Telkwa Fire Rescue is starting up a new fire fighting program for youth aged 14-17.
The first meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. in the main fire hall at 1234 Highway 16. The plan is to run it every week.
It has been about 10 years since such a program existed in Telkwa. Fire chief Randy Cunningham said he was inspired to get it back up and running because of the success he saw other communities had with it.
“I decided it was time to start it back up and start to generate some interest in the youth about joining a volunteer organization, and hopefully it’ll pay dividends down the road once they turn 18 and decide they’re out of school and need something other than jobs and socializing,” said Cunningham.
Skills and subjects learned include fire fighter safety, personal protection equipment and self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), rope and knots, ladders, ventilation, fire hose, fire streams and appliances, and water supplies. There will also be a Canadian Red Cross course on CPR.
Anyone interested can contact Cunningham at 778-210-0264 or chief@telkwafire.com.