Moncton Fire Department needs sixth fire station: report

CTV News

5 days ago

A new report suggests the Moncton Fire Department needs dozens of new staff members and a sixth fire station.
Emergency Management Group conducted the report and presented it to Moncton council at their regular meeting on Monday. The report analyzed all aspects of the fire department's operations and considered its current and future needs.
In total, the report made 64 operational and strategic recommendations, including the implementation of a sixth fire station that would be staffed with two crews per shift and relief personnel for a total of 40 new firefighters.
In total, the report made 64 operational and strategic recommendations, including the implementation of a sixth fire station that would be staffed with two crews per shift and relief personnel for a total of 40 new firefighters.
According to the Moncton Fire Department's website, it currently has 124 staff members led by Chief Conrad Landry. Its five stations are positioned on Botsford Street, Brandon Street, Caledonia Road, Hildegarde Drive and St. George Boulevard.
'The report contains a wide range of recommendations designed to enhance emergency response, improve infrastructure, and ensure our fire service continues to meet the growing demands of our community,' said Mélanie Cécyre, manager of communications and bilingual services with the City of Moncton, in an email. 'This report represents an important step in shaping the future of public safety in the city.'
Other recommendations in the report include:
increasing the administrative support position by one staff member
adding the position of a division chief of fire prevention
adding two fire prevention officer positions
adding two training officer positions
expanding information technology with a focus on fire prevention division-specific software
looking at other sources of revenue from inspections and false alarms
Council voted unanimously to direct staff to provide feedback on the report by the end of September. Staff will also submit a 15-year implementation plan with the costs, advantages and disadvantages of each recommendation by the end of the year.
'As with all strategic initiatives, Council will review the recommendations in detail and determine the priorities that best align with the needs of our residents and the City's long-term vision,' Cécyre said. 'These priorities will be considered as part of upcoming budget deliberations.'
Moncton Fire
Jackets for the Moncton, N.B., fire department are pictured. (Derek Haggett/CTV Atlantic)
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