SYDNEY, N.S. — A total of 18 Cape Breton-based volunteer fire departments have been awarded funding for the purchase of items ranging from personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus to rescue equipment and miscellaneous firefighting equipment.
The island recipients are among 74 such organizations across the province to share in $1.25 million in funding for emergency equipment.
The fund provides financial assistance to fire departments and ground search and rescue organizations, including HAZMAT organizations, to upgrade equipment that is used directly in response to a fire or emergency.
Organizations can access the fund every three years and the program provides up to 75 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum of $20,000.
Eight Cape Breton departments did receive the maximum funding amount this year.
"Many of these organizations are supported by volunteers, who put hours of their own time into training and responding to emergencies in their communities. This funding ensures they have the tools and equipment to be safe while carrying out their duties,” said Chuck Porter, minister of municipal affairs and housing.
