The Government of Ontario has invested more than $380,000 in six municipalities in the District of Muskoka to help improve firefighter safety across the region.
Funding was provided to Bracebridge ($32,890), Gravenhurst ($51,528), Huntsville ($30,320), Georgian Bay ($52,821), Lake of Bays ($52,821) and Muskoka Lakes ($164,400).
According to officials, the funding will support local fire departments by providing resources, equipment and training to protect firefighters, and strengthen emergency response capabilities for lithium-ion battery-related incidents in the communities they serve, among other things.
“This funding highlights our government’s commitment to fire protection for our communities,” said Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka. “By investing in cancer prevention initiatives, infrastructure upgrades, and enhancing emergency response through the Fire Prevention Grant, we are protecting our firefighters so they can continue to keep families safe.”
The Town of Bracebridge received $32,890 to support the personal protective equipment exchange program, which enhances firefighter safety through cancer prevention measures. The funding also supported the purchase of eight sets of bunker gear and firefighter personal decontamination supplies.
The Township of Georgian Bay received $52,821 for investments in cancer prevention. The funding provides a quantitative fit-testing machine for self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and N95 masks, individually assigned SCBA facepieces to prevent cross-contamination, and specialized equipment to clean fire hoses after incidents.
The Town of Gravenhurst received $51,528 to improve access to appropriate personal protective equipment, including flash hoods, boots, bunker gear, gloves and helmets.
The Town of Huntsville received $30,320 to add spare turnout gear and a new extractor to wash contaminated equipment. The new machine can clean four suits at a time instead of one, helping maintain service levels and support operational efficiency.
The Township of Lake of Bays received $52,821 to add a fire service washer-extractor at each of its three stations to improve gear cleaning after calls and reduce firefighter exposure to contaminants and cancer-causing substances. The funding will also purchase seven upgraded sets of firefighting suits to enhance outer protection.
The Township of Muskoka Lakes received $164,400 to support the purchase of two specialized gear-cleaning extractors to improve routine washing of protective clothing, 28 additional sets of bunker gear so firefighters have a second clean set available, and five nozzles designed to help safely cool lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles during fires.
“This investment directly supports the health and safety of our firefighters as they respond to more calls, more frequently. Ensuring they have modern, properly maintained protective equipment is essential not only for cancer prevention, but for maintaining operational readiness in a growing community,” said Kevin Plested, Director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief, Town of Bracebridge.
