The Strathroy-Caradoc Fire Department Year End Report for 2021 was presented to Council recently. Some of the highlights included Station response times which are based on the 911 calls sent from dispatch to the first fire apparatus arriving on scene. Station 1 Strathroy averaged 7 minutes 38 seconds, Station 2 Mount Brydges 8 minutes 36 seconds and Station 3 Melbourne 12 minutes 53 seconds. These dispatch times are dependent on the availability, proximity of firefighters to the stations, and the proximity of incidents to the stations.
Twenty six structure fires were reported in 2021 with a total property damage value of $2,813,500. This is all structure fires within the municipality with a total of 614 hours and 12 minutes required for these calls last year.
In 2021, fifty eight training sessions were conducted by all three stations covering thirty three subjects. Over one hundred forty five hours were spent on keeping firefighters current with all skill sets. Among the 2022 planned and hopeful projects include the design and build of a new Station 1 in Strathroy and the exploration of new land for a combined Station 2 and 3 Facility.
2022 Projects:
– Thirteen new recruits joined with eleven of those members on the NFPA 1001 recruit class that has recently started.
– Develop, train and certify new upcoming officers and instructors through our partnership in the RTC.
– Create and issue RFP for design and build of new Strathroy Station 1 in conjunction with CAO and other directors.
– Explore possible land acquisition for new combined Station 2 and 3 in conjunction with CAO.
– Continue to create new programs and implementation of fire inspection program and public education program.
– Receive and put in service new Tanker 14.
– Replace Service 15 and repurpose existing vehicle to become FPO administration vehicle.
– Sell off Surplus trucks once replacements are in service.
– Create and implement more on line training to accommodate our firefighters that are shift workers.
– Continue to follow recommendations of all master plans and implement, adjust and create where necessary.
– Explore Modified Tiered Response Agreement with London/Middlesex EMS.
– Investigate the formation of a Technical Rescue Team
– Renew and modify automatic aid agreements, fire service contracts and mutual aid plans.
– Work with mutual aid partners
– Continue to develop new software and paging system to streamline reports, plans and paging.
– Maintain effective partnerships with SCPS and other service partners
– Continue to mentor fire prevention staff for future full time.
– Build plan for potential future full time firefighter complete with full costing.
– Look for more revenue streams for department.
– Deliver PTSD resiliency program to all firefighters in 2022
– Ensure full certification of all firefighters (job specific) before legislation is adopted.
