The Town of Qualicum Beach plans to enter a mutual agreement for fire services with the Port Alberni Fire Department.
Fire Chief Peter Cornell reported, at the regular council meeting on March 12, this will be a first as "the town has never signed a mutual or automatic aid agreement with any fire department outside of District 69."
Cornell noted the significance of the existing long-standing aid agreements the town has with nine other fire departments in District 69, as they have historically provided staffing resources to mitigate emergency incidents in the Qualicum Beach fire protection area.
With larger wood frame buildings sprouting in town, compounded with the difficulty in recruiting volunteers and their retention, as well as delays in getting repair parts for apparatus, Cornell indicated there may be a time in the future when Qualicum Beach may need help for additional aerial apparatus or engine that may be provided by the Port Alberni Fire Department.
Cornell cited an incident in May 2011, when Port Alberni's aerial apparatus broke down at a multi-family building fire and required the assistance of the QBFD aerial ladder, which was facilitated through a special arrangement. This has initiated discussions involving the town and Port Alberni regarding the need for a mutual aid agreement.
"Entering a mutual agreement with the City of Port Alberni would build resiliency for the Town of Qualicum Beach," said Cornell. "Access to Port Alberni’s aerial platform would be a valuable asset if two elevated platforms are required for fire suppression, rescue operations, or egress routes for firefighters or building occupants."
Cornell explained the request for resources under the agreement is only executed when the needed resources are not available on their side of the Highway 4 summit.
Council unanimously voted to approve the recommendation to enter into the mutual agreement. There are no financial implications in the deal.
If both sides believe the agreement is no longer mutually beneficial, Cornell said either party may terminate the agreement within 60 days written notice.
The Regional District of Nanaimo is also considering a mutual aid agreement involving the Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department with the City of Port Alberni. However, at the RDN board meeting, the matter was deferred until more information is presented to the board.
