This year, Squamish Fire Rescue officials hope to be put under the microscope.
The department is anticipating money for a Fire Service Master Plan in the District of Squamish's 2012 budget. The plan would serve as an overview of the fire rescue services, including its facilities and resources. Compiled by an independent consultant, the document would examine items such as the department's fire hall placement, equipment and staffing levels, Fire Chief Russ Inouye said.
"The district has undertaken a core service review. This would be the same thing, but for the [fire department]," he said, noting that such a study is needed before significant changes can be made in the department.
Last year, the structural integrity of the department's facilities were called into question. A consultant's report to the district raised concerns about Alex Munro Fire Hall's structural integrity. The 12-year-old building's hose tower is not braced and its foundation is dubious, the report to council stated, noting that during an earthquake the tower could topple over the Clarke Drive fire hall.
Five career firefighters, including a deputy chief and captain, 51 paid on-call volunteers and one administration employee make up the current local firefighting team. The department's staffing level is lower than it was six years ago, but Squamish's population has grown.
In 2006, Squamish had 14,949 residents. District staff are anticipating the 2011 Canada Census will bump the community's population above 15,000.
As of today (Friday, Jan. 27), the department was accepting applications for volunteer firefighters. The emergency service team aim to recruit residents from downtown Squamish, Dentville and Valleycliffe.
"We are short on manpower at Fire Hall No. 1," Inouye said, referring to the Clarke Drive facility.
Fire department officials are hoping to add six new names to its roster, he said. That would be the minimum needed.
The new municipal council has yet to undertake its strategic planning and budgeting sessions, at which point councillors can decide if the fire master plan is something the district should pursue, Mayor Rob Kirkham said.
"Staff are looking into it," he said.
