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New Tecumseth Fire Rescue notes increase in structure fires

December 23, 2021   ·   0 Comments

In its annual report to New Tecumseth Town Council, New Tecumseth Fire Rescue reported they responded to 943 incidents in 2020.

The number is down slightly from the previous year.

The Fire Department reported they responded to a notably high number of structure and grass fires during the year and attributed this to more people staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the same time, there was a slight decrease in medical and CO alarm responses.

The Department said it continues to develop training opportunities and programs to the National Fire Protection Association Standard, which is recognized as the province wide training standard.

Staff have been active completing additional mandated inspections and fire drill requirements for vulnerable occupancies.

The Department has participated in multiple live fire training and auto extrication training exercises. It has also participated in the Simcoe County Hazardous Materials Response Program that trains staff to respond to a hazardous materials incident.

Additional training includes participation in the Paramedics Quality Care Program. This program allows Fire Rescue to carry Naloxone and Epi Pens as part of their equipment.

Fire Rescue staff have completed a total of 2,200 hours of on-line learning through the department training portal.

The Fire Prevention Division completed fire origin, cause and circumstance investigations for 17 structure fires during the year.

Fire prevention education figured prominently in the Department’s protocol.

A total of 37 Fire Station tours/fire safety visits were conducted virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The Learn Not to Burn program was conducted for students in Grades 1, 3, 5, and 7.

The Emergency Management & Civil Protection Act requires that the municipality must conduct training for the emergency control group, facilitate an emergency exercise and submit documentation to maintain compliance on an annual basis to be compliant with the act.

By Brian Lockhart
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

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