Northern Bruce Peninsula Fire Department (Photo from Northern Bruce Peninsula website)
Northern Bruce Peninsula council is approving the purchase of over $55,000 in new fire equipment.
During a Feb. 27 meeting, council received two reports from Fire Chief Jack Burt. The reports recommended purchasing an extractor for washing bunker gear, and auto extrication tools.
Burt requested the purchase of the extractor for $8,335 from Tech Forward Fire Solutions Inc.
“Last year an extractor washing machine specifically designed for washing firefighting bunker gear was purchased and placed at Station 10 in Tobermory. The purchase price of the extractor last year was $8,390 including taxes. This new extractor will be placed at Station 20 in Lion’s Head,” says the report.
It adds cancer causing substances are known to remain on bunker gear after fighting fires, and keeping the clothing clean and properly maintained is not only a way to extend the life of the clothing, but also the firefighter.
“Bunker gear needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent these problems. Yet, improper cleaning can also destroy clothing or worsen its protective performance. An extractor is specifically designed to clean bunker gear with specialized spin cycles to remove harmful contaminates without damaging the properties of the bunker gear,” adds the report.
The municipality also approved the purchase of auto extrication tools for $46,830 from M&L Supply.
The report says as the fire department is upgrading its auto extrication tools to battery operated tools, these new tools will replace the current hydraulically operated set.
In 2022, the department made the transition to battery operated tools, for a single battery platform department wide.
“DeWalt drills, chain saws, circular saws, sawzalls, grinders, scene lighting, and ventilation fans (to be delivered in March 2023) were place in service to eliminate the multiple battery-operated tools that were being used at both stations. The use of singular battery platform provides ease of use when selecting tools and minimized the need for multiple chargers in our apparatus,” says the report.
The purchase of both the extractor and extrication tools are being funded from the 2023 capital budget.