HALIFAX – Halifax Fire Chief Doug Trussler says he remains convinced that a proposal to reallocate assets is the best path forward, despite vocal opposition to the plan.
Trussler proposed changes to the fire service’s operations after an operational review found gaps and overlaps in service. Some stations were deemed redundant because the areas they served could be covered by other nearby stations.
“At the end of the day it’s not the fire stations that put out fires, it’s firefighters that put our fires and our analysis has clearly shown that we can get the right amount of firefighters on the scene,” Trussler said.
The changes have been surrounded by controversy for almost a year after Halifax Regional Council rejected a motion in March 2015 to close a fire station on King Street in Dartmouth.
Council will debate a new proposal next Tuesday that includes making staff changes for the King Street station that would transform it into an “e-platoon” style of service.
“The goal for station 13, which we’re talking about because the population density is greater than 100 people per square kilometre, is that we get the first truck on the scene within five minutes travel time, 90 per cent of the time, and we’ve clearly demonstrated that we can do that,” Trussler said.
“Any type of response that comes from those stations is basically more than we need — it’s a bonus.”
He added that e-platoon staffing during the day and volunteers on evenings, weekends and holidays would be “a good, safe way to move forward.”
The Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission is holding a public meeting Wednesday night to debate the recommended changes. Despite the research, there are still concerns over not having professional firefighters at the King Street location all day, every day.
An aging population, old wooden structures and new development have been suggested as reasons why volunteer staffing wouldn’t get the job done.
Trussler said that is not the case.
“That argument doesn’t hold any water at all, because that fire station is redundant,” he said. “Whatever response comes from there is an unnecessary bonus.”
According to Trussler, the suggested proposal will allow for a re-allocation of assets that includes moving 40 firefighters to areas that need extra bodies and allowing for two aerial trucks on either side of the harbour to be fully staffed.
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