Grant To Assist LNIB With Fire Prevention

With the wildfire season just a few weeks old, one local First Nation is being proactive so their community is better prepared in case of an emergency.

Members of the Lower Nicola Indian Band like others in the region were forced from their homes last July when aggressive wildfires threatened their community.

Last week, the BC government announced that more than $3.5 million dollars would be earmarked to 26 municipalities and First Nations within the Kamloops Fire Centre for wildfire-risk-reduction projects through the Community Resiliency Investment Program.

Chief Stu Jackson of the Lower Nicola Indian Band, whose band will receive $44,460 says the grant will help better prepare his community following the 2021 fire season.

“This grant will help with introducing a proactive and preventative approach to what occurred last summer,” said Chief Jackson. “The Community Resiliency Investment Program is a great opportunity for the LNIB to be more aware of just how dangerous wildfires can be.”

Other communities receiving funding include: City of Merritt: $50,596, Lytton First Nation: $118,956, the Shackan Indian Band: $108,830 and the Upper Nicola Band: $92,080

The funding will be used to assist with education, emergency planning, cross-training, FireSmart activities for residential areas.

Chief Jackson also commended members of the LNIB Fire Department who continue to work keeping residents of the Band safe.

“I know our Fire Department has worked very diligently with educating our community and keeping everyone aware of the possibility that more fires are possible this year,” he added. “We just have to be better prepared.”

Roger.White@pattisonmedia.com