Penticton Indian Band firefighters train to new provincial standards

PENTICTON – Members of the Penticton Indian Band Fire Department are nearing the completion of training for their Exterior Structure Certification.

Fire Chief Barry Phillip says a group of 10 firefighters began training in the second week of January on exterior fire training, part of a set of standards recently established by the British Columbia Fire Training Officers Association through its new Playbook.

Phillip says the firefighters expect to complete the course in November, which teaches basic fire training, proper use of hoses and ladders, firefighting techniques, rules, codes, logbook maintenance and other paperwork duties.

The firefighters were evaluated for one of the course modules earlier this week.

“The guys are enjoying it. There’s some great training, they’re learning a lot,” Phillip says, praising course instructor Kynan O’Rourke from the West Kelowna Fire Department.

The course is run through the Justice Institute of B.C. in conjunction with First Nations Emergency Services. Phillip says the Penticton band’s training is part of a pilot program.

The Penticton Band’s fire department responds to more than 100 calls annually.

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