The Saint John Firefighters Association is pushing for changes to how the city deploys its water tanker trucks, while city officials stand by the current model.
The association is warning that the current deployment model could delay emergency response in neighbourhoods without fire hydrants.
Tyler Embree, president of the association, says the two trucks, stationed on the city’s east and west sides, are often out of service due to budget constraints.
“These tankers are our hydrants on wheels,” Embree said. “We need water to put fires out.”
The union says only two firefighters, one per truck, would be needed to restore service.
Despite recent warnings from the city about extreme dry conditions and wildfire risk, Embree says the department was told the tankers would remain unstaffed.
“Seconds count,” he said. “We can’t do more with less. We can only do less with less.”
Embree says the trucks were staffed in the past and believes residents may not realize they’re currently unavailable.
“Citizens are paying for protection they’re not getting,” he said.
The association says it has repeatedly raised the issue with city officials, but received no response until recently.
In a social media post on Tuesday, the union went public with its concerns, urging residents to contact council directly.
“We’ve done everything in our power behind the scenes,” Embree said.
“Now we’re speaking publicly because we’re not getting answers.”
City defends staffing model, points to broader strategy
A fire service review completed in late 2023 recommended decommissioning the tankers, suggesting mutual aid could fill any gaps.
City officials state that the recommendation is under review, and no final decision has been made.
Under the system, on-duty personnel from other stations are reassigned to drive the tankers when needed.
“There’s no delay in getting one tanker moving,” Fire Chief Rob Nichol said. “But there could be a short delay for the second.”
CAO Brent McGovern said the city is not refusing to spend overtime funds, but rather following an operating model that has proven effective.
“That’s something that we will need to have future discussions with our public safety committee on in terms of what the right balance is for our community,” McGovern said.
“But as the chief said, the model has been in place for three years now, and it works.”
The city and the firefighters’ union, Local 771, have been in a contract freeze since December 31, 2023.
Officials say any staffing changes will be discussed once negotiations resume.
Mayor Donna Reardon emphasized the importance of data-driven decisions.
“We need to be judicious with taxpayers’ dollars,” she said. “We want to make sure we have the data to back up the decisions we’re making.”
Reardon said the city faces annual challenges during the fall budget cycle as it works to determine how best to allocate resources.
She explained that while funding must be spread across departments, public safety remains the top priority.
She noted that Saint John’s budget is approximately $200 million, with public safety accounting for nearly 25 per cent of that total.
Tanker usage and deployment
Fire Chief Rob Nichol said Tank 2, located on the east side, has responded to seven calls this year.
Tank 7, on the west side, has responded to nine.
He explained that the trucks are dispatched only to areas without hydrants, such as Red Head and other outlying communities.
“You’re not getting as many calls to those areas,” Nichol said. “But water supply is important, and these tankers are part of that strategy.”
The city also relies on alternative water sources, including lakes, rivers, and portable tanks, and maintains mutual aid agreements with neighbouring municipalities.
City of Saint John wildfire preparedness update
As dry conditions persist across the region, city officials say Saint John is taking proactive steps to prevent wildfires and protect residents.
Mayor Donna Reardon says the city recently relocated five individuals from a densely wooded encampment in Rockwood Park, offering temporary alternatives and assuring they could return once conditions improve.
“We’re trying to do what we can to keep everyone safe,” she said.
Since the fire ban was issued, nearly 40 outdoor fires have been reported, ranging from small campfires and cooking fires to debris burns, some near encampment sites.
No fines have been issued, with the city opting for education over enforcement. Officials say each incident is used as an opportunity to raise awareness and reinforce fire safety messaging.
“Even mowing your lawn can spark a fire,” Reardon said. “We don’t want to terrify people, but we can’t fool around here.”
Reardon highlighted the importance of public awareness and the community’s strong response to fire bans.
“People seem concerned and cooperative,” she said. “We’ve had good help from frontline agencies and outreach teams.”
City officials also noted that Saint John remains on standby to support provincial wildfire efforts, should additional resources be required.
