Special Notice - COVID-19 response
The CSRD administrative office will be reopening to the public for regular business hours from 9 AM to 4 PM (excluding holidays) beginning Monday, July 6, 2020.
If you have a fire emergency, please call 911 immediately.
If you have non-emergency concerns or questions, the best way to reach us is by email at fire@csrd.bc.ca or by phone at 250.833.5950.
Appointments are strongly encouraged to avoid congestion and adhere to physical distancing regulations. While some CSRD staff remain working remotely, they are available by phone and email. It is recommended that the public continue to use these methods of contacting staff as much as possible to help reduce potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
We appreciate your patience as we work to protect the health of both our staff and the public during this challenging time.
Program Information
The CSRD presently delivers a rural fire suppression service to over 80 per cent of its electoral area residents. The service is provided by 13 paid on-call fire departments and by service extension agreements with municipalities and First Nations. Combining the coverage provided by rural and municipal fire departments, 95 per cent of all residents within the Columbia Shuswap Regional District boundaries enjoy fire suppression service.
Some CSRD fire departments began as ambitious, community projects, depending entirely on volunteer effort and contributions. Groups and societies soon realized that in order to operate a fire department to insurance and safety standards, a higher and more consistent level of funding would be necessary. Subsequently, the voters agreed and authorized the CSRD to take on the management of these departments. These departments are paid for by equitable taxation of residents within the fire suppression areas.
Other departments were started from the ground up as a Regional District function. Area taxpayers funded the acquisition of land, buildings and equipment, as well as operational costs. To ease the costs somewhat, the CSRD applied for and received numerous provincial grants, usually covering up to 50 per cent of the costs of fire hall construction.
View the CSRD Fire Service Areas
Becoming a firefighter
Want to give back to your community, make a difference to people affected by disaster, develop new skills and meet new people? Find out more about becoming a firefighter. We are now hiring paid on-call firefighters.
If you are interested in joining one of our CSRD fire departments, please contact the area Fire Chief through the link below or call the CSRD Fire Services Coordinator, Sean Coubrough at 250.833.5955. You can also email fire@csrd.bc.ca
View Fire Recruitment Information
Standard Operating Guidelines
Standard Operating Guidelines are procedures that assist fire departments in order to meet their responsibilities regarding safe work practices as required by Worksafe BC. The CSRD's Fire Services Standard Operating Guidelines meet the current regulatory requirements. The CSRD will conduct a formal review of the SOG's every five years and will supplement the existing SOGs with new guidelines on an on-going basis as required.
| Guidelines | |
|---|---|
| CSRD Standard Operating Guidelines | Link |
Fire Services Annual Reports and Newsletters
The CSRD is committed to provide updated information to the public about fire suppression within the regional district.
| Report/Newsletter | |
|---|---|
| Fire Services Annual Report 2018 | Download |
| Fire Services Update Spring 2018 | Download |
| Fire Services Update Summer 2016 | Download |
| Fire Services Update Summer 2015 | Download |
Mapping
Use the interactive map to view fire services information, including locations and service areas of fire halls, dwelling protection grades for home insurance, and hydrant location and inspection data. Open the toolbar with the button at the top-right to use measuring and drawing tools. More tips on using the maps.
Full Screen Map
Need more information?
Contact Us