During budget deliberations I demonstrate to Council the age of the fleet and when it should be replaced. For example, a triple combination pumper is replaced somewhere between 25 and 30 years. Also, monies from development charges have been put towards the purchase of vehicles and constructing new stations. The operating budget is tied directly to the fire call volume. If the fire call volume is higher than what was anticipated, then the cost of running the Fire Department will be generally higher than what was budgeted.
Large fires tend to be very labour intensive and consequently a large strain on the budget.
The capital budget has accounted for some reserve contributions and fire equipment purchases such as replacement of bunker gear or other high cost items. Also the capital budget accounts for emergency planning. Stations Vehicles and Equipment Grimsby is served by two fire stations and eight vehicles make up their fleet. Station One, located at 261 Ontario Street, is a six bay headquarters building which houses the offices of the Chief and Deputy, two triple combination pumpers and a heavy rescue vehicle. The Fire Department owns two vans and a sedan driven by the Deputy Chief, Duty Officer, and Fire Chief, respectively.