Efforts to establish a training centre continue at the Wildwood Volunteer Fire Department.
Deputy chief Brad Elliott said the department is always undertaking training so having a training centre would be an asset.
“Right now we have three shipping containers that we are using to build the training centre and are pursuing funding for stairs and railings,” Elliott said, noting the containers are standing in a fenced area beside the fire hall.
As for its fleet, presently the department has one engine, three water trucks — two have pumps — and one rescue, quick response vehicle.
“We are busy with many incident and medical calls,” he added.
Established in 1985, the WVFD recently celebrated an open house for the community.
“Central Cariboo Search and Rescue attended, which was great, as they are good friends and great neighbours,” Elliott said.
Earlier in June of this year, Chief Randy Worsley was honoured for 30 years of service with a dinner held at the hall.
He’s actually served 31 years, but because of the 2017 wildfires the dinner was delayed.
Worsley said the wildfires solidified a relationship with his department and the B.C. Wildfire Service as his crews worked with BCWF crews through much of that summer.
“It is nice to have that relationship with forestry,” Worsley said.
In August 2018 the WVFD launched a Facebook page and Elliott encouraged people to join it.
“We are always looking for new members and we meet every Wednesday evening at 7 p.m.”
The WVFD is funded through the Cariboo Regional District and serves the area from Wildwood to the Likely and Mountain House Road junction east, south to the Jacobsen Road and Pine Valley and north to Lynes Creek Road.