Westside Needs More Help: Fire Chief

Officials say this weekend's major structure fire is a wake-up call the Westside needs a fully staffed fire hall.

More than 100 people were left homeless after a 48 unit apartment building on Boucherie Rd. went up in flames Sunday.

The cause is still under investigation, but it's believed the fire started on a patio. At least 15 units were completely destroyed.

Some of the building's residents complained through the media about the Westside Fire Department's response time. One resident was quoted as saying it took an hour before help arrived.

Westside Fire Chief, Wayne Schnitzler, disputes that claim.

He says the first fire truck arrived within minutes of receiving the call. A number of other trucks, including at least one from Kelowna, arrived shortly after that.

The Westside relies on volunteers to fight its fires. Schnitzler says that can't go on forever.

"Maybe it is the time to look at increasing our staffing levels so we can accomplish more, but that's a decision for the taxpayers."

Westside ratepayers have rejected two referendums on establishing a fully staffed fire hall. Chair of the Westside Fire Department, Joe Strocen, says it's time residents realize they're going to have to pay a little extra if they want professional fire protection.

He's meeting next week with Westside Liberal MLA Rick Thorpe and officials from the Westbank First Nation. He says increasing fire protection is going to be high on the agenda.