The City of Vernon and the District of Coldstream have officially launched a two-year Automatic Aid Pilot Project designed to enhance emergency response capabilities, improve firefighter and public safety, and provide faster access to additional firefighting resources during significant fire incidents.
The pilot project establishes an automatic response agreement between Vernon Fire Rescue Services and the Coldstream Fire Department. Under the agreement, Coldstream will automatically dispatch a fire engine and crew to General Alarm fires in Vernon, while Vernon will automatically dispatch a fire engine and crew to Structure Fires (Working Fires) within a designated response area in Coldstream.
Unlike traditional mutual aid agreements, where additional resources are requested after firefighters arrive on scene, automatic aid ensures neighbouring resources are dispatched immediately when qualifying incidents are reported. This approach allows additional personnel and equipment to begin responding sooner, helping firefighters address emergencies more effectively during critical early stages.
The pilot project was developed through collaboration between the two fire departments and reflects a shared commitment to protecting lives, property, and the environment while maintaining independent local fire services in both communities.
“Vernon and Coldstream have a strong history of working together, and this pilot is another opportunity to build on that relationship and support one another when it matters most,” said Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming. “By having additional resources respond sooner, our firefighters can work together more promptly and effectively. This is about making the best use of our resources, supporting our neighbouring community and helping keep people safe in Vernon and in Coldstream.”
"This pilot is a great example of how we can work together to support both communities,” said Coldstream Mayor Ruth Hoyte. “Having additional firefighters and equipment respond sooner when they are needed will provide another layer of support for our residents and our fire department. I appreciate the work that has gone into developing this pilot and look forward to seeing the positive impact it has for Coldstream and Vernon."
Residents will continue to receive fire protection from their local fire department, and there will be no changes to how 9-1-1 calls are made or dispatched. Fire stations will remain in their current locations, and both municipalities will continue to operate and manage their own fire departments independently.
The pilot is scheduled to run for two years. Throughout that period, each activation of the agreement will be reviewed to evaluate response effectiveness, firefighter and public safety, operational coordination, resource availability, response times, costs, and overall incident outcomes. Findings will be reported publicly to both councils.