An old aircraft currently sitting at Smithers Fire Rescue training facility on Pacific Street will be relocated.
In 2012, Smithers Fire Rescue received a decommissioned aircraft from the film company that produced “The Grey” starring Liam Neeson and was partly filmed in and Smithers.
The intention of the donation was for the aircraft to be used for aircraft firefighting training. However, due to its location, it has not been used for training. While in this location it has, and continues to be, subject to vandalization.
In a report to Smithers town council, acting deputy fire chief Matt Herzog said the aircraft is a unique piece of training equipment the Town of Smithers is fortunate to have been gifted.
Staff intends to move the aircraft to the Smithers Regional Airport, where it can begin to be used for its intended training purposes. When relocated, t, it will be used for mass casualty incident and aircraft firefighting training.
According to Herzog, Smithers Fire Rescue has been working with the Smithers Regional Airport to create a space for the two sections of aircraft and one wing. The proposed location is not close to the main runway, is out of view of incoming and departing aircraft, and is gated to increase public protection.
Every two to four years, Smithers Fire Rescue and the Smithers Regional Airport collaborate to host a mass casualty incident scenario for airport staff and emergency response agencies, including the Bulkley Valley District Hospital.
This aircraft will be used to facilitate this training in a realistic setting. Smithers Fire Rescue is in discussions with contract training organizations to host aircraft firefighting and aircraft rescue training using this aircraft.
