In 2009, the Fire Department responded to 1088 emergency incidents in the City. The department saved $5.5 million in property in 2009 and, remarkably, fire losses were $567,000.00 as compared to $3.4 million in 2008.

The number of suspicious fires has increased by 22% since 2008, and the Police/Fire Investigation Task Force works diligently to investigate suspicious and intentional fires. Arson fires are a significant concern for the department, and the Fire Investigation Task Force plays a key role in solving and providing essential information for the prosecution of these cases. The Fire Department and Prince Albert Police Service continue to expand the Fire Investigation Task Force through mutual training sessions, live burns and regular review of investigation data.

On June 23, 2009, City Council approved the Master Plan recommendations for the land allocation for two substations. Additional staffing and the construction of one new fire station were referred to the 2010 budget planning sessions. Key recommendations from the Master Plan include:
  1. Improve direction for the fire department in the updating of bylaw and standard operating guidelines
  2. Construct one new fire station within five years with a second station within ten years
  3. Create nine new staff positions over the next four years as well as 24 additional positions for the third station,
  4. Increase training and record keeping to meet current demands, and
  5. Develop a more proactive approach to the reduction of emergencies by improving fire prevention activities.

Also approved by City Council at the June 23, 2009 meeting was the recommendation that the City Manager's and Mayor's Caucus lobby the Provincial Government to amend the Planning and Development Act, 2007 to allow development charges for facilities and services in the Act.

The department conducted public consultations in both 2008 and 2009 concerning the bylaw amendments for smoke alarms, and on October 1, 2009 all smoke alarms for dwelling units in the City not occupied by the owner of the building must be hard wired. In addition to rental properties, all residential properties in the City of Prince Albert must have a battery or hard wired smoke alarm outside all sleeping areas. Failure to comply with this bylaw can result in a $250.00 fine.

Tenants of rental properties are now responsible for inspecting and testing smoke alarms at least once every six months and shall record the inspection and test on a form supplied by the owner of the building. New tenants are also required to sign a form supplied by the owner confirming that the smoke alarm is in working condition. During an inspection of a rental property, a Fire Prevention Office will ask to see the smoke alarm form to confirm that regular testing and inspections of the smoke alarms are being conducted.

The safety of citizens in Prince Albert is a priority for the Fire Department, and it is always recommended to call 9-1-1 if an alarm is activated in your home or building. False alarms have increased by 24 percent since 2008 and in 2009, the department responded to 201 false alarms in the City. Reducing the number of false alarms lessens the number of times equipment and resources are taken out of a state of readiness. Responding to an average of 16 false alarms a month means our resources are not available for that emergency incident where they may truly be needed. One of our goals is to reduce false alarms in the City by 20 percent in 2010 and 30 percent in 2011.

The Fire Department can charge a fee for responding to two or more false alarms at the same building within the same calendar year. The majority of false alarms can be prevented through ongoing maintenance of the alarm system. The business or homeowner can take a simple step in reducing the number of false alarms by notifying their alarm company when repairs or modifications are being made to the alarm system.

Mission Statement
The Prince Albert Fire & Department will continue to seek opportunities to serve the Public through Fire Prevention, Emergency Operations and Excellent customer service.

Value Statement
We will pride ourselves on service and will not be bound by outdated attitudes and thinking.

We value...
Safety...We are committed to a safe working environment
Teamwork...as a foundation for effectiveness
Professional Pride...our motivation for excellence
Service Excellence...our dedication to our customer, Leadership...for the betterment of the department.

For more information on the smoke alarm requirements and false alarm fees, you can view or download the Fire and Emergency Services Bylaw and Smoke Alarm Bylaw regulations for tenants and landlords.

Les Karpluk, CFO
BAppBUS: ES
Fire Chief