INFORMATION RELEASE

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is reaffirming that the safety of residents and visitors remains its highest priority. Strong partnerships, open communication, and a shared commitment to public safety are essential as we prepare for wildfires and other emergencies. 

The fire protection environment continues to evolve, with new regulations, training requirements, operational standards, and community expectations. Consistent practices across RDOS fire departments help support effective operations, training, accountability, and mutual aid throughout the region.

“Residents can be confident that fire protection and emergency response services will be maintained in all established fire protection service areas within the Regional District,” said Mark Koch, RDOS Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO). “Our focus remains on supporting RDOS fire departments, maintaining strong emergency response capabilities, and ensuring the safety of the communities we serve.”

Fire department members and the RDOS Board of Directors have been kept informed of organizational changes through ongoing communication and engagement efforts. To ensure the continued delivery of fire protection and emergency response services, interim leadership is currently in place at the following RDOS fire departments:

• Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department: Members have selected interim leadership while the Fire Chief is on administrative leave.

• Fire Captain with more than 13 years of service

• Naramata Volunteer Fire Department: Acting leadership is in place while the recruitment process for a new Fire Chief takes place.
• Acting Fire Chief with more than 30 years of fire service
• Acting Deputy Fire Chief with more than 18 years of service

• Okanagan Falls Volunteer Fire Department: An interim Fire Chief is in place following the retirement of the previous fire chief in the fall of 2025. A long-term leadership decision will be considered by the newly elected mayor and council following the October 17, 2026, municipal election.
• Interim Fire Chief with more than 13 years of service

• Keremeos and District Volunteer Fire Department: A Deputy Fire Chief is in place to ensure operational continuity following the retirement of the Fire Chief in the summer of 2025. Current leadership at the fire department elected not to recruit a fire chief. The RDOS is in the process of hiring an assistant fire chief to provide support.
• Deputy Fire Chief with more than 27 years of service
• Willowbrook Volunteer Fire Department: The RDOS is in the process of hiring a Deputy Fire Chief of Administration. A deputy fire chief of operations is in place following the previous Fire Chief’s promotion to Manager of Regional Fire Services.

• Deputy Fire Chief of Operations with more than 12 years of service

The RDOS Manager of Regional Fire Services supports RDOS fire departments by working closely with fire chiefs on training initiatives, developing core Standard Operating Guidelines and training programs, and identifying opportunities for cost savings through coordinated purchasing. This role helps promote consistency, collaboration, and effective fire service delivery across the Regional District.

RDOS fire departments are part of the Regional District’s Protective Services Department and are supported by dedicated fire service personnel who help deliver fire protection and emergency response services throughout the region. The RDOS values community input, and feedback, questions, and concerns play an important role in helping strengthen services and support informed decision-making.

By fostering collaboration, shared standards, and open communication, the RDOS is committed to supporting its fire departments and ensuring residents continue to receive reliable, high-quality fire protection and emergency response services.

A future public information session will be scheduled to provide information and answer questions related to operational continuity, governance, policies, and the ongoing support of emergency response services.

The RDOS welcomes constructive dialogue and remains focused on maintaining reliable fire protection services, supporting emergency response readiness, and ensuring the safety of the communities we serve.

For further information, please contact RDOS Communications.

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Mark Koch, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO)
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen 

Contact:

RDOS Communications
250-490-4148
Toll-free 1-877-610-3737

Board Correspondence: info@rdos.bc.ca | 101 Martin Street, Penticton, BC, V2A 5J9

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