UBCM Funding Awarded for Regional Digital Fire System

March 7, 2023

Qualicum Beach Fire Department @jdarch.ca

QUALICUM BEACH – The Town of Qualicum Beach, the Regional District of Nanaimo and Dashwood Fire Department have been awarded a $90,000 Community Emergency Preparedness Fund grant from the Province of British Columbia for the purchase of a Digital Fire Training System.

This system will be a shared resource between Qualicum Beach Fire Department (QBFD), Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department and Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department. Coordinated by QBFD on behalf of its regional partners, the grant enables the departments to acquire an advanced training tool that will help our firefighters be even more prepared when responding to emergencies.

“This grant helps to ensure the best possible delivery of service to the citizens and visitors of our communities. Our regional collaboration on this project is a reflection of the great partnerships and agreements we have in place, and we are grateful to the UBCM for their ongoing support of this partnership,” said Nick Acciavatti, Fire Chief for Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department.

The fire training system uses digital panels linked to a smoke generator to produce realistic simulations of flames, sounds and smoke. Each digital fire reacts to either a digital or water hose line, allowing for training where live fires are not possible and eliminating unnecessary health and environmental risk. The portable unit also allows for a variety of fire locations in a single training session, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of training opportunities.

“The Town of Qualicum Beach is grateful to UBCM for their generous support to our regional fire services. This technology significantly advances the readiness of firefighters to respond effectively and efficiently to a fire event. It will be of huge benefit to us and our regional partners and provide local access to excellent training opportunities,” said Peter Cornell, Fire Chief for Qualicum Beach Fire Department.

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