New Addition For Garibaldi Volunteer Fire Department

Rapid response wildland vehicle to increase capacity of department, improving ability to fight wildfires quickly and safely

Pemberton, BC – The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) has upgraded the Garibaldi Volunteer Fire Department’s (GVFD) firefighting fleet, increasing the department’s ability to fight wildfires.

On September 28, 2022, the SLRD Board of Directors approved the purchase of a new rapid response wildland truck for the GVFD to enhance the department’s capacity to respond to the increasing threat of wildfire in the region.

The SLRD contributed $100,000 to the purchase of the vehicle, with the additional funds contributed by the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation, Woodfibre LNG, and the GVFD Society.

“Climate change has increased our risk of wildfire,” said SLRD Electoral Area D Director, Tony Rainbow. “This new truck increases the capacity of the department and better positions the SLRD fire services to confront this growing risk. We’re fortunate to have a team of dedicated volunteers who are committed to serving the community, and we’re grateful to them and the work that they do,” he said.

Wildland vehicles are rapid response fire trucks specifically designed to transport firefighters, water, pumps, hoses, and other equipment to the scene, with the ability to drive through rough terrain.

“This new wildland truck is a game-changer for our department,” added GFVD Chief Dan

Ross. “It will enable us to respond quickly and safely to call outs, especially in the backcountry, that are becoming more frequent and of greater risk. By supporting the department with key investments like this, the SLRD is making sure that we have the necessary tools to effectively protect communities against wildfire. We are extremely grateful to the SLRD and all our community partners that came together to make this purchase a reality for the GVFD, which benefits the Sea to Sky corridor at large.”

The new vehicle was unveiled at a ceremony on November 28, 2022, hosted by the GVFD and attended by Rainbow, Ross and additional representatives from the GVFD and the SLRD.

The SLRD manages two volunteer fire departments in Howe Sound East/ Area D (GVFD and the Britannia Beach Volunteer Fire Department) and provides financial contributions to a number of other established volunteer fire services. 

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About the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District

Located in southwestern BC, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is a local government federation consisting of four member municipalities (the District of Lillooet, the District of Squamish, the Village of Pemberton and the Resort Municipality of Whistler) and four unincorporated, rural electoral areas (A, B, C, and D). Headquartered in Pemberton, which is the approximate geographic centre of the region, the SLRD delivers a wide range of local, regional and sub-regional services to approximately 50,496 residents (2021 Census as certified by the Minister of Municipal Affairs).