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Fire department gets $25K provincial grant for new equipment

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Amherstburg Fire Dept. Logo.

The Amherstburg Fire Department has received nearly $25,000 through a provincial grant program to help keep firefighters safe.


The fire department received the funding through the new Ontario Fire Protection Grant to support cancer protection initiatives and to increase firefighter safety. Fire chief Michael Mio said they are grateful to receive the funding.


“We’re really happy with it,” said Mio. “The Ontario government put this out as part of an initiative to help firefighters in Ontario. We were able to apply for it and got some funding.”


Mio said the grant funding will help cover costs for new particulate-blocking hoods. He stated carcinogens were getting into the old hoods through the head and neck but technology has advanced to where the new particulate-blocking hoods keep that out.


Another extractor will be purchased for the Amherstburg Fire Department as well, with Mio describing an extractor as a “heavy duty washing machine” that specializes in cleaning bunker gear. 


“We have an extractor but having another one will allow us to wash the gear faster and ensure it is ready for the next call,” said Mio. “It’s all about cancer protection.”


The Ontario Fire Protection Grant is a three-year, $30 million program announced as part of the 2024 provincial budget. It is designed to prioritize and promote firefighter safety, as firefighters face a greater risk of developing cancer and other health issues due to exposure to hazardous chemicals when fighting fires.  Cancer-related fatalities among firefighters occurs at a rate up to four times higher than the general population.


This is the first year for the grant funding. Mio said they plan to order the equipment soon with the plan to have it by the end of March.


“We’ve got quotes in and we’re waiting on a few more quotes. Then we will be able to proceed with the order,” he said.


With approximately 300 fire departments in Ontario accessing the funding, “there’s going to be a bit of a race to get it ordered and in,” he said.


Mio is also offering more fire safety tips to the public with winter ongoing. He encourages people to ensure fire hydrants near their home have been cleared from snow and ice and to check on neighbours in cold weather, particularly if there is a power outage.

Fire department gets $25K provincial grant for new equipment

By Ron Giofu


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