This week at Strathroy-Caradoc council, it was identified that the primary threat to firefighter health lies in the lack of efficient personal protective equipment decontamination at each of the three stations, leading to delayed readiness.
Council approved the purchase of a second set of bunker gear consisting of a bunker coat, bunker pants, gloves, and balaclava. It costs $4,295 for 1 complete set so with 80 members, that’s $343,600 and the cost is to be included in the 2024 budget as well as redirection of 2023 Capital monies, which until this week contained funds to move forward with research on the potential realignment of stations 2 and 3 in Mount Brydges and Melbourne.
Councillors Willsie and Derbyshire voted against the second set of bunker gear eventhough earlier in the council meeting joined the rest of council in unanimously approving an indoor air quality tender at the fire hall.
written by: C. Soares