INFORMATION RELEASE

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) Board of Directors has authorized the level of service authority recommendation for the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department (KVFD) to operate at an Exterior Operations Service Level. This service level is in accordance with the British Columbia Structure Firefighters Minimum Training Standards, applicable WorkSafeBC requirements, RDOS Fire Department Operational Bylaw No. 2857, and associated operational guidelines.

The Exterior Operations Service Level currently applies to all eight (8) RDOS fire departments: Anarchist Mountain, Apex, Kaleden, Keremeos, Naramata, Okanagan Falls, Tulameen, and Willowbrook. Under provincial standards, the RDOS is responsible for authorizing the level of service each department provides. At the Exterior Operations level, firefighters are not permitted to enter fire-involved structures.

The RDOS Board's decision ensures that the authorized service level accurately reflects the department's current documented qualifications and operational readiness while supporting ongoing efforts to achieve future service level requirements.

“The RDOS is committed to maintaining safe, effective, and well-coordinated fire services across the region,” said RDOS Board Chair Mark Pendergraft. “This decision ensures authorized service levels align with provincial training standards, operational readiness, and WorkSafeBC requirements, while continuing to support the development and success of RDOS fire departments.”

RDOS fire department leadership structure
The RDOS delivers fire protection services through a regional governance and leadership model designed to promote consistency, accountability, and operational excellence across its eight fire departments. This structure helps ensure that training, safety practices, operational standards, and service delivery are coordinated throughout the Regional District.

Under this model, senior fire department leadership report to the RDOS Manager of Regional Fire Services, who provides regional oversight and works closely with department leadership teams on operational planning, training requirements, regulatory compliance, and strategic initiatives. The RDOS Senior Manager of Protective Services is responsible for broader protective services oversight and policy direction, reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). This leadership structure ensures that fire service operations align with organizational priorities, governance requirements, and Board direction.

The RDOS remains committed to working collaboratively with fire protection personnel and department leadership teams to strengthen fire services across the region. Through ongoing training, operational coordination, and continuous improvement initiatives, the Regional District supports the delivery of safe, effective, and reliable fire protection services while prioritizing the safety of residents, property owners, visitors, and emergency responders.

For further information, please contact RDOS Communications.

-30-

Mark Pendergraft, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Contact:

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

Voyent Alert! Be safe, be informed, be involved in your community.
Register to receive routine and emergency notifications from the RDOS via email, text, or phone.
Contact RDOS Communications for assistance with your account.