In response to the growing threat of wildfires in rural areas, 22 members of the Deer Park Recreation Society (DPRS) achieved certification at the Deer Park Fire Hall on May 4 after meeting the BC Wildfire Service Pilot Project For Rural Communities criteria requirements.
DPRS formed 27 years ago to provide fire protection services for its communities due to the area's drier, warmer micro climate and substantially increased risk of wildfires.
Following several recent wildfires in the area, including three very large forest fires, the society took charge and applied for grant funding to attain brigade validation by providing additional training, increased wildfire equipment and upgraded personal protective equipment (PPE) for its communities.
In January 2025, Columbia Basin Trust approved funding which resulted in the soaring of the size and scope of skills and functions of the society's wildfire response team to now include 22 certified crew, five dispatchers, eight experienced crew and an additional two overseeing committees. Many crew have considerable expertise in wildfire, forestry, and emergency response and provide services that are essential to the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), Emergency Incident Command Systems and communities' needs.
To improve how the province responds to wildfires, the BCWS participated in the Premier’s Expert Task Force on Emergencies in 2023, which made recommendations for enhancing partnerships and incorporating local volunteer resources for wildfire response. In compliance to recommendations, BCWS developed the Cooperative Community Wildfire Response Pilot Project to hire temporary employees to help with wildfire-related activities to include brigades, associations and societies situated in remote, rural locations, outside of fire protection areas who are ready to operate under BCWS guidance and meet BCWS training and safety standards.
The pilot project enables BCWS to assign the Deer Park Wildfire Brigade to assist during wildfire emergencies in their area.
"The brigade can help BC Wildfire Service by providing additional crew, equipment and local knowledge," said Nadia Podmoroff, coordinator and secretary of the society. "The increased capacity will help reduce fatigue and strain on professional firefighters so they can better manage and suppress local fires more effectively."
"This is especially important during peak wildfire seasons when the number of fires can overwhelm local resources," said Rick Demore, crew and committee member and retired professional aviation coordinator and pilot.
At a recent FireSmart Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit in Penticton, expert speakers said that wildfires "have increased in amount and intensity in recent years" and forecasted a potential "increased risk of wildfires in B.C. this summer due to decreased snow packs."
Five members of the DPRS wildfire crew attended the event which brought together over 700 wildfire professionals and specialists to collaborate and share information to prepare for the upcoming wildfire season.
Participants were pleased to learn that the BC FireSmart Program can help reduce the risk of wildfire damage to homes by 90 per cent and offers up to $5000 in rebates.
Following the event, two planning committees formed and are in the process of coordinating a FireSmart educational event and increased First Aid and equipment and maintenance training for its communities.
DPRS is thankful for the generous contributions of its funders including Columbia Basin Trust, Columbia Power and Teck Trail Operations.
The Regional District of Central Kootenay Area J and the Columbia Basin Trust have provided ongoing financial contributions for over two decades towards the construction and maintenance of the Deer Park fire hall, fire line and hydrants and towards the purchases and maintenance of two fire trucks, one medical rescue truck and associated equipment.
The society also thanks RDCK Area J for financial contributions towards the recent drilling of a well for the fire hall and thanks BC Wildfire Service for providing it the opportunity to better ensure safety for its communities as well as the surrounding wildlife and scenic forested areas.
