Saint John Firefighters Urge Action Amid Wildfire Threat

URGENT UPDATE: The Saint John Firefighters Association is sounding alarms over unstaffed tanker trucks as 13 wildfires rage across New Brunswick. This situation comes amidst extremely dry conditions, raising serious concerns for community safety just as the city’s fire response capabilities are critically tested.

On Thursday, at 3:30 p.m., President of the Saint John Firefighters Association Local 771, Tyler Embree, took to social media to highlight the potential dangers of having two tanker firetrucks unstaffed due to budget constraints. With wildfires intensifying, the urgency to address this issue cannot be overstated.

“We have to put another truck and have another borough out of service to put that tanker in service, which results in a delayed response,” Embree stated. He emphasized that not only does this endanger the community, but it also compromises firefighter safety during this critical time.

Since the restrictions began on Saturday, Saint John Fire has responded to 40 outdoor fires. Measures to mitigate wildfire risks include burn bans and closing walking trails, but the effectiveness of these actions is called into question when firefighting resources are limited.

Fire Chief Rob Nichol noted that for the last three years, the tankers have operated under a “rapid deployment model,” requiring on-duty crews to pick up the tankers as needed. “There could be a short delay in getting one of the tankers rolling,” he explained, indicating that the current model could hinder quick responses to fires in non-hydrant areas.

The ongoing contract dispute between the city and the Local 771 union, which has been unresolved since December 31, 2023, further complicates the matter. Despite the tankers being deployed only 16 times this year, the union argues that these trucks need to be fully staffed to effectively combat the growing wildfire threat.

Embree insists that staffing the tankers is not merely an issue of budget but a matter of public safety. “Success would be staffing those trucks that are in those stations,” he declared, highlighting the desperate need for adequate firefighting resources.

City CAO Brent McGovern countered, stating this isn’t just about funding overtime. “This is about having an operating model that has been in place for approximately three years and it’s been working,” he asserted, yet the firefighters remain unconvinced that the current model is sufficient.

In a 2023 fire service review, recommendations were made to eliminate the use of tankers altogether, relying instead on neighboring services. Mayor Donna Reardon acknowledged the controversial recommendation, saying, “That’s a discussion… but at the end of the day, that was a recommendation out of the fire review.”

With the wildfire risk at an extreme level, the need for immediate action is evident. As the situation develops, residents are urged to stay informed and prepared. The community’s safety may depend on how quickly the city and fire department can address the staffing and operational challenges at hand.

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