Sun Peaks new structural protection unit is ready for next year

While wildfire season is coming to a close, Sun Peaks’ first structural protection unit is ready for next year.

Structural protection units create wet barriers between developed and undeveloped areas, protecting homes and businesses against wildfires. Dean Schiavon, Sun Peaks Fire Rescue (SPFR) chief, said the trailer will reduce response times in the event of future wildfires.

“We had some [equipment] already at the fire hall placed in different areas,” Schiavon said. “Now, everything that we did have and have gained this year is being put into that one trailer… The trailer is really going to increase our speed of being able to get the equipment to where it’s needed.”

While SPFR could deploy resources to the Bush Creek East wildfire if requested by BC Wildfire Service, Schiavon said the trailer would stay in Sun Peaks as BC Wildfire Service deploys equipment that is larger in scale. 

The fire department can always use more equipment for the unit, Schiavon said, and items like forestry fire hoses are on the backlog coming off the highly active wildfire season. SPFR expects the fire hose to arrive this fall and is applying for more equipment through Community Resiliency Investment (CRI) funding applications.

The trailer, which runs around $16,000, was partially funded through a $12,000 donation by the Sun Peaks Rotary Club to Sun Peaks Volunteer Fire Department Society (SPVFDS) this spring. The Society donated the unit to the municipality, and the trailer will ensure SPFR is prepared should a wildfire encroach on Sun Peaks. The unit recently received decals installed by Visual Signs & Printing in Kamloops, supporting the organizations behind the funding.

The Rotary Club raised funds through its bottle depot, located near the transfer station on Industrial Way.

“I would like to thank all the different organizations that donated and contributed to the trailer, and hopefully, it doesn’t need to get deployed, but it’s there if it’s needed,” Schiavon said. “It’s a much-needed asset for our community, and we’re really glad to have it.”