I was curious about the firefighting system in Canada and decided to google that topic.
For the record, (and this is for Mudcatters and welcomed guests and NOT for this thread's unwelcome guests), here's some information about Canada's volunteer fire fighters:
"In rural Canada, neighbours help one another and look out for each other. In more than 3,500 communities across the country, neighbours may one day be called on to risk their lives for each other.
They are volunteer firefighters, the more than 120,000 men and women who answer the call day or night with fearless dedication.
Last month, Canada Post recognized the efforts of these selfless heroes with a commemorative stamp in their honour. The 48- cent stamp went on sale at post offices across Canada at the end of last month.
Those of us who live in large cities like Toronto might not realize that 85 per cent of the firefighters in Canada are volunteers and they protect 80 per cent of the communities in this country.
Volunteer firefighters are well-trained and their capabilities extend to handling fires in highrise buildings, shopping malls and industrial sites, as well as the family home, farm or local school.
In addition, they are often called upon to tend to the injured at accidents, search for missing children, provide emergency medical treatment or teach public safety.
While no longer found in most major Canadian cities, volunteer fire departments remain active in small towns and rural areas. Of the 4,000 fire departments across Canada, about 3,500 are manned by volunteers.
Volunteer firefighters are the first line defenders against many community dangers, according to Mike Walsh, president of the Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association. "They answer the call every day," he said, "literally putting their lives on the line for the people of their community."
At the Ottawa ceremony unveiling the stamp, Steven Mahoney, secretary of state whose portfolio includes Canada Post, offered his praise. "Volunteer firefighters are trusted members of many Canadian communities. Service to a volunteer unit often means countless hours away from family as they perform their duties. The commitment shown by these men and women to the protection of their neighbours, their community, and their country, is unparalleled."
The new Canada Post stamp pictures three images that reflect the urgency of the situation volunteer firefighters encounter when responding to a call, with a central image of a firefighter carrying a child to safety."...
And, in case some may think that a seven year old article doesn't reflect the situation today, see these two excerpts from:
N.L. firefighter describes terror of losing own home to flames Posted by HalifaxHooligan on Sep 10, 2009 @ 10:38AM
Snippet: CENTREVILLE, NL - A volunteer firefighter who watched as fire destroyed his own home this week says what he and his wife went through was a nightmare...[ read more ]
Source: CBC.ca (click for full story) Post a Comment
Firefighters rescued from restaurant blaze Posted by HalifaxHooligan on Sep 10, 2009 @ 10:37AM
Snippet: SARNIA, ON - People in this town of 4,000 on the southern shore of Georgian Bay were relieved two volunteer firefighters survived a stubborn pre-dawn fire that gutted a prized restaurant...[ read more ]