Okanagan Indian Band fire department focus of independent review

VERNON – An independent review is underway after concerns were raised about the Okanagan Indian Band’s fire department.

In a statement released today, March 14, the band says the decision to conduct an independent review is the result of “receiving a letter from members of the fire department outlining possible deficiencies.”

“The OKIB Administration, which oversees the fire department, takes all allegations of deficiencies very seriously. The administration immediately secured an external expert advisor, who has no ties with OKIB council, administration, or the fire hall, to conduct its independent review,” the band states.

The review will “help identify safety issues, training needs, and resource gaps," according to the statement.

While the review is being carried out, the band’s administration has placed its two senior firefighters, including the chief, on administrative leave “to ensure a fair and transparent process.” In the interim, it has hired an acting fire chief.

“Currently, the OKIB Fire Department has up to two dozen volunteers. OKIB is confident that it can address local emergencies, either with existing staff or with its partnership with neighbouring agencies, if and when needed,” the band says. “It should be noted that many First Nations fire departments across Canada are dealing with similar issues due to significant underfunding. The lack of funding for many First Nations fire departments results in a dire need of equipment, essential training, and related support.”

The band says it commits a substantial amount of its own resources to ensure it has an operational volunteer fire department.

“OKIB administration will wait until the external review is complete before it comments further on this matter,” the band says.

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