Saint John firefighters are warning the public about unstaffed tanker trucks as the city approaches the 2026 wildfire season. In a direct appeal to voters and common council candidates, the firefighters union says City Hall and the Fire Chief are ignoring serious safety concerns.

The Core Issue

The Saint John Fire Department relies on two tanker trucks to deliver water to fires in areas without hydrants. According to a recent public statement from the firefighters, these vital trucks are not properly staffed. Some days a single firefighter staffs a tanker. Other days, the trucks sit completely empty.

This creates a dangerous situation for both first responders and the public. Much of the 362 square kilometre coverage area in Saint John lacks fire hydrant service. When a fire breaks out in these zones, firefighters need immediate access to water.

A Delayed Response Model

Firefighters first raised these concerns last August. They state that decision makers at City Hall chose to maintain a delayed response model. This means water delivery is not guaranteed when crews arrive at a fire scene.

The firefighters are bringing this issue directly to you. They believe taxpayers deserve to know the fire department is not fully staffed. As they put it in their statement, “Having a Tanker truck sitting in a fire station with no firefighter to drive it simply does not get us the water we need when we need it.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are tanker trucks important for Saint John?

Tanker trucks deliver a vital water supply to the 362 square kilometre coverage area that is not serviced by fire hydrants.

How many tanker trucks does the city have?

The Saint John Fire Department operates two tanker trucks.

What is the main concern raised by the firefighters?

The firefighters warn that the tanker trucks are frequently left unstaffed. This lack of dedicated personnel delays water delivery during emergencies and creates safety risks for both the public and first responders.