Contrary to concerns raised in the community, the Sowchea-Luck Bay fire hall will remain open, the District of Fort St. James and the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako said in a statement issued last last week.
However, a call for more recruits will soon be issued in answer to a Fire Underwriters Survey (FUS) decision to downgrade the safety rating for Luck Bay rural fire protection service area to unprotected.
As a result, the 78 residences in the area, which is the area west of Colony Point, may see increase in property insurance rates.
On Thursday, Fort St. James mayor and council members and a Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako representative met with fire fighters and local government staff over the issue and came up with a set of actions that include immediately taking in new recruits in addition to the schedule spring intake.
Additional steps include enhanced training opportunities, working with the FUS to better understand their rating system and to develop a plan to improve communications both internally and with the public.
"The District of Fort St. James Fire Department will continue to respond to all calls in the Luck Bay rural fire protection area to the best of its ability with available resources," the District and FFGRD said in the statement.
A public meeting will be held at a later date, once the details of these actions have been determined.
