In presenting his annual report on Jan. 20, Centre Wellington Fire Chief Brad Patton says throughout the year, he continues to be impressed with the fire department and its collaborative efforts with other departments and agencies.
Cost comparisons
When it comes to costs, for fire service, Patton said Centre Wellington has the lowest cost per resident at $53, even though the overall cost is the highest at $1.4 million.
Councillor Fred Morris asked why the costs per person were higher in other municipalities – and if it had anything to do with the number of firefighters.
Morris asked how Centre Wellington was able to accomplish what it does with a department size smaller than that of places like Minto.
“I’d like to tell you it was good management,” Patton said.
However, he explained that for some municipalities the geographic area and number of stations requires a set amount of people to function.
While wages do have an impact, Patton explained, the population determines the tax support for those departments.
Centre Wellington’s two stations employ four full-time staff and 53 volunteer firefighters – for a population of 26,693.
Minto’s three stations with one full-time staff member and 85 volunteer firefighters support a population of 6,262, said Patton.
“That is why there is a much higher cost for firefighting,” Patton said.
He noted the township was recently successful in getting tanker shuttle accreditation, which looks at response times in rural areas and can impact fire insurance rates.
One question discussed was the impact of bridge closures on fire service responses.
Councillor Walt Visser noted that with the number of bridges closed in recent years, “I see a great deal of difficulty in some areas for the department to maintain the same level of service.”
Patton agreed that any time a bridge closes “… it complicates things.” He pointed to situations where an emergency is described as “… in the vicinity of …”
If crews end up on the wrong side of a closed bridge, it means backing around a concession which can be time consuming, Patton agreed.
Visser said this issue is important as the township currently has a policy in place to not rebuild bridges costing over a certain dollar amount – unless it is supported by federal and provincial funding.
“I think we have to reassess that for the safety of our citizens – not just for fire service, but ambulance as well,” Visser said.
Patton offered to draft a report to council to indicate the impact bridge closures have on response times.
The fire chief also considered 2013 a good year for the Elora station with the purchase of a new tanker truck.
Also in July of 2013, the 1998 boat was replaced at the Elora Station by a new boat Patton said is safer, with a more stable design. The Elora station also received a new carbon monoxide ventilation system for the apparatus area as well as paving repairs to the parking lot.
The Fergus station had new fencing and a gate installed by the training area to secure the space and protect the public from hazards.
Patton noted the new process of burn permits has reduced the number of calls in rural and urban areas.
Looking ahead
Patton said the fire department will face some challenges in 2014 with the Ontario Fire College being replaced with new National Fire Protection Association certification standards and curriculum.
“It will be a big change for trainers and firefighters. The standards are very different than what we are accustomed to,” said Patton.
In addition, there are over 200 changes to the Fire Code.
Recruitment
Like other local department, Centre Wellington is in the process of recruiting new firefighters to fill the eight firefighter vacancies at the Fergus station.
Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj commented on the recent recruitment night.
“There were two full nights of people wanting to apply. It speaks volumes to the department for the interest to participate in such a well-organized, and well respected department.”
Patton estimated 73 applications came as a result of the recruitment nights.
