$5.6 million is being invested by SGI to train and equip volunteer firefighters who respond to vehicle collisions on Saskatchewan roads.

The money will be used for a program that will be the first of its kind in Canada with the objective to fund the delivery of training courses that allow volunteer firefighters to meet minimum standards for auto extrication and purchase tools and equipment that support that training.

Minister Responsible for SGI Don Morgan said that advancements in-vehicle technology has led to new materials and designs in modern automobiles.

“Volunteer firefighters are often the first to respond to collisions on highways and rural roads, and it is essential that volunteer fire departments are kept up-to-date with evolving tool developments and adaptations around new car designs.”

Saskatchewan Volunteer Firefighters Association President Doug Lapchuk said that the announcement is excellent news for the nearly 300 volunteer firefighting agencies in the province.

“This program will greatly enhance our abilities to safely and adequately respond to motor vehicle collisions involving entrapment, in far more areas of our province that currently may not have extrication services available in a timely manner.”

The fund will be managed and distributed by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), which will consult with SGI, the Provincial Standards Training Committee, fire service stakeholders and other Government of Saskatchewan ministries during program development.

The SPSA will work with the Saskatchewan Volunteer Fire Fighters Association, the Saskatchewan Association of Fire Chiefs and other stakeholders to develop training standards and establish a fair and equitable process for purchasing tools and equipment.