INFORMATION RELEASE

Across the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS), volunteer fire departments play a vital role in protecting lives, property, and businesses, and in supporting the overall well-being of our communities.

While firefighters receive a modest stipend for emergency responses, training, and certain duties, their service is driven by a commitment to helping others. Most firefighters balance their service with full-time jobs, businesses, and family responsibilities.

Volunteer firefighters are driven by service to their communities.

Each year, RDOS volunteer firefighters contribute a minimum of 200 hours of service, with many dedicating significantly more. Their commitment extends well beyond emergency response and training to include equipment maintenance, public education, community outreach, fundraising, and ongoing certification. Volunteer firefighters answer the call at all hours of the day and night, often stepping away from work, family activities, and much-needed sleep to help a neighbour in need.

More than firefighting

Today’s fire departments provide much more than fire suppression. RDOS volunteer firefighters support a wide range of services, including:

• Emergency response: Structure fires, wildland and interface fires, vehicle incidents, rescues, and hazardous materials support
• Medical and public safety: Medical First Responder services (where authorized) and assistance during high-risk incidents
• Prevention and preparedness: Fire inspections, investigations, and pre-incident planning
• Education and resilience: Public safety programs, FireSmart initiatives, and community outreach
• Regional and inter-agency support: Mutual aid, wildfire response, and emergency management support
• Operational readiness: Training, equipment maintenance, and ongoing certification

Benefits to communities

Strong volunteer fire departments provide lasting value beyond emergency response. They contribute to wildfire risk reduction, emergency planning, public education, and the overall readiness of the region.

• Improve local safety and emergency response capacity
• Support property protection and community resilience
• Contribute to fire protection grading and insurance considerations
• Strengthen wildfire preparedness through FireSmart and education programs
• Protect homes, farms, businesses, and community infrastructure
• Build leadership, teamwork, and a strong culture of volunteerism

A commitment worth recognizing

Volunteer firefighters are your neighbours, coworkers, friends, and family members. Their dedication, professionalism, and willingness to serve are essential to the safety and resilience of RDOS communities.Their service helps ensure reliable emergency response and community protection across the region.

The RDOS is proud of the professionalism and commitment shown by volunteer firefighters.Thank you to all the volunteer firefighters for your continued service, sacrifice, and commitment to the communities your proudly protect.

For further information, including how you can join your local volunteer fire department, please visit the RDOS Fire Services web page at rdos.bc.ca or contact RDOS Communications.

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Mark Pendergraft, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Tony Iannella, Manager of Regional Fire Services
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Contact:

RDOS Communications
250-490-4148
Toll-free 1-877-610-3737

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