The Kootenay Boundary Regional Fire Rescue Service (KBRFR) is excited to announce that the construction of its new Regional Fire Training Centre, located adjacent to the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) Fire Hall, is nearing completion. A grant was pivotal in realizing this milestone project, but its success hinged on the generous support and land agreement provided by the City of Trail.
The new training centre is a modular structure, designed and built by ContainerWest Manufacturing in Vancouver, that provides a versatile, multi-storey facility for comprehensive firefighter training. Funded by a $300,000 grant from the Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC), KBRFR reserve funds, and support from the RDKB East End Services Committee, this project reflects a significant investment in firefighter training and regional fire safety. BC Hydro has also contributed a $3,000 grant towards the integration of a smoke machine, which will enhance the realism of training scenarios and ensure a safe, controlled environment for firefighters.
The OFC grant managed by the Fire Chiefs Association of BC is part of a larger initiative to improve access to live fire training for local government and First Nations fire services in British Columbia. This funding supports the establishment of new or expanded live fire training facilities, aimed at meeting the BC Structure Firefighter Minimum Training Standards and enhancing firefighter safety through scenario-based exercises. The purpose of the project aligns with the intent to improve training quality, skill competency, and safety.
“The development of the Regional Fire Training Centre represents a major leap forward for our firefighting capabilities,” says Dan Derby, Regional Fire Chief, KBRFR. “The partnership with the City of Trail was crucial for securing both the land and grant funding necessary for this facility. Additionally, the support from the RDKB’s East End Services Committee and the use of our reserve funds have been essential in making this project a reality. This centre will not only enhance our training programs but also serve as a hub for inter-agency cross-training and support the KBRFR new recruit program.”
Dan Derby adds, “We expect phase one of the training centre to wrap up this fall, allowing us to start using the facility soon. The live fire component will come online later this fall, and we look forward to hosting an open house to showcase the new centre to the community and our partners later in the year.”
The concept of a regional training centre has long been a goal for KBRFR, as identified in the 2014 Fire Service Review conducted by Dave Mitchell & Associates Ltd. The review highlighted the need for a centrally located facility to overcome the challenges of travel and costs associated with external training. The new facility will feature a range of advanced training props, including live fire scenarios using propane to simulate real-fire conditions. The modular construction allows for future expansion, ensuring the centre can adapt to evolving training needs and accommodate joint training exercises with other agencies.
Colleen Jones, Mayor of Trail, says, “The City of Trail is proud to be an integral part of this important project. The new Regional Fire Training Centre will provide a vital resource for improving the quality of training for our firefighters and strengthen our community’s safety. This partnership is a testament to the power of working together to achieve a common goal.”
Linda Worley, Chair of the RDKB Board, adds, “This project exemplifies the power of local government collaboration and highlights our collective commitment to enhancing community safety and our RDKB firefighters’ readiness. The generous support and land agreement from the City of Trail were essential, and we’re thrilled to see this vision coming to fruition for the benefit of all our residents.”
The Regional Fire Training Centre is designed to meet NFPA 1402 standards for facilities and NFPA 1403 standards for live fire training evolutions. It will provide a comprehensive training environment for all aspects of fire service operations, from basic skills to advanced techniques, ensuring that firefighters are well-prepared for any emergency situation.
RDKB