Christina Lake is a 9-1-1 community

P. 0. Box 18 Christina Lake, B.C. V0H 1E0 Contact: (Administration) Fire Hall: 250.447.6611 Cell Phone: 250.666.0911 Fax: 250.447.2649 Email: Christina Lake Fire & Rescue Department
ALL EMERGENCIES: 9-1-1

HISTORY
The Christina Lake Fire Department was formed in the 1940's as a group of volunteer citizens who tried to provide fire service to the Community. In 1990 the Christina Lake Fire Department re-organized and now reports to the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary.

Under the direction of the Fire Chief there is a Deputy Chief who is in charge of training and supervises four captains – one of which is the Department’s Safety Officer.

The Department is comprised of 25 members.

WHAT DO WE DO
The Christina Lake Fire Department operates out of one hall at the south end of Christina Lake on Swanson Road. We respond to an average of 100 emergency calls a year. The Department provides the following services to Electoral Area "C" of the RDKB (Christina Lake):

• Fire protection and suppression to the Christina Lake area including Fife, Cascade and the Ponderosa areas
• First Responder medical emergency calls throughout Area C
• Response to motor vehicle accidents and emergency incidents
• Extrication from vehicles using the ‘jaws of life’
• Rescue operations from land or water
• Fire prevention service on request
• Fire inspection services on request or when required by law
• Fire investigation and cause determination as required
• Community Support in any emergency situation.
• Emergency planning

The Fire Department Society’s mandate is to support the fire department by actively raising funds. The Society supports many organizations in the community, particularly those involving youth. Members sponsor Scouting and Guiding, various youth groups, and provide a scholarship for graduating high school students. The Society is also involved in organizing and supporting community events such as the annual fireworks display and the Christmas Hamper program.

* Engine One: The 4X4 Mini-pumper is equipped to respond to small fires, motor vehicle accidents, chimney fires and brush fires. Engine One is equipped with foam and carries First Responder and breathing apparatus.

* Engine Two: The main Engine is equipped to deal with all structural fires. It is equipped with foam, and 1000 gal. of on-board water (pumping rate of 1050 gal. per minute). The unit also carries ventilation, First Responder and breathing apparatus.

* Engine Three: An older unit with a 950 gal. holding tank (pumping rate of 850 gal. per minute). The engine is equipped to deal with structural fires and has a portable pumping capacity. It is equipped with a portable water storage tank and some breathing apparatus.

* Tender Four: This is water supply truck and has a 1700 gal. holding tank. This unit is used in areas where there are no fixed hydrants. This unit has portable drafting and pumping capability and carries a portable water storage tank.

* Rescue Five:  This is a side by side all terrain vehicle equipped with First Responder Equipment and can be quickly adapted to bush fire fighting.  It is on a trailer and can be transported to scenes where normal vehicle access is restricted or limited.

* Rescue Six: This unit is equipped with a variety of rescue equipment for land, snow, water and high angle rescue. This includes First Responder equipment, a defibrillator, climbing/rescue gear, Jaws of Life, equipment for forcible entry, extra breathing apparatus containers and an assortment of rescue, rehab and medical equipment.

Command Vehicle: This truck is used by the Fire Chief and is the first vehicle dispatched to emergency/accident scenes to assess equipment and manpower needs. The 4x4 pickup is also used as a utility vehicle and for transporting hose and equipment.

EMPLOYMENT
Persons interested in joining the Christina Lake Fire Department are invited to make application in writing to the Fire Chief. Members must be at least 19 years of age, in good health and physical condition. Candidates will undergo a suitability interview.

For more information on employment contact the Fire Chief:
K.B. (Ken) Gresley-Jones, Fire Chief
Fire Hall: 250.447.6611
Cell Phone: 250.666.0911