Penticton may lose two firefighter positions

FRIDAY, 06 DECEMBER 2013 02:00 JOHN MOORHOUSE Penticton Herald
Penticton city council might not replace two recently-retired firefighters as it looks to cut expenses in its 2014 budget. However, the move, which could save close to $150,000, flies in the face of a recommendation contained in a recently completed fire department services review. Fire Chief Wayne Williams told a council budget session late Wednesday that only one of three firefighters who retired this past year, has been replaced. This reduces the number of full-time firefighters to 30 from the full complement of 32. The fire department's overall budget request for 2014 amounts to $4,262,000. However, firefighter Wayne McKenzie, representing the Penticton local of the International Association of Fire Fighters, described such a staff reduction as a huge step backwards. Council had added four firefighters to the department in 2009. McKenzie quoted a recommendation from the Behr Consulting Services report into the fire department's operations which stated: We do not recommend reduction of career staffing through attrition." McKenzie noted Worksafe BC regulations allow for only two firefighters inside a burning building during the first 10 minutes of a fire, when less than six firefighters on the scene. At least two others must remain outside to provide support. With six men, we can stay inside that fire beyond the 10-minute period to effectively manage that rescue and effectively manage that fire," he said. McKenzie said when the retiring firefighters were not replaced, the Penticton department was only able to respond with six firefighters 50 per cent of the time, compared to 95 per cent previously. "If we have to leave after 10 minutes because there's only five guys on duty, what does that say to somebody that we might be trying to rescue? What does that say to a fire that we might be trying to extinguish?" McKenzie added the city also loses tax revenue when buildings burn down, since often only a vacant lot remains. Mayor Garry Litke said council has reviewed the fire department's staffing situation, but noted personnel issues are normally discussed in-camera. "Council has taken a look at that and they've noticed that with 30 firefighters, the operations have continued for the past several months," he said. Litke said the fire department budget, including the reduced staff levels, has gained approval in principle from council. However, it is subject to further review before the budget comes up for adoption on Dec. 18. Preliminary budget deliberations continue today with a day-long session at City Hall.