Saint John firefighters union says its 2 tanker trucks are often out of service

Saint John Fire Department trucks are pictured. (Source: Avery MacRae/CTV News Atlantic)

The Saint John Firefighters Association says its two tanker trucks are often out of service due to a lack of people who can drive them.

In a Facebook post, the union says the two tanker trucks are critical for delivering water to active scenes, particularly in the west and east ends of the community, which have a limited amount of fire hydrants.

“Saint John Firefighters are responsible for protecting 326 square kilometres, with many densely populated communities in wooded areas,” the Association said.

The Association claimed the City of Saint John is not using overtime funds to staff the tankers.

“Your firefighters will always give our best effort, however without the proper tools, the challenge increases significantly,” the Association said.

In an interview with CTV News Atlantic’s Todd Battis on Tuesday, Saint John Mayor Donna Reardon said firefighters have responded to 30 small fires since the New Brunswick government imposed the provincewide burn ban. Many of the fires were at encampments.

The fire department can impose fines for outdoor fires that range from $140 to $2,100.

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