A Shuswap fire department is searching for new firefighters. 

If they don’t recruit more frontline staff, residents in the area could be forced to pay higher property insurance rates. 

Scotch Creek/Lee Creek Fire Department is below mandatory levels of firefighters. 

But it still has enough to respond to emergencies, Columbia Shuswap Regional District team leader Derek Sutherland said. 

“Our fire services are struggling to recruit new members and that is jeopardizing the ability to maintain critical accreditations that dramatically reduce the insurance rates of our residents,” he explained.

Photo credit: RDCS

That’s because the department could lose its Superior Tanker Shuttle Accreditation (STSS). 

“If we don’t get more members we are in danger of losing our STSS accreditation. If that happens, everyone pays," Sutherland said.

The department has also been forced recently to request help from the Celista Fire Department. 

"The volunteer firefighters we have are truly dedicated to the safety of their community and they are working very diligently to ensure the community has a good emergency response every time a call comes in,” Sutherland added.

“We don't want to burn out those hard-working volunteers. 

"We are looking to increase the number of Scotch Creek/Lee Creek firefighters to a number that is healthy and sustainable."

Sutherland also said there were many benefits to being a firefighter, including being paid on-call for their work, training and mileage.  

"Firefighters get to give back to their communities in rewarding ways,” he said.

“They provide community leadership and have the opportunity to build strong skills in firefighting, equipment operating, and administration while enjoying time with other dedicated community members.”

Head to csrd.bc.ca/firefighterrecruiting or call 250-833-5955 for more.