Port Moody is disbanding its volunteer firefighting program that’s been in place for 111 years.
A statement on the city’s website said the decision was prompted by changes in provincial firefighting legislation and WorkSafe requirements, increasing costs to recruit and retrain volunteer firefighters, reduced need for their services in emergencies and the availability of mutual aid from neighbouring communities during large incidents.
The statement said Port Moody’s growth and the changing nature of its built environment, with the construction of more high-rise buildings, means the city has to put its resources toward hiring more full-time professional firefighters.
The phased addition of two more firefighters has been approved in Port Moody’s provisional 2025 budget.
On its Facebook page, the Port Moody Volunteer Firefighters Association said its 20 members learned of the decision in a closed meeting Dec. 19.
“Despite this decision, the volunteers remained committed to their duties, ensuring their participation in the Holiday Train event was not affected and the holiday season was not overshadowed.”
Several volunteer firefighters were on hand at last Friday’s visit by the CPKC holiday train to tend to a large bonfire.
Members, which include tradespeople, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs and engineers, also help out at structural fires, wildlife response, management of motor vehicle accident scenes, embankment rescues and assessing building safety after disasters.
“These volunteers have collectively contributed tens of thousands of hours to safeguarding Port Moody residents,” said the association, adding its volunteers have also mentored several career firefighters.
“Their legacy of service and commitment to the community will not be forgotten.”
According to its most recent community report, Port Moody Fire Rescue’s 50 career firefighters and three chief officers responded to 1,756 incidents in 2023, its busiest year ever.
The department has an annual operating budget of more than $10 million.
