By Thomas Smith
After a request from Algonquin Highlands council for a quarterly update, Fire Chief Mike French reported an update on the progress towards completing the recommendations in the Fire Master Plan on Thursday, Sept. 4.
The first accomplishment French mentioned was the E and R bylaw that was updated by council on July 17.
“That’s the second time in four years and it’s common for it to be done every three to five,” said French.
French says that they are currently in the process with the MTO to install iPads into their firetrucks. The iPads will include who is responding to calls and all hazmat information.
“We have been very proactive in doing things with our buildings,” said French.
French says that their team has been painting doors, making renovations, and working towards upgrades like a new floor at Station 7.
“The main thing that you get with the Fire Master Plan is we now have a strategic plan for the fire department going forward for the short term [and] long term purchases and activities for the fire department,” said French.
It also provides a work plan for whoever is fire chief in the future, says French.
“Some of these will require funding to do, some just be natural progression with our staff doing it,” said French.
French reports that the fire department has three iPads currently and will be working with AH’s IT department for the rest.
“We do need to be as proactive as we can be,” said Mayor Liz Danielsen. “Whether there are options on our own land, in that area, or whether we are looking at other opportunities for land in that area.”
“That is a discussion that the CAO and myself should have, to see what the best steps would be going forward in which we will bring to council,” said French.
This is referring to a recommendation in the Fire Master Plan prepared by the Loomex Group which recommended replacing Station 60 in Dorset. A new facility, site, and construction needs to be considered for the new station.
French also discussed applying to the Solicitor General’s Fire Protection Grant. Last year, funds from the grant went towards a commercial washing machine. This year, they hope to use the funds to purchase a new dryer. Their current cabinet-style dryer takes around six hours to dry gear. The new dryer would only take two hours. The new dryer will be put at Station 80 and the old dryer will be moved to Station 60 to dry their ice water suits.
Other items that they are looking to acquire are six sets of bunker gear which includes masks, hoods, and gloves. Using their new washer they can wash used equipment and have an extra spare to use while the new one is being cleaned.
The new gear and cleaning procedures are all new advancements to protect firefighters.
“I think the fact that they are recognizing cancer as a real need. The firefighter’s fatality rate is a lot higher than a standard person,” said French.
Last year there were 30 firefighters that died from cancer. It is very important to continue going this way, says French.
Before French left the council meeting, he thanked them for their support during the county-wide fire ban.
“We have had three fires in the last twelve hours,” said French. “That fire ban is very important, the bush is still dry.”
French says two of the three fires were human-caused.
Daytime burning in AH is prohibited until Oct. 31 . Burning is only allowed between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.
“I think it will be the trend going forward, that we are so dry,” said French.
