Community safety remains top priority as RDOS strengthens fire service coordination

INFORMATION RELEASE

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) remains committed to supporting its fire departments and ensuring reliable fire protection and emergency response services for residents and visitors. The dedication of firefighters and department leadership remains essential to maintaining the high level of service that residents depend on throughout the region.

• While recent staffing decisions have raised questions within some fire departments and communities, RDOS fire personnel continue to demonstrate professionalism, leadership, and a strong commitment to public safety.

• Consistent practices across departments help strengthen training, fiscal accountability, operational effectiveness, emergency preparedness, and mutual aid throughout the region.

• The RDOS approach to regional fire service coordination reflects a model that is widely used by regional districts and local governments across British Columbia, providing support to fire departments while respecting the leadership and operational authority of local fire chiefs.

"The role of the RDOS Manager of Regional Fire Services is to support fire chiefs, not replace them," said RDOS Chair Mark Pendergraft. "This position is designed to strengthen regional emergency preparedness and response by providing coordination, administrative and operational support, and incident management assistance."

During wildfire incidents, BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) is the lead agency responsible for managing wildfire response. Local fire departments support BCWS through established mutual aid and cooperative response agreements, helping protect homes, critical infrastructure, and communities when wildfires threaten populated areas.

To ensure the continued delivery of fire protection and emergency response services, interim leadership is currently in place at the following RDOS fire departments:

• Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department: Members have selected interim leadership while the Fire Chief is on administrative leave.

• Three (3) Fire Captains with a combined 30 years of service

• Naramata Volunteer Fire Department: Acting leadership is in place while the recruitment process for a new Fire Chief takes place.
• • Acting Fire Chief with more than 30 years of fire service
  • Acting Deputy Fire Chief with more than 18 years of service

• Okanagan Falls Volunteer Fire Department: An interim Fire Chief is in place following the retirement of the previous Fire Chief in the fall of 2025. A long-term leadership decision will be considered by the newly elected mayor and council following the October 17, 2026, municipal election.
• • Interim Fire Chief with more than 13 years of service

• Keremeos and District Volunteer Fire Department: A Deputy Fire Chief is in place to ensure operational continuity following the retirement of the Fire Chief in the summer of 2025.
• Current leadership at the fire department elected not to recruit a Fire Chief. The RDOS is in the process of hiring an assistant Fire Chief to provide support.
• • Deputy Fire Chief with more than 27 years of service

• Willowbrook Volunteer Fire Department: The RDOS is in the process of hiring a Deputy Fire Chief of Administration. A Deputy Fire Chief of Operations is in place following the previous Fire Chief's promotion to Manager of Regional Fire Services.

• Deputy Fire Chief of Operations with more than 12 years of service

The RDOS will host a public information session and continue meeting with fire department personnel to review fire protection and emergency response services throughout the region.

The public information session will provide an opportunity for residents and property owners to receive accurate, timely, and reliable information. Details regarding the public information session will be announced once arrangements have been finalized.

For further information, please contact RDOS Communications.

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Mark Pendergraft, RDOS Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Contact:
RDOS Communications
250-490-4148
Toll-free 1-877-610-3737

Board Correspondence: [email protected] | 101 Martin Street, Penticton, BC, V2A 5J9

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