2009-05-26
12:27:36
The Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service is looking to the future.
It's put forward a comprehensive Master Plan for council's to consider. Fire Chief Gerry Armstrong says it gives the department some direction on where it wants to be in five years.
"So we have some idea of where we're going to be, what we're going to be doing," says Armstrong. "and how we're going to be able to sustaining our present services to the level we can provide them."
Armstrong says the document also reflects changes in legislation and the changing role of fire services.
"For the most part it's an administrative kind of plan which is the biggest part of our legislative requirement right now that we must provide specifics in public education and enforcement. Suppression is certainly part of the service we must provide, but it's at a lesser focus than some of the other things."
The plan includes efforts to expand the department's service training capabilities and increase the sharing of resources with nearby communities. Armstrong says increasing capital costs may lead area communities to reconsider how future purchases are made and relying more on each others resources.
"Who's to say Fort Frances may own one pumper truck, maybe Alberton owns a tanker truck and LaVallee owns a different kind of fire vehicle and we share it. So when Fort Frances needs a tanker, Alberton comes. When Alberton needs a pumper, Fort Frances arrives and we share the costs."
Armstrong says they're already working toward an administrative district fire service with the town now providing administrative services to seven area municipalities.
