Minto Fire Department forced to disband specialty rescue teams
The Minto Fire Department in Wellington County has reluctantly paused its specialty rescue programs.
For nearly a decade, the volunteer fire department had teams responsible for water rescues and rescues in confined space – like manholes or silos.
The decision to disband the teams were discussed at a council meeting on Tuesday night.
"This is kind of some sad news," Chris Harrow, Minto’s fire chief and director of fire services, told council. "We, no longer, as the Minto Fire Department, offer water rescue or confined spaces services to our residents.”
Based on a new report, training requirements for either type of rescue in Ontario has changed significantly, and would put a serious strain on Minto's firefighters.
"It's just very, very difficult in this day and age for people to be able to dedicate endless hours of training," Harrow explained to CTV News.
It would result in about 160 hours of training, not including the approximately 40 hours of annual training to maintain certification, the staff report reads. Initial estimates for a new water rescue team are also well over $150,000 for equipment and training.
"The decision has been really hard on our firefighters," Harrow said.
The department has fewer than 10 volunteer firefighters. With the original certification and staff estimate, they would need to certify 40 of them to adequately offer those rescue services.
With the teams being disbanded, staff are proposing an agreement where Centre Wellington would provide water rescue services in Minto.
It's something Harrow says shouldn't impact response times much.
"There has been no time that we say, with the team here or not here, that we've had a rescue that wouldn't have been completed or was a matter of life and death," he said.
Minto firefighters, however, did use their water rescue team during significant flooding in 2017.
Options are still being considered for confined space rescues, and the closest option is the Guelph Fire Department.
As for any cost savings, there will be some.
"Obviously, by not having that equipment or pay[ing] for all that training, which can be very, very expensive, there will be savings there. But that was definitely not one of the deciding factors," Harrow said, adding council has always been fully supportive in that sense.
In terms of where the equipment will go, some will be stored at the Minto Fire Department until it's determined whether a neighbouring department could benefit from it.
Other equipment is nearing its expiration date and will be disposed of.
Ultimately, the team said the difficult decision comes down to resources and the extensive training requirements.
But, Harrow reiterates, they are still committed to keeping the community safe.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Non-binding Bloc motion seeking money to boost seniors' benefits passes without Liberal support
A non-binding motion from the Bloc Quebecois seeking money to boost seniors' benefits passed with the support of the other opposition parties on Wednesday.
DEVELOPING Israel battles militants on two fronts and reports 8 combat deaths as fears of a wider war mount
Israel's ground incursion into Lebanon to battle Hezbollah militants left eight Israeli soldiers dead Wednesday, while the region braced for further escalation as Israel vowed to retaliate for Iran's ballistic missile attack a day earlier.
U.S. airline safety board raises alarm over foreign carriers that may have Boeing 737 rudder issue
At least forty foreign air carriers could be flying Boeing 737 jets with a rudder control system that has the potential to jam, according to the Chair of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.
Trump 'resorted to crimes' after losing 2020 U.S. election, prosecutors say
Donald Trump 'resorted to crimes' after losing the 2020 election, federal prosecutors said in a court filing unsealed Wednesday.
Canadian figure skater Sorensen suspended at least 6 years for 'sexual maltreatment'
Canadian figure skater Nikolaj Sorensen has been suspended for at least six years for 'sexual maltreatment,' the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner announced Wednesday.
'Dream scenario' for Poilievre as Conservatives open up 20-point lead with NDP, Liberals tied
The latest Nanos numbers show Pierre Poilievre and the federal Conservative Party have opened up a significant lead, and Justin Trudeau’s Liberals have fallen back into a statistical tie with the NDP.
Driver spotted going 234 km/h on Hwy. 174 in Ottawa's east end
A 27-year-old man is facing several charges after police observed a vehicle travelling 134 km/h over the speed limit on Highway 174 in Ottawa's east end.
Couple in a severe Uber crash can't sue because of an Uber Eats order
A married New Jersey couple that was in a severe accident during an Uber ride can’t sue the company because they and their daughter agreed to arbitration when they accepted the terms of service for a separate Uber Eats order, a court has ruled.
Doctor who helped supply Matthew Perry ketamine pleads guilty to drug charge
A San Diego doctor became the third person to plead guilty in the case of Matthew Perry's fatal drug overdose, as prosecutors collect cooperators in an attempt to convict two bigger targets they say are responsible for the death of the 'Friends' star.