Agassiz firefighters answered the call once again this past weekend 鈥� only this time it was a call for celebration.
The AFD, members of partner fire departments, dignitaries and locals came to celebrate the official opening of their brand new regional training facility in Agassiz on Saturday, Oct. 5. Not only did they open the new training building, but Agassiz firefighters hosted a push-in ceremony for their brand new fire engine.
District of Kent Mayor Sylvia Pranger said she was thrilled to be there for the local fire department's milestones.
"This facility is a testament to the hard work and collaborations of many individuals and communities," she said. "It represents a significant step forward in our efforts to enhance the protection available in the region and to support our firefighters. This facility reminds our communities what is possible through collaboration and community support."
The new training facility is a three-storey modular structure built to model a variety of possible fire scenarios firefighters may encounter. The training props are fuelled with natural gas, and fires inside can get up to 800 C. Props a training firefighter would encounter in the new facility include a grill, a dumpster, a commercial-grade kitchen stove and a garage. Delta-based Container West was the contractor for the project.
The total cost of the new facility is about $800,000. Earlier this year, the province announced at $1.75 million investment in the Fire Chief's Association of B.C. for firefighter training, $395,000 of which went to the District of Kent. The district also received a $180,000 grant from the Union of B.C. Municipalities and $150,000 from the Office of the Fire Commissioner. The remaining $75,000 came from the district's reserves.
"As many of us know, the firefighters face increasingly complex challenges, from forest fires and natural disasters to urban emergencies," the mayor continued. "They must be prepared for anything that comes their way. This facility will ensure that they have they readily have access to additional training, allowing them to perform their duties with confidence and skill, going above and beyond their already fantastic service."
AFD Fire Chief Gerald Basten said it was "a landmark day" for local firefighters.
"Training is the cornerstone of safe and effective fire operations, and the AFD is proud to be the hub and host our neighbouring fire departments," he said.
Basten said the idea for the training facility came during a conversation with retired Fire Chief Wayne Dyer 12 years ago.
"We explore what was, at the time limited funding streams with little success," he recalled. "We became very well-versed in the design and options of modular facilities." He said firefighters intensified their efforts toward a new training facility when it was determined in 2020 that the existing structure had reached the end of its useful life. After lobbying council, firefighters were directed to outline the cost of a complete facility.
The AFD began their grant-writing process and collaborated with their partner fire departments 鈥� Harrison Hot Springs, Seabrid Island, Hope, Chawathil, Sts'ailes and Popkum 鈥� to combine their efforts to make the facility a reality.
"Some questions I thought we might be asked today: How much did it cost? A lot," Basten said. " How long is it good for? Twenty-five years at minimum. How doe we get a change to use it? Sign up with your local fire department."
In addition to the recent additions to the fire department, Basten announced the AFD is in year two of four of work on a new sprinkler protection unit trailer and has received a new slide-in skid-mounted water tank and pump to help tackle wildfire in rural areas.
The afternoon finished with the push-in ceremony welcoming the new fire engine, in which several firefighters pushed the truck into the garage.
Similar to the push-in ceremony last year in Harrison Hot Springs, the time-honoured tradition has its roots in the 1800s. Back then, fire engines were horse-drawn and equipment needed to be pumped by hand. When the horses and equipment were separated after a call, firefighters had to push the engine back into the bay themselves. From there, the push-in ceremony was born.
Other than Agassiz, there are eight other regional training hubs in B.C.: Central Kootenay, East Kootenay, Fraser Fort George, Kootenay Boundary, Pemberton, Port McNeill, Qathet Regional District and District of Vanderhoof.
