Armstrong-Spallumcheen’s fire department will likely be able to fight fires bordering the Township of Spallumcheen.
Armstrong council unanimously passed a joint council resolution that will allow fire chief Ian Cummings or his designate the authority to direct the fire department to respond and assist with fire suppression if there is a threat of imminent danger to lands or structures in the township as a result of a fire on the boundaries.
Spallumcheen council deferred the matter until their next meeting Monday.
“If a fire is threatening Spall property or lands, this policy allows us to go across the policy and put it out,” said Cummings. “It makes a lot of sense. We can hit a small fire quickly, or wait for a large fire to reach the boundary and by that time it’s out of control.”
Instead of trying to figure out if a fire is on Spallumcheen property, the policy would allow the department to go and fight the fire. While at the fire, if it is realized the blaze is outside the township’s boundaries, Cummings and his department can call the appropriate fire department to respond.
“The fire guys can’t be standing around trying to make that decision (if the fire is in Spallumcheen),” said Armstrong Coun. Paul Britton. “This policy takes the pressure off.”
