Saint John fire chief points out training gap for large fuel fires

Saint John's fire chief says there remains a "significant training gap" for emergency responders when it comes to large scale fuel fires.

Kevin Clifford delivered that message to city councillors Monday night as part of an update on Saint John's emergency readiness to deal with a train derailment involving oil.

In a report to council, Clifford states the fire department, Emergency Measures Organization and local industry are capable of responding to a large scale emergency.

But, he said, "there is significant concern in the fact that emergency responders are not currently provided the type of training that will ensure they are as effective and safe as they need to be."

One of the issues is that in the wake of the Lac-Megantic tragedy, a national curriculum for such training has yet to be developed, said Clifford.

The Saint John fire chief serves on the emergency response task force created in the wake of the Lac-Megantic disaster in which 47 people people were killed when a train carrying oil derailed in the town and exploded.

Clifford also noted that once the curriculum has been established there will remain the issue of who will pay for the training.

"This is really a national question," said Clifford to councillors. 

"We really do have to work on giving the firefighters — the first responders — the type of training that will assure that we continue to be competent on flammable fuels."

We really do have to work on giving the firefighters — the first responders — the type of training that will assure that we continue to be competent on flammable fuels.- Kevin Clifford, Saint John fire chief

Clifford is already struggling to pay the fire department's bills after eliminating his overtime budget as part of restraints imposed by city council.

The department is now in arbitration following a breakdown in negotiations with the union representing municipal firefighters.

Coun. Gerry Lowe says local industry should be asked to foot some of the bill for emergency preparations.

"I think somewhere along the line we've got to talk money." said Lowe.

Clifford said the issue of funding will first be taken up with the federal government.

Companies, such as Irving Oil Ltd., he says, have offered support but there has not yet been a discussion about dollars.

"The industry can bring enough foam, they can bring the additional equipment that we need," said Clifford.

"I'm very comfortable that we can respond today."

Clifford says he would like to see a regional approach to training so firefighters do not have to travel across the country.

He says Saint John would be an ideal place for a regional training centre as the city is host to Canada's largest oil refinery and a major destination for trains and ships carrying fuel oil.

The idea of a regional training centre is something that's very attractive to city Coun. David Merrithew.

"If there is an opportunity for us to be leaders on this and to train other communities in the province of New Brunswick and the Dominion of Canada, I think we should be there." said Merrithew.