More details are emerging about why the Smithers Volunteer Fire Department is shutting down.
Mayor Anne Cavalier says a state review found it was in the best interest of public and firefighter safety to close the department, citing years of financial mismanagement, poor leadership, training issues, and low recruitment.
Problems reportedly date back to 2011 and worsened after several board members resigned in 2022. The city brought in the Montgomery Fire Chief to help rebuild, but his death in 2024 stalled progress. The department also fell below the required 20 certified firefighters and had a response rate of just 40 percent.
A state investigation began after a complaint that a Smithers fire truck responded to a call without a hose. The department has now been decertified.
Coverage for Smithers will shift to the Montgomery and Boomer volunteer departments.