Electoral Area “B” (Swan Lake/Commonage) supported BX-Swan Lake Fire Rescue by contributing $11,400 to fund the purchase of structural protection equipment. This grant allowed the Department to acquire two Firebozz Portable Sprinkler Systems, a Wajax Mark 3 Pump and a Wildland Hose Roller.
“Having BX Swan Lake Fire Rescue acquire this is important in helping them protect our residents at any time, but it is particularly critical now considering the extreme wildfire conditions we experienced this summer. The better equipped our fire departments are, the better able to protect people and property,” said Bob Fleming, RDNO Electoral Area “B” Director.
“Wildland firefighting poses unique challenges. Given the often remote location of wildfires, crews regularly have to hike for significant distances before they can set up fire breaks and attack flames. It’s important for them to have portable equipment that doesn’t weigh them down, and for that equipment to be designed to fight wildfires as they behave differently than a house fire,” said Bill Wacey, BX-Swan Lake Fire Chief.
“We are grateful for the grant from Electoral Area “B” and are always eager to acquire tools that add to the safety of our community.”
The grant was funded through the COVID-19 Safe Restart Grant Funds, in which a total of $798,000 ($462,000 + $336,000) has been allocated to the RDNO Electoral Areas.
(From L to R: Electoral Area “B” Director Bob Fleming presenting a cheque to Chief Bill Wacey and Deputy Chief Brad Stickles.)