By Mark Squibb
Witless Bay Fire Chief Jack Gatherall says that with training the department has improved its responses to fire emergency calls.
“Our members have demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill in their response to emergencies, and it is evident that the aggressive training initiatives we have implemented are paying off,” Gatherall wrote in a report, which was read aloud at last week’s public meeting by new councilor Justina Nawaz. “We have observed a marked improvement in our response to fires, with over five recorded structure fires and seven vehicle fires being successfully managed since the start of the year.”
As per the report, the department has responded to 146 emergency calls for service, a significant number of which were fire related, since the beginning of 2024.
Gatherall’s report also noted the department is practicing water drafting— the use of a hose to suck water from a pond to fight fires elsewhere— due to limited availability of pressurized hydrants, and that the department has officially placed its rope rescue gear into service following the successful training of 11 members in low-angle operations.
Later in the meeting, council approved a request from the department for hose, fittings, and ladder testing at a cost of $3,387, plus HST.
“They know better than us what they need to keep on top of their training,” said councillor Ralph Carey, who moved that council approve the request.
