ADAMS LAKE, British Columbia – The First Nations’ Emergency Services Society (FNESS) is pleased to announce the donation of a 2023 International Wildland Type 3 fire truck to the Adams Lake Indian Band (ALIB). This generous gift is made possible through funding from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and marks the first time FNESS has gifted a hybrid fire truck to a First Nation community.
The official handover ceremony will take place on Friday, May 24 at 2 p.m. at the Adams Lake Fire Department (ALFD). Representatives from the ALIB, including Chief and Council, will be in attendance, along with distinguished guests from the Village of Chase, Neskonlith Indian Band (NIB), and Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw. ISC representatives will also be present to assist in the truck’s official gifting to the community.
The newly acquired fire truck is a dual-purpose vehicle, uniquely designed for both wildland and structural firefighting. Unlike regular fire trucks, this 4×4 vehicle features a shorter wheelbase, making it capable of handling off-road conditions. As an invaluable asset to the ALFD, this new addition will significantly enhance the department’s response capabilities, ensuring the safety and protection of the ALIB and NIB reserves it serves.
FNESS is grateful for this collaboration and looks forward to bringing more hybrid fire trucks to other First Nation communities across B.C.
Quotes
“This fire truck is a significant addition to our firefighting capabilities and exercising our jurisdiction to our tmicw (land). It will greatly enhance our ability to respond to both structural fires and wildfires, providing a much-needed layer of protection for our community.”
Kukpi7 (Chief) Lynn Kenoras-Duck Chief
Adams Lake Indian Band
“We are thrilled to be able to provide the Adams Lake Indian Band with their first hybrid fire truck. This donation represents our commitment to supporting First Nation communities in their efforts to combat both structural fires and wildfires. We are grateful to ISC for their funding and partnership in making this possible.”
Nathan Combs, Fire Services Manager
First Nations’ Emergency Services Society
“With over 80% of Indigenous communities at risk of wildfires, fire protection is essential for safety. Today, Adams Lake Indian Band celebrates their new hybrid fire truck which will provide infrastructure to improve fire protection on reserves. I would also like to commend Kukpi7 (Chief) Lynn Kenoras-Duck Chief and council for their dedication and commitment to protect their community.”
The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services Canada
For more information please contact
Nathan Combs
Fire Services Manager, First Nations’ Emergency Services Society
Email: ncombs@fness.bc.ca
Tel: 778-694-3900
About FNESS
FNESS is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting First Nation communities in emergency management and fire protection services. FNESS works collaboratively with Indigenous Services Canada and other partners to enhance the capacity and resilience of First Nations in emergency response and preparedness. For more information, please visit www.fness.bc.ca.