Photo of Fire Hall #1 courtesy of the City of Dryden
A high number of emergency calls requires more firefighters in Dryden.
There have been over 100 fire service calls this past year. Twenty of those occurring last month.
Fire chief, Chris Wood, said that Dryden does not have issues with volunteers and new recruitment to help out.
“Volunteer Firefighter recruitment across the province and country has been increasingly challenging for most Fire Departments,” said Wood. “However, Dryden Fire Service does not currently face this challenge. We continue to see strong numbers of applicants wanting to join our team.”
Emergency calls for service are increasing, requiring local firefighters to leave work and home more frequently.
“This puts a lot of pressure on our firefighters to balance a busy lifestyle.”
Wood also said that firefighters need a period of rest after helping with calls.
“Ensuring we keep our members healthy and safe and that everyone goes home after responding to an emergency is critical”.
Training and certification requirements have also increased the demand for firefighters in the area.
It is important that future members are educated on the demands of the Fire Service in both training and response, as well as programs in place to ensure that all members return home physically and mentally healthy.
“Our Firefighters love the work that they do to keep our community safe,” said Wood. “They are our best tool for recruitment, and they are always willing to share their own experiences being a Volunteer Firefighter.”
