Regional District of Nanaimo to apply for grant for fire gear equipment washers

The Regional District of Nanaimo plans to apply for a grant to purchase decontamination washing equipment. Staff sought permission from the RDN board, during its regular meeting on Nov. 4, to allow an application for $150,000 to be submitted to the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund: Volunteer and Composition Fire Department Equipment and Training fund. The grant application is being done on behalf of the Town of Qualicum Beach, the District of Lantzville, the Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department, the Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department, and the Nanoose Bay Fire Department. All the departments are eligible for up to $30,000. The money will be used to acquire fire gear washers which crews use following a fire, to decontaminate personal protective equipment. The washers make the work more efficient and provide the ability to reduce the carcinogens off of personal protective equipment. The RDN board endorsed staff recommendation to submit a group application for the grant.