New B.C. program to train wildfire volunteers gets mixed reviews from Interior communities [Video]

With the 2025 wildfire season looming, Jamie Viera is fighting for any aid that will help communities in B.C.’s Interior build resiliency and volunteer strength on the fire line.

“Community groups are involved in wildfire response whether we want them to [be] or not,” said Viera, the general manager of operations with the Thompson Nicola Regional District. “We want to build those relationships and support those community groups.”

On Thursday, the regional board passed a resolution to support the B.C. government’s inaugural Cooperative Community Wildfire Response program (CCWR) and apply for part of a new $60 million FireSmart fund to train and equip volunteer groups willing to help B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) crews in rural and remote areas. 

But the pilot program is dividing regional districts and communities hoping to work more closely with the wildfire service and protect rural properties.

Rejection of provincial program 

Last month, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District’s (CSRD) board of directors voted to decline …