Tla’amin Nation supports community readiness before, during, and after emergencies — including wildfire, earthquakes, power outages, severe weather, extreme heat, flooding, drought, water disruptions, transportation incidents, and pandemics.
In an emergency, always call 9-1-1.
Tla’amin Firehall and Emergency Services
The Tla’amin Firehall started in 1972, at that time there was a red 1954 chevy with a hose reel installed and owned by the August family. The truck had some pumping capability and was used to attack fires, becoming the first firetruck for Tla’amin Nation.
The first firehall was built in 1975, consisting of a single bay garage for one truck. This space now houses Rescue 33.
Today Tla’amin is home to a large community-driven volunteer fire department and full-time fire chief Byron Harry. The Department provides emergency services to Tla’amin Nation and its lease properties on Klahanie and Southview. The department has mutual aid agreements with the qRD and the City of Powell River.
To volunteer please call 604-483-2444.
Emergency Services
Emergency planning services include hazard, risk, and vulnerability assessments; evacuation route planning; public safety messaging and preparedness reminders; and coordination with the Fire Department, RCMP, BC Ambulance, BC Wildfire Service, Health, Housing, Public Works, and regional, provincial, and First Nations partners. These services support — but don’t replace — emergency responders. For fire, medical, policing, or utility emergencies, call 9-1-1 to contact the responding agency directly.
ESS provides short-term support to people displaced by emergencies, including lodging, food, clothing, family reunification, emotional support, and referrals. This capacity is being strengthened so Tla’amin Nation members receive culturally safe, coordinated support during displacement.
For larger incidents, an EOC may be activated to coordinate information, resources, departments, leadership, response partners, and public communication. The EOC supports responders in the field rather than replacing them.
Preparedness education and training is available for staff, youth, Elders, and families, covering emergency kit building, fire and evacuation drills, earthquake and power outage preparedness, heat and smoke safety, ESS training, and EOC training. Presentations and training sessions can be requested directly.
Support is available to help households understand and prepare for the different stages of evacuation. When an evacuation is needed, official information, safe movement support, and emergency supports are coordinated with partner agencies.
FireSmart supports prevention-focused, community-led wildfire risk reduction through home assessments, mitigation planning, and seasonal safety messaging. To request an assessment, contact the FireSmart Department at 604-413-7020, linzy.elliott@tn-bc.ca or use the FireSmart BC online request form:
https://firesmartbcplatform.ca/request-home-inspection?agency=Tla%27amin%20Nation
Get Prepared At Home
Every household is encouraged to build a basic emergency plan and keep 72 hours to one week of supplies on hand, along with a grab-and-go bag ready for quick evacuation. A plan should cover a family meeting point, contact methods, who may need extra help, supply storage, plans for pets or livestock, and how you’ll receive emergency information. Preparedness can be built gradually — start with what you have and add over time.
What To Do In An Emergency
Call 9-1-1 for immediate danger, move to safety if possible, check on household members, follow evacuation alerts or orders, keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles, and watch for official Tla’amin Nation updates rather than unconfirmed information.