Coldstream seeking grant for firefighter gear decontamination

Oct 14, 2025 | 6:00 AM

The District of Coldstream is looking at some outside funding to help prevent local firefighters from being exposed to dangerous particulate matter.

A district staff report asked council to authorize submitting an application for a $30,000 grant from the 2025 Community Emergency Preparedness Fund.

If successful, the district would use the funds to purchase a gear washer and dryer for the Coldstream fire hall, and a gear dryer for the Lavington fire hall.

“The Coldstream Hall supports approximately 30 active members. After events where dozens of firefighters’ gear is simultaneously contaminated with carcinogenic smoke and particulates, the current gear cleaning equipment becomes overwhelmed,” the staff report said.

“The backlog can result in delays of up to a week or more to fully clean and dry all the affected gear, depending on individual work schedules and family commitments.

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“The Lavington Hall needs a proper gear washer and dryer in the apparatus bays. Currently, a domestic washer and dryer are located in the living space, which is non-compliant with WorkSafeBC regulations,.

“[Gear contaminated with carcinogenic smoke and particulates] should never enter living quarters, and most modern firehalls prohibit this practice with posted signage.”

Coldstream Council had already installed a new gear washer at Lavington Hall earlier in the year, which was done using diverted capital funds.

It was noted that the purchase of the two washers and one dryer would cost approximately $30,230, and that the difference after the grant would be absorbed into the Protective Services budget.

The report added these purchases would bring the fire halls into compliance with WorkSafeBC regulations, increase the fire department’s overall decontamination capacity, and “significantly reduce turnaround time – especially during high-volume events.”

The matter will be brought before Coldstream Council during the regular meeting Tuesday, Oct. 14.

by Liam Verster

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