Kaslo residents are taking a page from the Argenta, building up their own fire forces to protect their community from any potential fire threats.
The Argenta community’s quick response and knowledge proved immensely effective in fighting the recent wildfires and now other town’s want to adopt the model and learn their lessons.
Fifteen people from Kaslo and Area D took part in a S100 and S185 basic fire training suppression course over the weekend, as the village begins to build the Kaslo Volunteer Fire Fighting Brigade.
“There’s lots of conversations that will be happening with certain rescue and Kaslo Fire and BC Wildfire Service and all of the partners that are already so active in that space, to see how we can best support their efforts and then perhaps even be a first response unit sure there be a small manageable fire that could be dealt with really quickly.” said Councillor Matthew Brown.
“Now we’re in the basic first stages of replacing some firefighting gear from the community force that was stolen and making sure we have all of the necessary pumps and hoses and all of the things that are needed.”
The course has sparked further interest in the community, putting out the call for annual training to be made available.
“This new model for firefighting and wildfires is an exciting opportunity for community members to be able to actually be active in the efforts while also having the necessary training to be able to do so safely.” said Brown.
Once the qualification has been obtained, it is valid for 12 months, with easy online renewing.
“Once you’ve taken the physical course, there’s an online course that’s really easy where you could just recertify really quick.”
The course was funded by the Kaslo & District Community Forest Society.
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