It was a busy year for Kawartha Lakes Fire and Rescue.
The Department responded to a total of 2525 emergency calls for assistance in 2023.
Officials provided council with an overview of the year at a recent meeting. The presentation provided an overview on departmental operations, fire prevention and public education, firefighter training, critical incident stress management and peer support, 2023 emergency incidents, and a brief overview of each of our 19 fire stations.
The department hired 53 new volunteer firefighters in 2023, 12 firefighters resigned from the department and 10 firefighters retired.
742 of the calls for service were deemed medical calls. That’s 29%. 16% were calls for rescue and 16% were false fire calls. 5% of the calls in 2023 were for property fires and 5% for public hazard. There were some pre-fire/no fire and false CO calls in there as well.
There were 48 structure fires in 2023 with $6,320,950 in estimated losses. 24 vehicle fires resulted in $737,902 in losses and 5 outdoor fires with $255,000 in losses. three firefighters were injured throughout the year and four civilians. There was one civilian fatality.
The Kawartha Lakes Fire Service has agreements with different areas to help assist. Cavan Monaghan Fire Department assisted 19 times, Trent Lakes assisted nine times, Minden Hills five, Ramara four and Brock and Clarington three times each.
In 2023 there were 23 structure fire incidents where it took longer than 15 minutes got get four firefighters on the scene according to the report.
Over the year, the Training Division was busy ensuring a variety of training was provided to the 19 Stations within the Department. This includes 18 Full Time Firefighters, 334 Volunteer Firefighters and 4 Full Time Fire Prevention & Public Education Staff
295 participants attended over 10 days to utilize the Ontario Fire College’s Mobile Live Fire Training Unit (MLFTU). Officials said this was extremely beneficial to the Department, allowing staff the opportunity to perform scenario-based and interior live fire training.
All staff were scheduled to attend and maintain their annual Emergency First Responder continuing medical education (CME) training. Ongoing, regular monthly maintenance training and specialized training throughout the year. Began planning and preparation for 2024 and 2025 to meet the projected NFPA Certification deadline in 2026.
An overview of other training and accomplishments in 2023 includes the following;
Trained 32 existing Firefighters to the Level of NFPA1006, Ice Water Rescue Technician.
Completed the delivery of an updated/modern elevator rescue training through an accredited 3rd party training provider to all full-time suppression staff.
Trained 23 New Volunteer Recruit Firefighters to NFPA1001 Firefighter Level I.
20 new firefighters received Wildland Firefighting (SP103) Training Course
Full-time staff and 2 firefighters from each station received Farm & Food Care Ontario’s awareness level Livestock Emergencies and Farm Animals on the Loose. Two (2) additional staff attended an Operations Level Course to obtain further knowledge and skills in preparation for the possibility of being able to deliver this training to others within the Department.
Completed testing for the Fire Underwriters Survey, Tanker Shuttle Accreditation Certification.
Successfully obtained Personal Lines Dwelling Protection Grade for the South, Central and Northern areas of the Municipality.
20 Firefighters received Pump Operations course.
26 Volunteer Firefighters completed NFPA1001 Level I and our Recruit Training Program.
“Looking ahead, we remain focused on meeting the evolving needs of our community and advancing our strategic priorities. We will continue to invest in training, resources and personnel to further improve emergency response times, enhance firefighter readiness, and prevent and mitigate fire-related risks.” said the report.