Provincial government support of $656,000 for the construction of a new facility will help the Prince Edward Island Firefighters Association (PEIFFA) improve training for volunteer firefighters, says Minister of Justice and Public Safety Doug W. Currie.
“This is a significant government investment in public safety for all Islanders,” said Mr. Currie. “We recognize the importance of providing a facility where Prince Edward Island firefighters and other emergency responders can continue training to enable them to protect Islanders.”
The fire school is situated in Milton on land leased from the Government of Prince Edward Island. In recent years training requirements have been outgrowing the facilities. Funding for the project was approved under the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Capital Budget. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal will oversee the construction of the new training facility, which will be built on government-owned property at the site and will lease it to the PEIFFA. The new facility will include an administration and classroom space and a three-bay truck area.
The PEIFFA will provide $150,000 toward the construction of the new facility. The association is the principal training agency for more than 1,000 volunteer firefighters from 36 fire departments across the province. This spring more than 60 volunteer firefighters received their level one firefighter certificates which require 200 hours of study and practical exercise. Other courses offered at the fire school include technical rescue operations, basic fire investigation, driver training and ice rescue. It also offers specialized training for other industries in areas such as confined space and rope rescue.
For more information on the PEIFFA fire school and the training provided, go to www.peiffa.com.