The Appointments of LAFC
The Local Government Act and the Community Charter provide the authority for local governments to establish a fire department. The legislation regarding the appointment of Local Assistants is outlined under Section 6 of the Fire Services Act.
The Fire Services Act enables automatic appointments as LAFC to mayors, local constables, and RCMP. However, the OFC database of recognized LAFC contains only a small number of these appointments. Most LAFC are members of a fire department.
It is important to note that although some Local Assistants may be municipal employees, they are acting under provincial authority and are accountable to the Fire Commissioner, not the local government, when carrying out the duties of a Local Assistant. Some municipalities have fire by-laws with similar provisions as the Fire Services Act.
LAFC need to know which “hat” they are wearing when conducting these activities. One clear distinction is where there is a requirement to add the LAFC badge number as information, such as fire reporting or issuing a provincial order, the person is acting as an LAFC on behalf of the Province.
LAFC appointment is necessary to lawfully enter a building after a fire, and to enforce the BC Fire Code by writing orders.