Port Edward residents could find themselves in trouble in the event of a large fire.
Last month, a mutual aid agreement between the District of Port Edward and Prince Rupert ran up.
Without an agreement in place, Prince Rupert’s professional Fire Department is legally unable to assist Port Edward’s volunteer unit without taking on liability.
On top of the agreement running out, negotiations on a replacement agreement between the two parties have stalled.
Continued tensions over a Ridley Island tax sharing agreement seem to be a factor in the negotiations as Prince Rupert pushes for a revised agreement.
According to the Prince Rupert Fire Department, they had requested a written offer from the District weeks ago, but have not yet received one.
Adding to that, the Department says they do not wish to be in a position where they are unable to lend assistance to their neighbours.