About Us

Sahtlam Volunteer Fire department was formed as the Sahtlam Fire Protection District by founding members in 1970. Covering 159 residences and 26 square miles. Equipment was begged and borrowed to equip the fledgling department. The first fire chief was Tom Cumpstone who was elected because of his previous experience while employed as a professional firefighter with the city of St. Catharines fire department in Ontario. In 1972 the Cowichan Valley Regional District was requested to fund the Sahtlam Fire Department through area taxation. The department is now a function within the Regional District.

The area has grown, and is now over 500 residences, with another 100 being planned in two new subdivisions. Sahtlam's crew complement is 30, with crews attending 50 - 60 calls a year approximately 60% of those being primarily Medical First Responder calls. We are an all volunteer department that is very proud of our involvement within the community.

Historically, our hall has always had women members.  During the early formative years, the women would cover the day calls and train while the men were at work, the men would cover the night calls and train in the evenings.  We now have female members integrated into the crew contributing many skills to our department.

The department has four appliances

#51 - 1989 Ford 4X4 Crew cab Utility rescue

#52 - 2005 Fort Garry Freightliner engine 1050 IGPM - Carrying 1000 gallons of water

#53 - 2010 Rosenbauer Freightliner tender capacity - 1700 gallons

#56 - 1984 - Anderson engine 835 IGPM pump 1000 gallons water capacity, converted to tender duty with a 10" Newton dump system

The department is currently making plans to replace #56 with a tender of the same design and capacity as #53 in 2014

 

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