Fees Coming For Certain Saint John Fire Calls

The Saint John Fire Department will soon begin charging fees for certain calls that it responds to.

Council approved the new bylaw in late 2020 to try and recover some of the department’s expenses.

Deputy fire Chief Rob Nichol told the city’s public safety committee last week that work on the new bylaw has been ongoing for a few months.

“We are currently working through the educational and logistical aspects of this program with fire service personnel and we look to roll out most likely by the end of this year,” said Nichol.

“The General Counsel’s Office has provided huge assistance in adding structure and process to this bylaw.”

Under the bylaw, the department would be able to charge fees for motor vehicle collisions involving non-resident drivers, “thrill-seeking” activities, and nuisance fire alarms.

Saint John fire crews have responded to 373 calls involving alarm system malfunctions or unintentional alarms so far this year, accounting for nearly one in five of the total calls.

“That might change some of that behaviour and help reduce some of those calls,” Fire Chief Kevin Clifford said of the new bylaw.

Officials said it will also increase the availability of operational units, provide a higher level of service for emergency responses, and have a positive impact on fleet expenditures.

City staff have estimated the new fees will bring in roughly $90,000 a year.