Union Goes Public with Equipment Safety Fears

The union representing Saint John firefighters has taken its concerns public, warning that the city’s aging and unreliable fleet of fire trucks is putting crews and public safety at risk. In a statement released on social media, the Saint John Professional Firefighters Association (IAFF Local 771) said that frontline trucks are breaking down routinely, forcing firefighters to rely on older spare vehicles.

The union claims these issues have been raised internally for years but have been ignored by city leadership. “Frontline trucks are routinely breaking down, and older spare fire trucks are being used as frontline apparatus on a regular basis,” the statement reads.

Crews Sidelined by Breakdowns

The situation reached a critical point this past weekend when, according to the union, two city fire crews were completely out of service. The reason was simple: they had no working fire engine to use. This highlights the immediate impact of the equipment failures on the city’s emergency response capabilities.

A Costly Delay

The union also pointed to the financial consequences of delaying the purchase of new equipment. They argue that the city’s choice not to begin sourcing new trucks has led to ongoing, costly repairs. In some cases, trucks are allegedly being returned to service without all their functions fully operational. “The costs of fire trucks pre covid vs post are striking and the City’s delays will ultimately cost tax payers more,” the association warned.

While critical of the fleet’s condition, the firefighters applauded the city’s mechanics with CUPE Local 18 for their daily efforts to keep the aging vehicles on the road. The union is now urging residents who share their concerns to contact the Mayor and City Council directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who raised these concerns?

The Saint John Professional Firefighters Association (IAFF Local 771), the union representing the city’s firefighters, issued the public statement.

What are the main problems with the fire trucks?

The union reports that frontline trucks experience frequent breakdowns, older spare vehicles are regularly used for primary response, and some trucks are being put back into service without full capabilities.

How did this affect emergency services recently?

According to the union, two entire fire crews were unavailable this past weekend because they did not have a functional fire engine.

What is the union asking the public to do?

They are encouraging concerned citizens to contact the Saint John Mayor and City Council to voice their opinions on the state of the fire department’s fleet.