By Tom Mark

Armstrong-Spallumcheen Firefighters Benefit From Wildfires

Oct 11, 2017 | 10:11 AM

Council in Armstrong has heard how the summer of fires affected the city’s fire department.

Fourteen members of the volunteer department helped battle wildfires in other parts of BC.

Mayor Chris Pieper says the fire chief’s report to council indicated how that benefited their abilities.

“They all had opportunities to do firefighting, not just a two hour practice. I think they were out 5 or 6 days at a time. he said it really increased their morale, their knowledge of firefighting.”

Pieper says that can only benefit Armstrong and Spallumcheen as well.

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“I think what it does is provides confidence for the firefighters but also for the community and the elected officials, that we are doing the right thing. We are supporting the fire department.”

Pieper says they were gratified to hear from the communities they helped how appreciated their efforts were.

Meanwhile, Pieper says the city has hired former Vernon Deputy Fire Chief Lawrie Skolrood as a Fire Prevention Officer.

It’s a two year term to help with investigations and grow the department.

That may include some help in training.

“It’s a small department so there will be lots of training, lots of mentoring. We have a young volunteer group so Lawrie’s experience will definitely help everybody.”

Skolrood spent 20 years with the Vernon Fire Department before going into semi-retirement last year.

by Tom Mark