Town reviews fire services bylaw
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Town of Strathmore heard a presentation and engaged in discussion regarding updates to the fire services bylaw, during the June 12 regular meeting.
“Our fire services bylaw is another one of our existing bylaws that is old and needs some revisions to be in line with our current practices,” said Johnathan Strathdee, with Town of Strathmore administration. “As a result of that, Chief Sturgeon and his team have reviewed it and have actually drafted almost an entire new bylaw.”
The existing bylaw has not been updated since 2018, and according both to town administration, and David Sturgeon, Strathmore Fire Chief, a major review and rewrite was necessary to update fire protection and emergency response for the community.
The new drafted bylaw also provides guidelines for fire prevention and outlines the responsibilities of individuals and property owners for fire safety within the town.
“What this new bylaw will do, so it is going to establish the authority and responsibilities of the Strathmore Fire Department, define the roles and powers of the chief and the department members, and empowers the fire chief to establish rules and regulations for the operations of the department,” said Sturgeon. “These proposed changes would bring the fire services bylaw in line with our current practices as we operate in the fire department.”
The Bylaw would reflect the current practices and legitimize the Fire Chief and other designated individuals to take necessary actions at the scene of an incident.
Additionally, the proposed changes would reflect the current practices of the department and how it responds to fires, emergencies, and incidents involving dangerous goods.
Guidance about practices surrounding issuing permits, conducting inspections, and managing alarm systems would also be established.
“It would focus on fire prevention, emphasizing fire prevention by addressing open burning fire permits, fire bans and restrictions based on environmental conditions, fireworks use in the town, alarm systems, and it would emphasize the importance of public awareness and education regarding fire safety through programs and inspections,” said Sturgeon. “It would (also) establish fines and penalties which is currently missing within the existing bylaw for fire protection services response to false alarms, enforcement of regulations and the process and collection of fines.”
Also outlined in the new document are the responsibilities of the department, including their specific powers at the scene of an incident.
Council accepted the presentation as information, and it will return for readings at a future council meeting.
More information regarding the bylaw update is available via council’s public meeting minutes and agenda.