JASON SETNYK
Cornwall firefighters are raising concerns after the city’s minimum daily firefighter staffing level returned from 11 to 10, while Cornwall Fire Services says the current deployment model continues to provide effective emergency response.
Cornwall Professional Fire Fighters Association (CPFFA) Local 849 shared concerns via social media (on a post that went viral) after the staffing adjustment took effect on June 1. According to CPFFA President Pat Elliott, the department operated with a minimum staffing level of 11 firefighters for approximately four weeks after the change was introduced on May 4.
“Just for clarification, we were only a minimum of 11 for four weeks,” said Elliott. “On May 4, they went to a minimum of 11, and on June 1, back to a minimum of 10.”
Elliott explained the change did not involve hiring or layoffs but was part of adjustments being explored following the opening of the new fire hall. “Since the new fire hall opened, they’ve been trying different staffing models and changing things around regularly,” said Elliott. “Nobody was hired or fired or anything like that.”
Under the current model, Cornwall has three fire stations with three firefighters assigned to each frontline apparatus, along with one incident commander covering the city. The union argues that a crew of three creates challenges when arriving first at a structure fire because firefighters must follow safety procedures before entering a dangerous environment.
“If a truck goes to a fire, there’s only three firefighters on scene until the next truck gets there, however long that will be,” said Elliott. “We’re not allowed to make entry. We have to respect what’s called a two-in, two-out rule. If we’re sending two people into a dangerous environment, we need two people outside as well.”
The CPFFA stated that without a fourth firefighter on the first-arriving truck, crews may have to wait for additional personnel before performing certain operations. The association also noted that the fourth firefighter often plays an important role in establishing a water supply by connecting to a hydrant. “Having three on a truck as opposed to four delays a lot of things, a lot of actions on the fire ground,” said Elliott. “It certainly delays rescue operations.”
The association pointed to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, stating that similar-sized municipalities such as Belleville, Welland, North Bay, Sarnia, Kingston, and Peterborough have moved toward staffing frontline apparatus with four firefighters.
Elliott said the NFPA 1710 standard is not legislation but provides guidance based on research. “It’s a guideline, it’s not a law, but it’s scientifically backed research,” said Elliott. “For firefighter and public safety, four firefighters on the first apparatus is the minimum.”
The CPFFA said Cornwall’s staffing levels should reflect the city’s growth and emergency response needs. “We’re a very, very lean fire service for the size of our city and the amount of risk that’s in our city,” said Elliott.
Cornwall Fire Services responded by stating that public safety remains its top priority and that the current staffing model has been in place for more than a decade. “The current deployment model maintains a minimum daily staffing level of 10 firefighters to a maximum of 14, with the flexibility to increase staffing based on operational needs. This model has been in place for more than a decade and continues to meet established response protocols.”
The department also said it has been reviewing operations under the three-station model, including staffing trials and an examination of response times, call volumes, and service demands.
“This work is ongoing and ensures that any future recommendations are based on data and actual operational requirements,” stated Cornwall Fire Services.
The department said there has been no change that would negatively affect its ability to respond to emergencies. “At this time, there has been no change to service levels that would compromise the department’s ability to respond effectively,” stated Cornwall Fire Services. “Residents can be assured that qualified personnel and resources are in place to provide professional emergency response when required.”
Elliott said the association will continue advocating for staffing levels it believes better support firefighters and residents. “Public safety depends not only on the dedication of firefighters, but also on having enough personnel available to meet the demands of the community when emergencies occur,” the CPFFA stated.
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