Burnaby Urban Search and Rescue (BUSAR) is a volunteer-driven disaster response organization committed to providing life-saving assistance in the aftermath of natural and man-made disasters. Composed of experienced firefighters and technical rescue specialists, our team is trained to respond to some of the most challenging rescue operations locally and internationally. Whether navigating collapsed buildings after an earthquake, responding to communities devastated by hurricanes, or assisting with flood relief, BUSAR remains dedicated to ensuring that people in crisis receive urgent and professional rescue support when they need it most.

Unlike government-funded emergency response teams, BUSAR operates independently, relying on grassroots funding and donor support to sustain its missions. This independence allows us to respond rapidly without bureaucratic delays, ensuring aid reaches affected communities immediately. Our specialized expertise in urban search and rescue (USAR), drone-assisted reconnaissance, K9 search operations, and technical rescue makes BUSAR an invaluable asset in disaster relief efforts. Over the years, our team has been deployed to numerous large-scale disasters, including the High River floods in 2013, the Nepal earthquake in 2015, the Abbotsford floods in 2017, Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas in 2019, and the Türkiye earthquake in 2023. Each mission has reinforced our commitment to providing highly trained personnel and cutting-edge rescue techniques to save lives and support affected communities.

One of BUSAR’s current initiatives is the Barbados Fire Department Disaster Response Partnership, a long-term collaboration designed to enhance the training, preparedness, and equipment of the Barbados Fire Department (BFD) in disaster response and technical rescue. This project was inspired by BUSAR’s participation in the Tradewinds 2024 military exercise, where we had the opportunity to observe and assist with search and rescue training in Barbados. While the dedication and skill of the Barbados Fire Department were evident, we also identified significant gaps in their technical rescue capabilities due to outdated equipment and limited access to specialized training. Given the increasing threats from hurricanes, earthquakes, and flooding, Barbados faces a growing need for highly trained first responders who can act swiftly and effectively during major disasters. However, much of the department’s rope rescue and technical equipment is outdated, limiting their ability to conduct safe and efficient rescue operations.

To address this need, BUSAR is partnering with the BFD to provide specialized hands-on training in technical rescue, structural collapse response, and advanced rope rescue techniques. Our team of volunteer instructors will travel to Barbados to work directly with their firefighters, building a long-term partnership that will enhance their ability to respond to emergencies for years to come. Additionally, we are actively raising funds to equip the Barbados Fire Department with modern, high-quality technical rescue gear, including ropes, harnesses, hardware, and essential life-saving tools. Every dollar raised for this initiative goes directly toward purchasing and delivering these resources, ensuring that Barbados’ first responders have the tools they need to protect their communities. This partnership is not a one-time deployment but an ongoing collaboration, with BUSAR committed to continued training, mentorship, and support for the Barbados Fire Department.

Beyond direct rescue operations, BUSAR is also focused on advancing search and rescue technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness in emergency situations. Our "Eyes in the Sky" Drone Initiative is a fundraising campaign aimed at expanding BUSAR’s capabilities through state-of-the-art drone technology. Drones have become indispensable tools in search and rescue operations, allowing teams to rapidly survey disaster zones, locate missing persons, and assess structural damage without putting rescuers at risk. Investing in specialized drones and mapping technology will enable BUSAR to operate more safely and effectively in challenging environments such as collapsed buildings, fire-damaged structures, and large-scale disaster zones.

The Eyes in the Sky initiative aims to raise $18,000 to purchase and operationalize several advanced drones, including the DJI Neo, a compact drone ideal for maneuvering in confined spaces; the ANZU Thermal Imaging Drone, which uses heat-sensing technology to locate survivors in low-visibility conditions; the DJI Avata, a drone specializing in low-light and indoor search operations; and the ANZU Mapping Drone, a high-performance device that provides detailed aerial surveys of disaster areas. These tools will allow BUSAR to conduct faster, safer, and more precise rescue missions, ultimately increasing our ability to save lives.

With your support, BUSAR can continue its mission of equipping first responders, training life-saving teams, and providing emergency relief where it is needed most. As an entirely volunteer-run organization, we rely on generous donors to sustain our operations. Every donation helps us enhance disaster preparedness, deliver crucial training, and provide cutting-edge rescue equipment to emergency responders in need. Whether you choose to contribute to our Barbados Fire Department Disaster Response Partnership or our Eyes in the Sky Drone Initiative, your support will directly help save lives.

Disasters don’t wait, and neither do we. Your contribution can make a real difference in helping us train firefighters, equip rescuers, and respond to emergencies both locally and internationally. Help us build stronger, safer communities by making a donation today.