Executive Summary

The Prince Albert Fire Department has made significant changes to adapt to current demands and to improve operations. The recommendations are meant to be implemented over the next five to ten years. In the discussion section additional possibilities were also raised that should be considered as part of the growth of Prince Albert.

The risks faced by the City of Prince Albert are similar to most communities with residential and natural cover fires being primary concerns. The territory covered by the city boundary does provide a unique risk given the topography and size of the area including the fact that only one bridge exists over the river.

The current fire department resources are being stretched, particularly in attempting to meet acceptable intervention times for the community. An IAFF report in November 2007 did provide some recommendations to address delays in arrival of the fire department.

Based on a review of the risks and resources, a gap analysis was completed on the services expected from the Prince Albert Fire Department. Given this review a number of recommendations are presented to continue the improvements already launched.

The recommendations include:

• Improved direction for the fire department in the updating of bylaw and standard operating guidelines.
• The construction of one new fire station within five years with a second station within ten years. Consideration should be given to creating a multi-service facility for emergency response.
• Creation of nine new staff positions over the next four years with the need for 24 additional positions to staff a third station.
• Increase training and record-keeping to meet current demands.
• A more proactive approach to the reduction of emergencies by improving fire prevention activities.

The cost of the recommendations would include several million dollars to construct the new facility based on the expected function. The capital cost could range from $3 to 10 million to construct and equip the facility. The annual operating budget would increase by approximately $750,000 over the next four years.