The Village of Fraser Lake and Stellat'en First Nation have announced the signing of a Municipal Type Service Agreement (MTSA) that will see the First Nation's fire crews training with the village's firefighters.
Starting July 8, 2024, the Fraser Lake Volunteer Fire Department will invite the Stellat'en Volunteer Fire Department to join its weekly training sessions.
A signing ceremony was held Thursday, July 4 in the Fraser Lake Council Chambers.
"During an unpredictable fire season, the Village of Fraser Lake is enthused to collaborate with Stellat'en First Nation for the protection of our communities," said Village of Fraser Lake Mayor Sarrah Storey.
The initiative aims to ensure the Stellat'en Volunteer Fire Department meets industry standards for exterior structural firefighting.
"The Stellat'en First Nation is pleased to enter this agreement with the Village of Fraser Lake as it will provide a level of fire protection for our community and region that is much needed and that has not been historically present," said Stellat' en First Nation Chief Robert Michell.
The MTSA is set for an initial term of one year, with the possibility of a one-year extension agreement will be closely monitored, with the intention of negotiating a new agreement in the upcoming year.
