With the haze of summer wildfires becoming a new normal around the province, the need for and importance of trained firefighters is immense. Firefighters do more than quell blazes; in Powell River much of their work involves vitally important medical first response, according to Malaspina Volunteer Fire Department chief Dave Keiver.
“Our actual fire calls are quite low in the percentage of our call logging,” said Keiver. “65 per cent of our calls in the last few years have been medical first responders, but if we had a bunch of wildfires start in our area it wouldn’t take long to change that.”
Currently, the department is actively recruiting new members and plans to start a training program this September. Recruits take part in provincially standardized training set out by the Office of the Fire Commissioner in 2014. Prior to its creation, training varied greatly throughout the province. There are three levels: exterior, interior and full service operations.
“We’ve completed two groups through exterior and we’re going to hopefully get enough members and start a third group in September,” said Keiver.
Once trained, members and their families are eligible for a benefit package including medical, dental and vision, he added. Although the initial training is unpaid, upon completion participants receive $1,000 and are paid for call outs and on-call time with the department. The certification trainees ultimately receive is the National Fire Protection Association 1001, a standard accepted throughout much of the world and the same as career firefighters.
“Whether you’re career or volunteer you’re doing the same job and you’re held to the same standards,” said Keiver. “Just because you’re a volunteer doesn’t mean you’re anything less because the hazards are still the same.”
Those interested in the training program must be 19 years of age with a clean driving record and willingness to learn. For more information, call Malaspina Fire Department at 604.487.9911.
