The City of Vernon and District of Coldstream have launched a two-year pilot project aimed at improving emergency response, firefighter and public safety and the speed at which additional crews arrive at incidents.
The Automatic Aid Pilot Project establishes an automatic-response agreement between Vernon Fire Rescue Services and the Coldstream Fire Department.
Officials said Coldstream will automatically dispatch a fire engine and crew to general-alarm fires in Vernon, while Vernon will automatically dispatch an engine and crew to structure fires within a designated response area in Coldstream.
Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming said the two communities have a strong history of working together.
“This pilot is another opportunity to build on that relationship and support one another when it matters most.”
“By having additional resources respond sooner, our firefighters can work together more promptly and effectively. This is about making the best use of our resources, supporting our neighbouring community and helping keep people safe in Vernon and in Coldstream.”
Coldstream Mayor Ruth Hoyte said the pilot is an example of teamwork.
“I appreciate the work that has gone into developing this pilot and look forward to seeing the positive impact it has for Coldstream and Vernon.”
The pilot is scheduled to run for two years.
The city said response effectiveness, firefighter and public safety, operational co-ordination, resource availability, response times, costs and overall incident outcomes will be reviewed for each activation of the agreement during the pilot.
