The current number of fire apparatus allows Powell River to meet the requirement for initial attack response capability for “medium hazard occupancies” (apartment buildings, offices) as deemed in Table 7.2.1 of the 19th Edition NFPA Fire Protection manual.
In addition to hazard classification, the number of fire trucks are determined by a city’s size, and insurance grade rating, which determine how much residents pay for insurance. Other criteria that make up the insurance rating are: number of personnel (both career and auxiliary), training levels, water distribution system, fire truck age and pumping capacity, and a whole host of other things.Ultimately the better prepared a fire department is, the less insurance premiums paid on a residential and/or business property.
Having the right number of apparatus ensures we are able to respond effectively to any emergency in the City of Powell River. This is especially important in our community, where additional resources are not within reasonable responding distances.