Prince Rupert may soon be joining an existing Mutual Aid Agreement with fire departments in Kitimat, Terrace and Thornhill, with expectations their inclusion will enhance safety and fire protection across the region.

Municipal councils in Terrace and Kitimat recently approved the request, as did the board of directors at the Regional District of Kitimat Stikine on behalf of Thornhill on June 21. The City of Prince Rupert is the only remaining signature that's needed.

City staff received the request from their fire chief and will present it to council at the July 22 regular meeting. If given the green light, the agreement should go into effect immediately.

The document establishes a predetermined relationship among the fire departments to mobilize emergency resources during significant events. This framework helps the leadership in planning and preparation, providing assurance of support for major fires or other emergencies.

District of Kitimat fire chief Trent Bossence presented the plan to Kitimat council at its July 8 meeting.

Councillor Mario Feldhoff expressed concerns, undoubtedly shared with the town's neighbours, about the 150 km distance to Prince Rupert if Kitimat firefighters were to assist the port city.

鈥淎re we not concerned that... we鈥檇 be leaving ourselves exposed? In turn, what kind of support do we expect from Prince Rupert?鈥� he asked.

Addressing council via video call, Bossence assured council that local crews will assess available resources before approving any requests from other communities.

鈥淲e have to make sure there are enough to protect our own town first,鈥� he said.

Bossence noted that both Kitimat and Prince Rupert are similarly vulnerable due to the size of their fire departments and their isolation with only one way in or out.

A major intention of the agreement is to look at firefighting needs regionally, and what it would take to support such a vision. 

鈥淚t just makes sense to include Rupert at this time,鈥� Bossence said. 鈥淚t just means if we need support, we have it in writing already.鈥�

He emphasized his top concern for the region is wildfire threats, especially when BC Wildfire Service resources are stretched thin.

Councillor Gerry Leibel welcomed the addition of Prince Rupert to the agreement.

鈥淚 have spoken before about our susceptibility to wildfires, and I think this is important, critical, not just for our community, but other communities as well.鈥�

Requests for mutual aid are not uncommon. Recently, the Thornhill Fire Department assisted with two fires within Kitimat, and in previous years, the Kitimat Fire Department has been on standby for emergencies at the Northwest Regional Airport.

The agreement specifies that no monetary payments will be exchanged. Any costs incurred will be covered through the department's operating budget.