer firefighters must:
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be physically able to perform tasks and duties of the job
- Undergo a criminal record check
- Be able to commit to training for two hours per week at their local fire hall
- Live and/ or work in the fire response area
To learn more about the new Monte Creek Fire Protection Service, visit the new TNRD webpage: www.tnrd.ca/monte-creek-fire-protection/.
Media Contact:
Jason Tomlin, Manager of Fire Protection Services
Thompson-Nicola Regional District
Tel.: 250 377-8673
Email: jtomlin@tnrd.ca