RELATED CONTENT

Fredericton Fire Department Website

City Firefighters Responded to 3,626 Calls for Emergency Assistance in 2010

Fredericton (March 1, 2011) – The Fredericton Fire Department responded to a total of 3,626 calls for service in 2010, down 3.5 per cent compared to 2009 and a four-year low. Calls for medical assistance continue to dominate the requests the department receives with 1,948 in 2010, down 3.6 per cent from 2009 and also a four-year low. There were 446 fire calls last year, down from 493 in 2009, a 9.5 per cent decrease. Of the 446 fire calls, 28 were for actual structure fires, one of the lowest numbers in the last 10 years.

“We continue to promote public education and aggressive inspection practices and this is definitely reflected in the fact that number of fire calls went down,” said Fire Chief Philip Toole as he presented his department’s 2010 annual report to the City’s Public Safety & Environment Committee. “As for why medical calls were lower, clearer defined protocols contributed to a reduced number.”

The Fire Prevention Division conducted 811 inspections in 2010 and investigated 118 fires. The Division also concentrated on public education talking safety to an audience of 6,148 during 96 presentations.

The department’s Operations Division had a busy year responding to fires and calls for emergency assistance but crews were also tasked with training, conducting station tours, issuing permits and dealing with the flash floods that hit the City. The Department also responded to 23 calls under the Provincial Local Service District agreement and for calls under the Capital District Mutual Aid agreement.

During the summer, the Division had to deal with the closure of the Princess Margaret Bridge. This required a total review of operational response not only dealing with the bridge closure but also the traffic congestion. The Operations Division also toured all major construction projects within the City to formulate pre-plans in case of emergency.

The department’s Training Division delivered 12,515 man-hours of training in 2010 with a focus on Medical First Responder recertification. Training officers also spent time developing a 2011 curriculum for Haz-Mat Awareness, Haz-Mat Operations and advanced Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus training.

The Fire Department also conducted a review of its management structure in 2010 and implemented a sustainable, competency based performance, development and evaluation program that supports the development of its employees and ensures a level of service to the citizens of Fredericton.

 Other highlights of 2010 included in the annual report included: the graduation in September of the first class of firefighter students from the Holland College Basic Firefighting Program; Firefighter Shawnee Main was honoured with a City of Fredericton Unsung Hero Award for her community volunteer work; and the Fredericton Firefighters’ Combat Challenge team returned victorious from Marlborough, Massachusetts, where they won the team event.

 The department operated on a $10,620,675 budget, which works out to a $39.07 cost per month for an average household. The Department maintains four fire stations covering zones which include the City of Fredericton and eight Local Service Districts under a Fire Protection Services Agreement with the Province. Mutual Aid Agreements also exist with surrounding volunteer and professional departments. 

-30- 

Media Contact: Paul Fleming, Assistance Deputy Chief, Prevention & Investigation, Fredericton Fire Department, City of Fredericton (506) 460-2535.