Overview

The Charlie Lake Fire Department (CLFD) is run by the Peace River Regional District. This department has a full-time fire chief and deputy chief and about 30 volunteer firefighters operating out of one fire hall. Full-time staff are at the hall 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

The CLFD trains firefighters to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 1001 Level 2 Standard. Currently, the department has 20 firefighters trained at that level. The CLFD recruits new firefighters once a year.

Due to the high level of training that the department achieves and maintains, the Department is considered a full-service fire department as defined by the BC Office of the Fire Commissioner. This means that they are trained to conduct both exterior and interior fire suppression and fire rescue services.

Current Level of Service

Structural fire protection: responding to fires impacting homes, farms and businesses

Interface fire protection: responding to fires in the interface between the community and the forest lands. Often local fire departments will work closely with the BC Wildfire service.

Prevention and public education: conducting reviews with businesses in the area to learn about their structures and any hazards that may exist which could impact the strategies employed during a fire response; conducting public education through open houses, classroom visits, etc.