The Province is investing nearly $4 million to support volunteer and composite fire departments across British Columbia, helping improve emergency response capabilities and enhance community safety.
The funding will provide departments with new equipment and training through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF), supporting 86 projects throughout the province.
“Volunteer firefighters show up when it matters most, and this funding equips them to respond faster and more effectively,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “Every community faces different risks, and these projects will allow local fire departments to invest in the specific training and equipment they need to keep both responders and residents safe.”
The CEPF Volunteer and Composite Fire Department Equipment and Training stream is designed to help departments prepare for emergencies by improving access to modern equipment and professional training opportunities.
“Firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to protect people, homes and businesses in B.C.,” said Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “This funding will strengthen training and ensure firefighters are equipped to handle any challenges that arise, helping keep both responders and communities safe.”
Strengthening local emergency response
Many communities throughout B.C. rely on volunteer and composite fire departments as their primary emergency response services. Since the CEPF program was launched in 2017, more than $29 million has been invested in over 500 fire department projects.
Several projects receiving funding in 2026 include:
- Errington Volunteer Fire Department will upgrade portable pumps and equip engines with essential tools to improve firefighter safety and enhance response to structure fires in rural areas.
- Central Kootenay Regional District will expand regional firefighter training and upgrade equipment, including hiring two training officers and improving the Live Fire Centre and Regional Training Centre.
- Neskonlith Indian Band will purchase six new self-contained breathing apparatus units to improve firefighter safety and meet provincial training standards for structure fire response.
- Mount Waddington Regional District will equip volunteer fire departments in Coal Harbour, Hyde Creek, Sointula and Woss with breathing apparatus, protective gear, radios and other essential equipment.
- Hawkins Lake Volunteer Firefighters Association will purchase protective gear to support its growing volunteer roster and department expansion.
Provincial officials say investing in equipment and training helps ensure volunteer firefighters are better prepared to respond quickly and effectively when emergencies occur.
Program background
The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund has received $369 million in provincial funding since its creation in 2017.
In addition to supporting volunteer and composite fire departments, the program also funds:
- emergency operations centre equipment and training
- emergency support services equipment and training
- public notification and evacuation route planning
- disaster risk reduction initiatives
More than $346 million has been distributed to First Nations and local governments for over 2,600 emergency preparedness projects.
The CEPF program is administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities on behalf of the Province.
