100 Mile Fire Rescue enjoyed a busy but successful 2024.
Fire Chief Dave Bissat said he and his department responded to 496 different calls for services throughout the year, up from 472 calls in 2023. He noted that while many of these calls were challenging, his well-trained and dedicated team always rose to the occasion to overcome any obstacles with professionalism and expertise.
"As our community continues to grow, we anticipate this number to steadily rise in 2025," Bissat remarked.
Broken down by type, Bissat said his department responded to 95 different fire calls including structure fires, wildland fires, vehicle fires and fire alarm calls. The department also responded to 127 different motor vehicle incidents which included traffic control at the scene of accidents, auto extractions and embankment rescues. Administrative calls, for incidents such as burning complaints or smoke-related concerns, made up 67 of the calls they responded to.
The vast majority of calls, however, remain medical calls with the department attending 224 different incidents. Bissat said this typically includes assisting BC Ambulance with incidents that are life-threatening or time-critical, such as heart attacks and overdoses.
One of the most notable incidents his department responded to in 2024 was responding to a fire in a high-occupant commercial building. Bissat said his crew worked tirelessly to fight the blaze on the third floor of the building while other members of the department conducted searches and evacuated residents.
"This response required leadership, teamwork, communication, and precision—qualities our department strives to uphold through continuous training," Bissat remarked. "The district's fire inspection program played a crucial role, as all fire code requirements were up to date, ensuring the safety of both occupants and firefighters. Additionally, all commercial properties within the district of 100 Mile House are safe, thanks to our ongoing commitment to fire prevention and public safety."
Bissat is confident his department will be able to continue to provide quality service to the community in 2025. As of January 2025, Bissat said his team consists of 26 volunteer on-call firefighters, with another four recruits expected to join them later this month. Having 30 people on the hall is especially impressive, he explained because many of his firefighters have families and full-time jobs outside of the hall, yet still make time for the department.
"The District of 100 Mile House has played a crucial role in our success by ensuring we have up-to-date personal protective equipment and well-maintained apparatus, providing the foundation for our team's safety and effectiveness," Bissat remarked.
Looking ahead, Bissat said he and his team are excited to keep serving the community and maintaining their high training standards. He added that public education about fire safety to keep residents well-informed and prepared will remain an ongoing priority.
"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the community for its unwavering support. Your encouragement enables us to serve and protect effectively. Please remember to test your fire alarms monthly and reach out with any fire safety questions or concerns anytime," Bissat said. "Together, we can keep our community safe."
100 Mile Fire Rescue can be reached at 250-395-2152 Monday to Friday during regular work hours.
