Chu Chua Volunteer Fire Department
The Chu Chua Volunteer Fire Department (CCVFD) & First Responders has been operating since 1985, and started with 8 active members. Currently, the Fire Department has 12 members, including the Fire Chief. The Fire Hall is located at #416 Dunn Lake Road, which was built in 2017.
Chu Chua is located more than 20 minutes from the nearest emergency clinic or hospital. Several members are Medical First Responders. First Responders are important because they can provide immediate help to a patient that will sustain them while they travel to a medical facility for treatment.
The Fire Department also encourages the youth in the Simpcw community to be involved in the program. While those under 16 are not allowed to actively fight fires due to safety concerns, this is invaluable experience and will lead our young people to be better able to manage emergency situations in their own life as well as a future in aiding their community. The Fire Department also helps out with Fire Safety lessons at our community school, playing an active role in the “Learn Not To Burn” campaign, which teaches youngsters how to use a fire extinguisher, create an escape plan and other important tips.
The Fire Department has been important to Chu Chua, as well as the larger community of Barriere, helping out with the 2003 fire, as well as an ongoing agreement that provides assistance between the two communities in the case of an emergency. In 2015, the Fire Department was instrumental in the construction of an emergency services relay tower, which will provide increased level of emergency services to the Chu Chua community.
The Department also hosts an annual Slo-Pitch Tournament as a fund raiser, 2017 was the 26th year this has been held at the Chu Chua Ball Field.
Training:
The members of the Fire Department are currently enrolled in the Exterior Operations firefighting Training Program through the Justice Institute of British Columbia. Provincial Fire and Safety are administering this program.
Several members of the Fire Department are also qualified Medical First Responders. We have 7 Medical First Responders in the community. First Responders have been trained in First Aid and will automatically be paged out to 911 calls within the community to provide support and assistance before the ambulance or other services arrive.
The Fire Department also helps out with Fire Safety lessons at our community school, playing an active role in the “Learn Not To Burn” campaign, which teaches youngsters how to use a fire extinguisher, create an escape plan and other important tips.
Equipment:
The Fire Department’s equipment includes a 2003 Ford CAFS Truck (150 gal.). The CAFS truck contains an Emergency Jump Kit and Oxygen Tank.
2008 Freightliner Tanker (1500 gal.) with on-board hose reel and fire pump
1974 International Tanker (1500 gal.) with rear-mounted gasoline water pump and reel with 100’ of hard hose
SCBA tanks, and a portable 1500 gallon tank.
Each First Responder is given an emergency jump kit to help speed up response time.
Chu Chua Volunteer Fire Department needs your help!
We are always accepting new volunteers to help make Chu Chua a safer place, and welcome your involvement!
Practices are held every Tuesdays from 6:30 – 8:30pm.
Volunteers are eligible for an Honorarium for their time, these are paid on a quarterly basis and amount to $15/ practice or call-out.
Volunteers will receive free training and all expenses related to your service (meals, accommodations, supplies) are provided. Please note that occasionally, training will be held outside of Chu Chua, so some travel may be involved.