KENT – New Democrat MLA Kelli Paddon says that people in Kent will benefit from a significant investment to enhance live fire training for local firefighters.

Funding will go towards establishing regional training hubs for local fire crews to enhance their skills and strengthen public safety, while reducing the time and costs involved in travelling to facilities further away.

“We have amazing first responders and firefighters out here in Kent, and this live fire training will make sure they are even more prepared, and stay safe, when they are called on scene for a fire,” said Kelli Paddon, MLA for Chilliwack-Kent. “I deeply admire firefighters all across the province for the work they do in our communities. Thank you.”

The Live Fire Training project addresses challenges faced by local firefighters in accessing facilities where they can train on real fires. New regional hubs will allow firefighters in the Kootenays and across the province to better maintain and improve their skills, enhancing their abilities to keep people and buildings safe during emergencies.

The province provided $1.75 million to the Fire Chiefs’ Association of B.C. for this project. Locally, the District of Kent is receiving $395,000.

This investment demonstrates the New Democrat government’s commitment to improving firefighter skills and overall fire safety in British Columbia.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024PSSG0008-000211