Sessions in Terrace, Burns Lake co-organized with industry focused on liquified petroleum gas

Local fire departments across northern B.C. took part in specialized rail safety training in early October as part of an annual program aimed at improving emergency response for incidents involving flammable materials.

AltaGas, in partnership with Pembina and CN, hosted the two-day liquified petroleum gas (LPG) emergency response training in Terrace beginning Oct. 1, with additional sessions held in Burns Lake. The program, launched in 2019, is designed to ensure firefighters are prepared to handle railcar emergencies safely and effectively, according to a press release from AltaGas.

In Terrace, participants from the Terrace, Thornhill, Kitimat and Kitsumkalum fire departments attended classroom sessions and live-fire exercises led by instructors from Ambipar Emergency Response. The hands-on training simulated LPG fire scenarios and demonstrated containment techniques.

“Students gained valuable knowledge surrounding LPG rail cars and put their skills to the test using LPG props led by the instructors,” said Terrace Deputy Fire Chief Brad Owens. “Our department has an increased confidence and proficiency as a result when dealing with LPG.”

In Burns Lake, volunteer and career firefighters from Burns Lake, Fraser Lake, Fort St. James, Houston, and Southside departments took part in similar sessions.

“Burns Lake Fire Rescue Services, and the other fire departments that took part in the LPG training gained valuable knowledge and amazing hands-on skills which will aid in making our communities, and our residents safer,” said Rob Krause, Director of Protective Services and Fire Chief for Burns Lake Fire Rescue Services.

The annual training is part of an ongoing collaboration between industry and first responders along CN’s Northern B.C. rail corridor, where freight traffic includes fuel and hazardous materials, the press release said. The program helps strengthen regional preparedness and coordination between emergency services and the energy sector.