Simpcw First Nation and Chu Chua Volunteer Fire Department enhance community safety with order of a revolutionary multi-mission wildland response vehicle. 

May 11, 2023 – Fire Chief and Councillor, Ron Lampreau Jr., shares why they’re opting for an exciting new wildland development to further their wildland, structure protection, and initial attack capabilities. 

What was important to you when selecting a wildland vehicle fit for your department?

Fire Chief and Councillor Ron Lampreau Jr.: Water, capacity, size, and wildland response capabilities. 

Most fires start at a manageable size, having a quick response time, and having access to the required resources are critical to preventing potential mega-fires. The protection of our Territory is a high priority for Simpcw, and we are the caretakers of the land.

What was the motivation behind this order?

Fire Chief and Councillor Ron Lampreau Jr.: One of the biggest risks for our rural community is access. Our community has many structures and critical infrastructure that is situated on narrow backroads. Having a truck that can drive these roads is critical to protecting our community.

How will the Wildland 3 Initial Attack help you serve your community more effectively?

Fire Chief and Councillor Ron Lampreau Jr.: One of the biggest risks for our rural community is access. Our community has many structures and critical infrastructure that is situated on narrow backroads. Having a truck that can drive these roads is critical to protecting our community.

It will be a hybrid truck that can respond to both structure and wildland fires in our rural community.

Learn more about the most remarkable wildland engine here.

About Simpcw First Nation and Chu Chua Volunteer Fire Department

The leadership of Simpcw First Nation (Simpcw) on behalf of Simpcwemc, declare our inherent right to manage Simpcwúlecw, our area of responsibility within Secwepemcúlecw, the tmicw of the Secwepemc. T hé7en re penmíntmes re s7íllens-kucw, re melámens-kucw, ell re t7élksten tléne ne Simpcwúlecw (We know where to find our food, our medicines, and the tools from the land in Simpcw territory).   Simpcwemc are yecwmínmen of 5,000,000 ha, with an external boundary that includes the North Thompson River system, the upper drainages of the Fraser, Athabasca and Smoky Rivers as well as the Canoe River and the Big Bend area of the Columbia River basin. Simpcwúlecw includes the Upper Adams River watershed, as well as a portion of Adams Lake. As a campfire of the Secwépemc, we are part of a strong, proud “spread out people”. Simpcwemc affirms as a Secwépemc campfire, sharing a common identity held by Secwepemctsín, history, traditions, family ties and governing relations.   Since time immemorial, as yecwmínmen of our Simpcw campfire, Simpcwemc has independently provided stewardship within their territorial area of responsibility of Secwepemcúlecw, living in harmony with our Secwépemc neighbours. We have a responsibility to protect the land, the water, and the air of Mother Earth and all her inhabitants and everything that grows forth either surface or subsurface. We are obliged to live within the laws based on traditional principles and values. Tselxemstém re sw7ec-kt ne tmicw (we know our activities on the land).   Simpcw hereby declares and affirms that we have the right to govern and exercise our jurisdiction over the tmicw and our People according to our Stsqey (laws). Stsqey includes our Secwepemc Laws, as practiced by our Ancestors and the laws we recognize and implement today. The Simpcw also declare that we will select our leadership to speak on our behalf and we recognize them as the rightful representatives of Simpcwemc. Simpcw affirms that those who enter Simpcwúlecw must respect and adhere to Stsqey.