Rotary Clubs Join Forces to Combat Wildfires in BC

As wildfires increasingly threaten British Columbia and Canada, the need for rapid, localized firefighting solutions has never been more critical. In response, Disaster Aid Canada (DAC)—a project of the Rotary Club of Ladysmith—has partnered with the Rotary Club of Steveston-Richmond and its Charitable Society (RCSRCS) to create an innovative tool for wildfire response: 

Fire Trailers

This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Siska First Nation and a Richmond-based fabricating company, draws on proven designs used in Australian bushfires. These Fire Trailers are rugged, mobile units equipped with:

  • Heavy-duty frame and running gear for off-road conditions

  • 2,000-litre water storage tank and a high-capacity pump

  • Fire hoses and piping, including an alternate intake hose for drawing water from natural sources

  • Secure storage for firefighting tools and equipment

  • Electric generator and lighting system

Designed for simplicity, affordability, and effectiveness, the trailers can be operated by individuals with basic training and a suitable towing vehicle. They enable rapid response to small fires, preventing them from escalating into major disasters. Compact and versatile, these trailers can access areas traditional fire trucks cannot reach and can even be transported by helicopter when necessary.

Recipient communities will receive firefighting training from professional firefighters, maintenance programs for the trailers, and a shipping container (sea-can) for secure trailer storage.

Beyond wildfire response, these trailers also provide protection for community structures, housing, and infrastructure during emergencies. For instance, the town of Lytton—devastated by wildfires in 2021—relies on a single fire truck to cover a vast area, including five First Nations communities and a regional district spanning thousands of hectares. The destruction of Lytton’s fire hall during the wildfire underscores the pressing need for innovative solutions like Fire Trailers.

A Partnership for Impact

In 2024-2025, DAC and RCSRCS will build and deliver nine Fire Trailers. The first, nearing completion, will be donated to the Siska First Nation. The remaining eight, already under construction, are scheduled for delivery before the next wildfire season to:

  • Skuppah First Nation

  • Kanaka Bar First Nation

  • Lytton First Nation

  • Tsideldel First Nation

  • Yunesit’in First Nation

  • Tles’qox First Nation

  • Xeni Gwet’in First Nation

  • Botanie (unincorporated regional district area)

This project highlights the strength of partnerships, collaboration, and trust-building. It showcases the incredible achievements possible when organizations and communities come together to tackle urgent challenges.

Potential for Growth

While the initial production run is dedicated to Indigenous communities in BC, the potential for this project extends far beyond. Rotary Clubs, organizations, and individuals across Canada and globally can fundraise to sponsor additional Fire Trailers for their communities or other areas in need, further amplifying the program’s impact.

A History of Collaboration

DAC and RCSRCS have a proven track record of working together on impactful projects. After the 2021 Lytton wildfire, the partnership raised over $175,000 to support relief efforts. These funds provided essentials such as food bank supplies, food and fuel vouchers, self-contained breathing apparatus for Lytton Fire and Rescue, and vital materials delivered by helicopter during floods.

Disaster Aid Canada’s mission is to provide humanitarian aid, shelter, sustainable water systems, and disaster support. By leveraging the global Rotary International network and partnerships with 12 other Disaster Aid International Country Partners, DAC works directly with local leaders to deliver effective and sustainable disaster responses.
 
In addition, RCSRCS has over 15 years of experience working with First Nations communities through its Write to Read BC Project (W2R). This program has established more than two dozen library and learning centers, fostering education and opportunity in remote communities. Learn more about W2R at www.writetoreadbc.com

Get Involved

To learn more about this Fire Trailer initiative or support this life-saving work, visit www.disasteraid.ca or contact us at info@disasteraid.ca