The Fire Chief presented the Budget Highlights as outlined in the Budget Book.
The Fire Chief reviewed the Department Highlights including improved Community Engagement, Mental Health supports for Auxiliary Firefighters, and equipment such as Auto Extrication Equipment, Thermal Image Camera and Fire Fighter Gear.
The Chief confirmed that the Drone donated by the Lucknow Fire Fighter association, although stationed in Lucknow would be available for all of Huron-Kinloss and the area covered in Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh through the Joint Fire Services Agreement.
A member reported on information provided at the ROMA conference, regarding the Fire Smart Program. The Chief reported that they are aware of the program. The Department is working towards this and a grant is available. The Chief will provide more information at a later meeting. The Chief emphasized that Prevention and Education is a priority this year as indicated by the recommendation for the new full time position.
Council asked for more information on the proposed new position, such as Scope of Duties, expectations, location, etc. The Chief reported that while the position description and title had not yet been created, Fire Prevention is key to reducing fire losses. The Fire position would be working towards outreach programs in the community, and may have a suppression role, if they have the skills to do so. The Chief noted a preference for Fire Suppression experience, but noted that the Township may not be able to recruit as such. Staff confirmed that wages and benefits would be shared through the Joint Board using the same cost benefit as the Fire Chief, which would be 60/40%. It is expected that they will be working from the Lucknow and District Fire Department.
Council suggested a Fire Inspection program similar to the Septic Inspection Program. The Chief noted that there is an existing voluntary program to do so. The Chief reported that 2/3 of calls responded to by Fire Services this year did not have working smoke alarms.
Council discussed the request for additional trucks, and emphasized due diligence in purchasing vehicles to ensure they have value. Staff confirmed that vehicles become part of the Huron-Kinloss fleet, but there is a rental charge to the department (such as to the Building Department or Lucknow and District Fire Board) for use. This permits flexibility in the operating use of vehicles and distribution of the fleet.
Council requested the Fire Chief provide information on what had been included within the 2026 budget which would be expected to improve response times, particularly within the lakeshore area.
The Fire Chief reported that there are many variables which impact response times, as has previously been reported to Council. The Chief reported that through the past year, improvements had been made which include the requirement for firefighters to have DZ licences. This is to ensure that the first available person could respond with the vehicle rather than waiting.
As had been previously reported, the Chief reminded Council that West of Lake Range Drive, historically the majority of calls have been medical calls and not related to fires. In approximately 90% of these calls, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were already on scene and calls were turned around on-route, or when the firefighters arrive on scene. Staff are working to improve dispatch for these calls, so they are not resulting in unnecessary call outs to volunteer firefighters.
Council inquired about a satellite or micro-centre for medical response in the Lakeshore Area with the potential for EMS to share space with a public works shed, or other municipal facility. The Chief suggested this would be within the jurisdiction of the County of Bruce to enhance EMS services. Staff have been advocating for this, and have heard that EMS intends to increase their capacity to respond to this Lakeshore Area. Staff noted a reduction in EMS calls since the satellite Holyrood EMS station was created.
The Chief stressed that Fire Prevention is the key to reducing fire incidents and suggested that Council support the proposed Fire position, as an effective option to improve fire prevention in the community. The Fire Officer could provide capacity for a review and update of the Fire Safety Plan with current information as much has changed since the report was written.
Council inquired about whether a study should be conducted to determine whether the Ripley Station should be relocated closer to the Lakeshore. The Chief did not believe that moving the station closer to the lakeshore would be expected to reduce response times, as the firefighters would still have to arrive to the station before responding.
Chief Bradley spoke to Tanker Shuttle accreditation as an opportunity to enhance water flow in non-hydrant areas. This may be included in the 2027 budget at an approximate cost of $10,000 every 5 years.
The Chief noted that in recent Ripley Fire Fighter recruitments, there were few applicants from the lakeshore area. The Chief reported that there are risks to having a single person respond to a medical call, and there are standards to the number of fire fighters responding to a fire call to minimize risks to the Fire Fighters.
The Fire Chief noted that residents have a shared responsibility to prevent fires, by having working smoke alarms, ensuring access to fire services, and other preventative measures.