The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) will assume operations of the Field Fire Department, bringing the total number of fire departments in the district to fifteen.
The CSRD Board voted in support of a contribution agreement at the Nov. 20 regular meeting. This means Parks Canada will continue to provide financial support for structural fire protection in Yoho National Park.
What does this mean for residents? As part of the three-year agreement, there will be no current municipal tax changes for the residents of Field. All operational and capital costs associated with providing fire and rescue services will be covered by the CSRD through the contribution agreement with Parks Canada.
“Parks Canada, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District and the Field Fire Department continue to be key partners in public safety within Yoho National Park. Formalizing integration of the Field Fire Department into the CSRD’s protection services structure will bring modern, professional resources and fire-focused expertise to support the department,” François Masse, Lake Louise Yoho Kootenay Field Unit Superintendent, Parks Canada, said.
The CSRD stated that the addition of the Field Fire Department will provide more efficient support, coinciding with best practices in other communities. Their fire services oversee 14 paid-on-call fire departments.
Sean Coubrough, regional fire chief, said they are excited to welcome the volunteers into their organization.
“We are well-positioned to support the Field Fire Department with the same high quality of emergency service, training and administration that the CSRD already provides for our other fire departments across the region,” Coubrough added.
The agreement will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
