CBRM councillors call for thorough review of fire departments, equipment and staffing

Councillors in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality are calling for a full review of volunteer and career fire services due to concerns about the number of departments and the cost of staffing and equipping them. This call for action comes after a lengthy discussion at a recent meeting where various issues within the fire services were highlighted.

Coun. Gordon MacDonald emphasized the need for a thorough review to identify deficiencies and inefficiencies in fire services to better protect the citizens of the CBRM. Last week, the Glace Bay volunteer fire department relinquished budgeting of its operations to CBRM’s fire service, highlighting the challenges faced by volunteer departments. Additionally, the municipality’s fire chief and deputy chief raised concerns about the aging fleet of over 20 fire trucks that are nearing the end of their useful life and could cost $20 million to replace.

The regional fire chiefs association also expressed worries about the dwindling number of volunteers, prompting councillors to unanimously agree to have the chief administrative officer conduct a comprehensive review. While a previous consultant’s report recommended centralizing control and funding of the fire service, no action has been taken yet.

Deputy Mayor Eldon MacDonald suggested using the Manitou report as a starting point for the review, emphasizing the need for fast and efficient service delivery to residents. With rising costs of firefighter gear and vehicles, volunteer departments are finding it increasingly difficult to operate independently, leading to calls for potential downsizing of the fleet.

Deputy Chief Craig MacNeil highlighted the financial challenges faced by volunteer departments, pointing out that basic fire trucks now cost around $900,000 without necessary modifications. The aging fleet of 130 vehicles in CBRM is a concern, with potential implications on insurance premiums and overall firefighting capabilities.

The review will also address volunteer numbers, with concerns raised about the level of training and availability of volunteers in certain areas. Westmount fire Chief Rod Beresford highlighted the need for fully trained volunteers and secured approval for automatic response from career firefighters in Sydney for structure fire calls in Westmount.

As the municipality navigates these challenges, Mayor Cecil Clarke stated that the financial pressures faced by CBRM, including the aging fleet and volunteer shortages, will be presented to the provincial government for consideration. A provincewide review of fire governance is also underway and expected to be completed by the end of the year.

In conclusion, the review of volunteer and career fire services in the CBRM will address critical issues to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. Collaborative efforts between councillors, fire service officials, and provincial authorities will be essential in implementing necessary changes to enhance fire protection services in the region.