On December 20, 2013, the Revelstoke Highway Rescue Truck was involved in a single vehicle incident in which none of the 6 firefighters on board were injured. As a result of this incident the Highway Rescue Truck was taken out of service indefinitely due to severe drive train and frame damage. Neighbouring highway rescue service organizations assisted Revelstoke during this period.

On December 30, 2013, Revelstoke Highway Rescue Services resumed on local Highways as a result of the Fire Chief, with Emergency Management BC (EMBC) assistance to fund as a temporary measure, a leased Highway Rescue Vehicle.

Preliminary discussions did begin with EMBC and the City to find a more permanent solution to the Highway Rescue Truck situation.

Fire Chief Rob Girard commented that “Road Rescue, according to EMBC is not a Provincial Government mandate rather they provide expense reimbursement funding to service providers such as us. EMBC recognizes the immediate need for Revelstoke to find a more permanent solution, but so far that is the extent of the commitment for assistance we are getting from Province”.

Revelstoke Fire Rescue Services will be compiling vehicle cost data along with a vehicle needs analysis. Once that data is compiled, Revelstoke will need to explore Provincial and Federal funding sources including grants if available. Opportunity for private and corporate sponsorships will also be explored.

Mayor David Raven, in commenting on this initiative stated, “We are moving forward in finding solutions as it truly assists the motoring public in their time of need, on our local highways.”

Currently Highway Rescue Services are being provided utilizing a leased Highway Rescue Truck as a temporary measure for the next 3 months, using the existing extrication equipment from Revelstoke’s damaged vehicle.

Volunteer Firefighter and President of the Revelstoke Fire Rescue Society Brad Faucett commented that “We are pleased that our Firefighters are able to carry on providing the much needed Highway Rescue Services on our local highways with the use of this leased vehicle however we are disappointed a more permanent solution cannot be found in a timelier manner.”

In November, 2013, the Revelstoke Highway Rescue Firefighters received the Emergency Management BC Award for Road Rescue in Victoria.

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For more information, please contact:

Rob Girard, Fire Chief, (250) 837-2884
David Raven, Mayor, 250-837-2911
Brad Faucett, Volunteer Firefighter and President Revelstoke Fire Rescue Society
24hr Provincial Government Media Liaison Line: 250 213 3602