Salvation Army Partnership Boosts Wildfire Response in Remote Communities
Each summer, many regions across Canada face the growing threat of wildfires. While towns and cities may be well equipped to respond, isolated communities often face delays in accessing emergency services.
To address this need, The Salvation Army’ Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) in British Columbia has partnered with First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS) and GlobalMedic to help protect remote First Nation communities. Fire skid units are being delivered to areas with limited or no access to fire departments.
“Many First Nation communities don’t have fire services to support them in emergency situations. These fire skids will be helpful,” says Divisional Director of EDS, Ian Pollard. “They’re mobile. You can place them in the back of a four-wheel drive and they help provide emergency capability to respond to fires.”
“Many First Nation communities don’t have fire services to support them in emergency situations.”
GlobalMedic, a Canadian company, designed the skids to be compact and easily transported by a small group of people. The units operate off-grid, making them ideal for remote locations.
The skids were sold to The Salvation Army at cost, with no mark-up of any kind.
“The units provide a fairly large stream of water and can be refilled using a hose,” Ian explains. “They also have an adapter that allows water to be drawn directly from a river or lake.”
With FNESS helping identify the 30 First Nation communities most at risk of wildfire in British Columbia, EDS hopes to donate fire skids to all these locations.
So far, two skids have been delivered, with positive feedback from the communities.
“They’ve been impressed with how simple the skids are to use, and the strength of the water output,” Ian shares.
“It helps them protect and preserve their communities.”
The first batch of skids was delivered to two communities near Bella Coola, B.C., with more scheduled to be distributed throughout the year.
These mobile firefighting units are expected to significantly improve local emergency response.
“It gives members of these regions more autonomy. It helps them protect and preserve their communities,” Ian says.
By Juan Romero
