Vernon firefighters are raising concerns about staffing levels following a recent townhouse fire that claimed a life.
They said that depending on where an emergency occurs, the first crew on scene may have only three firefighters, too few to begin an interior fire attack or rescue until more help arrives.
“With staffing at these levels, critical fireground tasks such as fire attack, primary search, ventilation, command, accountability and Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) coverage all compete for the same limited personnel,” Vernon Frefights Local1517 said in its social media post.
Vernon Fire Rescue Services said critical tasks such as fire suppression, search efforts and safety coverage are all stretched thin.
The department added that as Vernon continues to grow, including through larger and more complex developments, the demands being placed on Vernon Fire Rescue Services continue to increase.
“At a minimum, both career engines should be staffed with 4 firefighters to provide a safer and more effective initial response to major emergencies,” the post continued.
