Arnprior Fire Chief Rick Desarmia made his annual report to Town Council on Monday (March 11th).
The Chief indicated that while the number of calls for service in 2023 was identical to the previous year, 2024 is already showing signs of increased demand on his crew.
Fire damage, while shy of seven figures, inched ever closer in 2023.
As well, there were two vehicle fires and a small contents fire at a warehouse.
Desarmia says an issue with the ladder truck, purchased new in 2018, stood out briefly as a cause for concern.
While not really an addition to the fleet, the Fire Department in conjunction with Parks and Recreation, the Arnprior Lions Club, R&M Truck and Trailer, along with assistance from Public Works staff, transformed the new Zamboni at the Nick Smith Center to replicate one of the Town’s fire trucks.
With Sparky the Fire Dog on board, along with safety messaging to promote working smoke alarms, it is now a tool for fire safety education.
The Chief says staffing levels in the Department have remained remarkably consistent.
There are currently three fulltime staff and thirty volunteer fire fighters.
By Rick Stow