SILVER WATER—Robinson Township Volunteer Fire Department will be one of 17 fire departments in Ontario getting a new fire truck following an announcement by the province last week.
“It appears as if we will be getting a new pumper (fire) truck,” stated Doug Wismer, Robinson fire chief. “We are due for a new pumper truck and the province is looking at providing new fire trucks and equipment to fire departments like ours.”
He explained that at a recent meeting with Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM) representatives (prior to last weeks announcement), “we were told by OFM not to spend money, that they may have things for us.”
There is a good provincial mechanism to equip unorganized municipalities with fire trucks.
The Robinson fire department’s pumper truck is 23 years old and the fire department has been having some problems with the vehicle.
The Ontario government is investing close to $35 million in 17 new fire trucks, lifesaving firefighting equipment and two new Mobile Live Fire Training Units (MLFTUs) to better protect Northern communities and keep people safe, a press release from the province states.
“Our government is providing northern firefighters with the trucks, equipment, and training they need to save lives and keep property safe in Northern Ontario,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner on September 7. “New fire trucks and modern equipment will ensure our brave women and men can safely tackle fires in this ever-changing climate.”
Funding for the new fire trucks and firefighting equipment will be delivered through the Northern Fire Protection Program, which provides assistance and support for fire protection services in 47 (unorganized township) communities.
The MLFTU will also benefit all fire fighters on the Island, says Mike Addison, Gore Bay fire chief. “We will be able to bring back the mobile live fire training unit this fall, in Mindemoya. And the province is putting two more of the units on the road which is good news,” he said.
These modern mobile units can be transported right to a local fire station and simulate real situations. During mobile unit training, firefighters experience real flames, extreme heat, high humidity, severely restricted visibility and thick smoke.
