By Joanne Rodgers,
Bruce Peninsula Press
Dealing with more than fires, the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula Fire Services also responds to calls for water and bush rescues, high angle rescues and medical emergencies, as well as conducting education and enforcement related to fire safety.
In 2022, the number of rescues at the Lion’s Head Lookout was down significantly, from 18 rescues in 2021 to two responses in 2022. However, rescues in the Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five Marine Park increased; these calls were mainly medical in nature and for high angle rescues. There was also an increase in motor vehicle accidents on Highway 6. Three bush fires were of concern in 2022; all three fires had dense duff layers and fire was burning underground.
Of the 155 total service calls in 2022; 15% of calls were for motor vehicle accidents, 10% were for bush rescues, 7% for fires and 12% were in response to medical emergencies.
Steady increase in service calls
Service calls to the Northern Bruce Peninsula Fire Services have been steadily increasing over the years. In 2019 there was an average of 104 calls, in 2021 there were 178 calls, with a slight decline but still high at 155 service calls in 2022. Ten years ago the average calls per year was 87.
There have been no fines issued for rescues, but the option is always available and can be applied at the discretion of the Fire Chief.
The local team comprises 38 volunteers and the Fire Chief as the sole full-time employee. There are two Fire Stations, one in Lion’s Head and the other in Tobermory. Fire Service Personnel are paid per call and for training time.
The Fire Service is funded by the Municipality. In 2022, the actual operating expenses were $474,182. The 2023 budget has been increased by 8.2 % to $587,150. Salaries and benefits are budgeted at $300,000, while $40,000 is allocated for training and travel and $30,000 for firefighting equipment and supplies. Other main costs include maintenance of fire fighting equipment and buildings and insurance.
Joint responses and training
Chief Jack Burt, Fire Chief for Northern Bruce Peninsula, says that the Fire Services work in close cooperation with OPP, EMS, Coast Guard, Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Trenton and Parks Canada.
There is a tiered response to EMS calls depending on the nature of the illness, the Fire Service responds to all Code 4 events which are deemed life threatening.
Water rescues are coordinated with the Coast Guard, OPP, EMS and the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Trenton as needed.
Chief Burt says his team works closely with Parks Canada staff for any calls within the National Parks. They also hold joint training to understand how each group operates and learn how to work together.
“Wildfire firefighting is fundamentally different from structural firefighting”, says Chief Burt, “Lightning is the cause of 60% of all wildland fires”. As the local weather gets warmer and drier there is the greater potential for wildfires. He says this year there will be joint training on Wildfire tactics and mitigation with the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Last year the Province legislated that all firefighters need to be certified. The local firefighters are expected to have the same level of training as firefighting personnel in the City of Toronto.
This program is administered by the National Fire Protection Association. Chief Burt says this training is intense and time consuming and shows the dedication of the local staff as they are very committed to complete the training.
Starting in April, there will be in-house training led by the Fire Chief and senior staff to upgrade skills for certification.
Also in April, the MNBP Fire Services will host the Bruce County Fire School in Tobermory. Approximately 100 County Fire personnel will attend. The training will include various firefighting techniques, as well as an opportunity to showcase what is unique to this area.
Proactive approaches to fire prevention
Chief Burt explains that education on fire safety is one of the three components of Fire Services. Last year was one of the deadliest with 133 fire-related deaths in Ontario, this being the highest in 20 years in the Province.
Promoting public education through programs like FireSmart and encouraging everyone to have working smoke alarms saves life and property. Chief Burt reminds everyone that with the time change, it is a good time to change batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Another activity of the Fire Service is enforcement, such as fire code inspections and building compliance, ensuring resident and visitor safety. The Fire Services inspect Hotels, Motels and businesses. The Chief will respond to any request from the Bylaw Officer on fire safety regarding Short-Term Accommodations.
Community involvement
Chief Burt is highly appreciative of the dedication of the staff. They are called upon to leave work, family meals/celebrations, sporting events to go to help those in need.
The team is also highly supportive of community events. They are highly visible at the Canada Day and Christmas Parades. They sponsor the Annual Toy Drive. Last year they created and maintained a Skating Rink at Ferndale, unfortunately this year the weather did not cooperate. They are also keen supporters of various local fundraising activities and events. Chief Burt says it shows the character and hard work of the staff as they strive to make life better for the community.
Photos and chart courtesy of NBP Fire Chief Jack Burt.
