Dear Editor,
Fort St. James Fire Hall #2 needs support.
Ten years ago, with funding raised in the area that benefits from the Hall’s protection, support and donations from area businesses, and a great deal of volunteer effort, Hall #2 proudly went into service. This fire hall is part of the District of Fort St. James Fire Rescue Service and responds to all fire calls. Over the last 10 years the response from Hall #2 has been very active; it is not unusual for this hall to be the only response to a fire call-out.
The membership at Hall #2 (Sowchea Bay Volunteer Fire Department) is now down to seven active members. It needs to be at a minimum of 10 to continue to be certified, and the deadline for this certification is January 2016. The current call for volunteer applications to the Fort St. James Fire Department closes on Sept. 11. If Hall #2 loses certification, the resulting increase in home insurance for the fire protection area covered will be substantial, as will the loss of fire fighting support for the Fire Department of Fort St James.
An open house at Hall #2 is planned for Aug. 31 from 5:00-8:00pm. Any applications for volunteer fire fighting can be made through the fire hall in town (250-996-8670).
Harvey Goff
Fort St. James