THUNDER BAY — Thunder Bay Fire Rescue has made some adjustments to operating procedures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a press release Wednesday afternoon, the fire department said all its stations remain staffed, and capable of responding to any emergencies.
The service is instituting enhanced personal protective equipment protocols and procedures, including:
- maintaining six feet of distance for initial assessment of a situation, when possible
- wearing additional protective equipment such as gowns and face shields on calls with suspected COVID-19 symptoms
All fire stations are closed to the public.
Fire Prevention and Inspection Services has also changed its procedures as follows:
Fire inspections for business licences are temporarily on hold
Fire Prevention Officers will follow up with customers via email or phone when possible to limit in-person contact
Fire protection certificates and reports are being accepted electronically and reviewed remotely
Fire Prevention Officers are still responding to safety concerns identified by public complaint or by discovery through fire crews
The city is under a fire ban, but applications for outdoor burning permits are still being accepted, and renewed online.
Valid permits will be reinstated once the fire ban is rescinded.
Thunder Bay firefighters are currently responding to fewer medical calls as a result of a change in the tiered response protocol implemented in consultation with Superior North EMS.
