Heavier burden prompts increase in firefighter ranks

Tignish A dramatic increase in calls has prompted Tignish to increase its number of firefighters.

The workload is too heavy, said Claude Dorgan, Tignish fire chief and a 25-year veteran of the department.

The number of firefighters will be increased from 22 to 28.

Flue fires in particular, on the rise, as well as medical calls, structural fires and motor vehicle accidents.

Just last month, there were five flue fires, seven medical calls and a motor vehicle accident. There were also a number of mutual aid emergencies over the past winter, requiring all hands on deck.

We are one of the lowest complements of firefighters on P.E.I. Weve held it that way, but the boys are looking for help, Dorgan said.

Dorgan said they average 16 firefighters per call and with training, meetings and other functions of the department, its not unusual to put in 20 to 25 hours a week.

Currently, the bylaw allows 11 from within the municipality and 11 from outlying communities.

Costs associated with the expansion include honorariums for six additional people, more in operational cost because more people are using equipment, a potential increase in insurance which is now $100 per person, the purchase of bunker gear at $2,000 a person, extra pagers and training. Some of these expenses will be covered by the fire department.

Dorgan said they already have names on a waiting list and will be advertising for others for the new positions. Interviews will be held to make sure everyone knows what is expected once they become a member.