Powell River Professional Fire Fighters IAFF 1298

08/31/2026

Powell River firefighters demonstrate the use of fire hoses to members of the public, 1940.

Fire Chief Stan Davies can be seen at the far right.

More than 80 years later, the equipment may have changed, but connecting with the community and sharing what we do remains an important part of the fire service.

Then and now, we’re proud to serve our community.

08/31/2026

08/27/2026

A big thank you to the owners, management and team at RONA Powell River for taking the time to recognize our members following the fire in May.

The support shown to our crews means a lot. We’re proud to serve Powell River and grateful to be part of a community that supports its firefighters.

Powell River Fire Rescue
City of Powell River
BC Professional Fire Fighters

08/05/2026

A little Sea Fair fun from August 1966. The crew of the Sussexvale Sailors challenged Powell River Firefighters to a game of “Beer Barrel Polo,” using a barrel for a puck and high-pressure fire hoses to send it across the opposing team’s line.

Things got competitive: “everything seemed to go,” including karate and turning off the other team’s water. Can you spot the referee, umbrella in hand, being swept right off his feet by the action?

07/10/2026

The BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association stands with BC’s nurses in their efforts to restore safe, sustainable working conditions.

Fire fighters understand firsthand the toll that chronic overtime, staffing shortages, and workplace fatigue can take on workers, their families, and the people who depend on them.

Strong staffing levels and healthy workplaces are essential to providing the high-quality public services that British Columbians deserve.

We support efforts to find collaborative solutions that improve recruitment, retention, and working conditions while ensuring the long-term strength of our public healthcare system.

07/08/2026

Crew fighting a fire at Bowes Hardware on Marine Avenue in Westview, 1956.

06/22/2026

IAFF 1298 extends our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of retired Fire Chief Langdale.

His leadership, service, and dedication to the fire service helped shape Powell River Fire Rescue and left a lasting impact on our community. We are grateful for his contributions and the legacy he leaves behind.

It is with great sadness that Powell River Fire Rescue acknowledges the passing of retired Fire Chief Wayne Langdale.

Chief Langdale was born and raised in Powell River and served the majority of his fire service career in New Zealand and then as Fire Chief of Powell River Fire Rescue from 1989 to 1998. Chief Langdale brought a wealth of knowledge, experience, and leadership to our community. Throughout his tenure, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public safety, helped shape the department's future, and mentored many firefighters whose careers and service were influenced by his guidance.

His contributions to the fire service and to the citizens of Powell River will leave a lasting legacy that will not be forgotten.

On behalf of all members, past and present, of Powell River Fire Rescue, we extend our sincere condolences to Chief Langdale's family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

Thank you, Chief Langdale, for your years of service, leadership, and dedication to our community. Your legacy will continue to be remembered and honored.

Rest in peace, Chief.

06/13/2026

A remarkable piece of Powell River firefighting history.

On June 22, 1956, firefighters responded to a major commercial fire that struck a block of Marine Avenue businesses, including Bowes Hardware, Westview Bakery, Super Service Ltd., the Buy, Sell and Exchange, and the Electric Store. Reported losses were estimated at approximately $70,000.

Crews battling heavy smoke conditions as they worked to locate the seat of the fire hidden within the building. Firefighters cut inspection holes in the roof, searched for fire extension, and prevented further spread through the business block.

The images also offer a fascinating glimpse into Westview nearly 70 years ago: the storefronts, vehicles, streetscape, and the crowd that gathered to watch firefighters at work.

Nearly seven decades later, these photographs stand as a reminder of the firefighters who answered the call that morning and the long history of service to the people of Powell River.

06/11/2026

IAFF Local 1298 congratulates our President, Brad Collicutt, on receiving his 25 Years of Service Medal.

For 25 years, Brad has served the citizens of Powell River with professionalism, dedication, and leadership. In addition to his service on the fire department, he has spent countless hours advocating for the members of Local 1298 and helping strengthen our union.

On behalf of the membership, thank you for your commitment to the fire service, your fellow firefighters, and our community.

Congratulations on this well-deserved milestone.

05/09/2026

“Our members will always step up when called upon, but relying on off duty staffing is not a sustainable solution for a growing community.”

Following the RONA fire this week CTV News, covered the incident and the staffing challenges facing fire response in the City of Powell River.

Full story linked in comments below.

BC Professional Fire Fighters
IAFF Canada - AIP