Save Genelle Fire Hall - May update and how you can help
By Contributor
Currently, the Genelle fire station is still officially scheduled for closure on June 25, 2025, but we will keep working to change this.
Community efforts have made progress, and a decision on an extension is expected to be made on May 20 at the next RDKB East End Services Committee meeting.
Volunteers will be canvassing door-to-door in Genelle over the next couple of weeks updating residents on the situation, looking for more firefighter recruits, and talking about how area residents can help get their message to regional that Genelle is committed to keeping our fire hall open and thriving.
How You Can Help RIGHT NOW:
Apply to be a Firefighter: We’re still looking for people to apply to be firefighters. If you are interested in joining, please contact us immediately at SaveGenelleFire@gmail.com. We have a short questionnaire and a letter to sign to add you to the official list.
Share Your Story: Tell us how the fire hall impacts you. Personal accounts (letters, emails, stories) about its importance or how the closure might affect your insurance are powerful tools when we speak to the directors. Please send these to SaveGenelleFire@gmail.com. We especially need to hear if your insurance has already been affected.
Contact the RDKB East End Area Directors: Tell them directly what the fire hall closure means to you and urge them to support the 1-year extension.
Attend the RDKB Meeting: On May 20 at 10:30 a.m., show your support! Participate in the meeting (in-person at Trail RDKB Boardroom or online) and make your voice heard during any public input sessions.
Copy and paste the text below for a blank Letter of Support. Just fill in the blanks and send to savegenellefire@gmail.com where volunteers will add it to the file for a group submission. Or scan and email back. Door-to-door volunteers will also have blank copies with them.
From:
Name (or business): _________________________________
Street Address: _____________________________________, Genelle, BC V0G 1G0
Phone: _____________________________ Email: ______________________________
Date: __________________________
To: Chair Wenman and the East End Services Committee
Regional District of Kootenay Boundary
843 Rossland Ave, Trail BC V1R 4S8
Subject: Support 1-Year Extension for Station 373 (Genelle Fire)
Dear Committee Directors,
I am writing about the potential closure of the Genelle Fire Station on June 25, 2025.
Closing our local station eliminates any potential for local firefighters and rapid, minutes-away arrival.
While we value Station 374 (Trail), their response time to Genelle will inevitably be longer due to travel
distance.
I am also deeply worried about the financial impact of property insurance changes. Having a functioning
local fire station affects property insurance. Losing our station increases costs for homeowners and
businesses, adding financial burden and potentially making affordable coverage difficult to secure.
I understand the Committee will be making a critical decision on May 20th regarding an operational
extension for Station 373. This extension gives our community the time needed to recruit and train
firefighters. Our community has stepped up and demonstrated a strong commitment to maintaining local
fire services; we are asking for the opportunity to see this through.
We strongly urge you to vote YES for the extension on May 20th. This is crucial for maintaining Genelle’s
safety through local response and mitigating severe financial impacts from insurance changes.
Thank you for considering the serious implications of this decision for Genelle residents.
Sincerely,
__________________________
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