The Thompson-Nicola Regional District says it “has made the difficult decision” to suspend fire protection services in the Lower Nicola area until further notice.

It says fire protection services for people in Lower Nicola, Miller Estates, Canford, as well as those in properties further southwest, including parts of Petit Creek Road, Cummings Road and Jack Swartz Forest Service Road were provided through a contract with the Lower Nicola Indian Band.

“At this time, it has been determined that the LNIB Fire Department does not have the capacity to respond to fire calls outside of their own community,” the TNRD said, in a statement.

“The TNRD has provided notice by mail to impacted properties. Property owners will have received this notice in the coming days.”

People are still being told to call 9-1-1 in an emergency as paramedics and police will still respond to the area. The BC Wildfire Service will also respond to any wildfires that may break out this summer.

“The TNRD will be assessing options to resume fire protection services as soon as possible, in compliance with requirements by the Province of BC,” the statement added. “The TNRD regrets the need to suspend this service.”

People who have questions are being told to contact the TNRD by phone at 250-377-8673, or by email.

The TNRD has made the difficult decision to suspend fire protection services (exterior operations – structural) until further notice in parts of Electoral Areas “M” and “N,” affecting Lower Nicola, Miller Estates, Canford and other area properties.

Read: https://t.co/eoy5MWQFAL pic.twitter.com/i3mRJyl1xl

— TNRD (@TNRD) June 23, 2022