Tanker training alert: Fire trucks roll out in Bala

Residents of Bala, get ready for a bit of a commotion this evening.

The Muskoka Lakes Fire Department is gearing up for its Tanker Shuttle Accreditation and is holding a practice run tonight, Sept. 24, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Don’t worry – it’s all part of a planned exercise and there’s no emergency or risk to public safety.

The fire department will be putting its water shuttle capabilities to the test in areas without hydrants. This accreditation process, led by the Fire Underwriters Survey, aims to evaluate and verify the department’s ability to transport water effectively in these areas.

The practice run tonight and the actual accreditation test on Oct. 4 will take place at the Muskoka Lakes Sports Park and a designated water dump site on Acton Island Road.

Residents can expect to see multiple fire trucks and water tankers rolling out in the area.

The good news is the Township says successfully achieving accreditation can lead to better fire protection grades and potentially lower insurance rates for local property owners.