Menu

Dryden Fire

Life preserver and caution sign near water

Dryden Drowning Prevention Program preparing for summer

, ,

In the wake of four local drowning deaths last summer, the Dryden Drowning Prevention Program is taking steps to ensure a safer water environment in 2026.

A 12-year old girl and her 15-year old brother drowned in the Wabigoon River in July. Two months later, a 5-year old boy and 28-year old man drowned in Wabigoon Lake.

Dryden Fire Service Chief Chris Wood spoke at Tuesday’s council meeting to outline the education, prevention and emergency response initiatives underway in anticipation of this summer.

Third and seventh graders will be taught essential, life-saving water safety skills through nationally recognized programs Swim to Survive and Swim to Survive Plus.

The programs include in-class education sessions delivered by members of Dryden Fire Service, Dryden OPP, and KDSB Northwest EMS, and three in-pool instruction sessions delivered by the Dryden Pool and Fitness Centre.

“I really want everyone to know that there’s a sense of healing for all of our emergency responders to be able to get into classrooms and deliver some of this education,” Wood said. “It’s a positive spin from very tragic events.”

The city also committed to providing clear, accessible safety information at waterfront locations, including non-designated swimming areas. These signs will be placed at municipal locations to communicate parental supervision requirements, swimming zones, drop-offs, currents, lifejacket use, emergency location information (via QR codes), and notices indicating it is an offence to remove life-saving devices from shorelines.

“We’ve also engaged with Google and are looking to add a feature to Google Maps that if you’re looking at the app, you’ll see the same images on our shores explaining these hazards,” Wood said.

City staff are developing a lifejacket rental program in partnership with the Dryden Public Library. This program will provide free adult, child, and youth lifejackets to residents, and implementation is anticipated in early 2026.

As for rescue equipment, Dryden City Council has approved capital funding for dry suits to improve responder safety and operational effectiveness across all seasons. Dryden Fire Service currently has two certified RPAS (drone) pilots and has applied for funding to acquire a service-owned drone, which would significantly enhance water rescue operations and other emergency responses. Four throw-ring style floatation devices were installed at City Docks in October.

“Chief Wood, I am so grateful, so delighted, so appreciative of the amount of work that has gone into this very, very comprehensive report,” said Councilor Catherine Kiewning. “I’m so happy there are so many parts moving within the report, because this is the kind of stuff that is going to keep our residents safe.”

City CAO Roger Nesbitt says the city is thankful for the quick response form Woods and his team.

“I truly appreciate you jumping on this right away and recognizing that we needed to do better,” Nesbitt said. “You’ve done a tremendous job, not just within our community, but through your collaboration with other communities as well. I want to recognize your efforts in all this. Thank you.”

Dryden Fire Service logo

Three transported to hospital after house fire

,

Three Dryden residents are being treated for possible smoke inhalation after a house fire this morning.

The City of Dryden Fire Service responded to the call around 7 am. Responders ensured the family had been evacuated before making entry and extinguishing a fire confined to the bedroom of the house.

A total of 21 firefighters attended the scene. Crews cleared the area around 8:30.

The Dryden Fire Service says they would like to extend its appreciation to Ontario Provincial Police – North West Region & Kenora District Services Board for their prompt response, and to local citizens for their patience while the road was closed as crews worked in the area.

firehallonecityofdryden

Dryden firefighters to showcase gear, firetrucks at Touch-a-Truck event

Dryden Fire Service’s annual Touch-a-Truck event is set to take place.

The event is held around Fire Prevention Week, which is running from October 5 through October 11.

This year’s event is taking place at Firehouse Subs in Dryden on Saturday, October 4.

“The event is to get out in the community and talk to the community about what we do as firefighters and show off our equipment and trucks, and be able to talk a little bit of public education and just show the community what we do,” explained Dryden Fire Service Training Officer Devon Noel.

“It’s free of cost. The event’s open to everybody, and we’ll actually be there talking about public education, giving truck tours and taking pictures with any of the kids or family members there (as well).”

At 1:00 p.m., during the event, there is also an auto extrication demonstration taking place.

“It’s important for residents to see what we do because it’s important to see how we respond to calls and how our top priority is the safety of the public, community and visitors and also our firefighters,” added Noel.

“It’s important for the community to see what we do, how we do these calls, the type of equipment we have and how we’re educating the kids and our adults in the schools and out of schools today.”

Touch-a-Truck is the first of a few events planned by the fire service over Fire Prevention Week.

An open house is also taking place on Wednesday at one of the fire stations.

dryfire-1

Three Quick Tuesday Calls For Dryden Fire

It was a busy Tuesday afternoon for the Dryden Fire Service with 3 separate back-to-back-to-back calls.

Crews first responded to a damaged water main on Pioneer Street that caused localized flooding and wash outs.

Firefighters then responded to an illegal burn but were able to extinguish the blaze after it escaped from a fire pit.

At the same time another call came in for a vehicle fire on Airport Road.

The Fire Service and City Police were able to quickly bring the situation under control.

grim1

Dryden Fire Service Almost At Full Roster

,

Staffing levels at the Dryden Fire Service are almost full.

Chief Rob Grimwood says seven new recruits have completed their initial recruit training and are now responding to calls.

Grimwood says that brings their total complement to 41, with four people waiting for COVID-19 restrictions to ease in order to finish their training.

The overall target for staff and volunteer firefighters is 45.

Grimwood says they responded to 56 calls for service in the second quarter of the year.

“We had some of our firefighters, who traditionally would be working in a workplace and unavailable, were assigned to work from home and it broadened their availability for us. So we did notice a bit of success in terms of more firefighters and a quicker response time.”

The first half of 2020 was a relatively quiet one for the Dryden Fire Service.

Firefighters responded to 112 calls for service, down 17 from the same period last year.

Grimwood says that number is something that has been trending across the province because of COVID-19 restrictions.

He stresses that has allowed them to complete needed training.

“The firefighters contributed almost 1,300 hours of training alone in the second quarter. We took firefighters and put them through a firefighter survival and rescue course, which is the first time that training has been offered in Dryden.”

Grimwood says firefighters completed 1,500 hours of training in all of 2019 and already they are over 2,100 for the first six months of this year.

Firefighter Turnout and Response Times:

1. Average number of firefighters per call
2019 4th Quarter: 11.8
2020 1st Quarter: 11.25
2020 2nd Quarter: 15.5
Target: 15

2. Percentage of applicable calls achieving 6 Firefighters in 14 minutes (rural standard)
2019 4th Quarter: 75%
2020 1st Quarter: 83%
2020 2nd Quarter: 97%
Target: 80%

3. Percentage of applicable calls achieving 10 Firefighters in 10 minutes (suburban standard)
2019 4th Quarter: 26%
2020 1st Quarter: 39%
2020 2nd Quarter: 52%
Target: 50%

4. Average response time of first apparatus (including command vehicle) to all calls
2020 1st Quarter: 7:42
2020 2nd Quarter: 6:47
Target: 8:00

5. Average response time of first apparatus (including command vehicle) to all calls within Dryden
2020 1st Quarter: 7:06
2020 2nd Quarter: 5:24
Target: 8:00

6. Average response time of first apparatus (not including command vehicle) to all calls
2019 4th Quarter: 10:07
2020 1st Quarter: 11:33
2020 2nd Quarter: 9:02
Target: 8:00

7. Average response time of first apparatus (not including command vehicle) to all calls within Dryden
2019 4th Quarter: 8:25
2020 1st Quarter: 9:22
2020 2nd Quarter: 7:34
Target: 8:00

8. Time of first defibrillator to patient (medical calls)
2020 1st Quarter: 6:40
2020 2nd Quarter: 4:59
Target: 6:00

 

fireban-1

Large Fire Sparks Fire Ban Reminder

, ,

A reminder that all outdoor burning is not allowed.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry as well as municipal fire departments stress conditions are drying up and a Restricted Fire Zone is in place.

Dryden Fire responded to a large outdoor fire Tuesday afternoon.

Crews were able to contain the blaze and protect area property.

Officials ask that you please check your property for unintentional ignition sources.

fire3-2-1

Dryden Fire Bringing Joy To Kids And Community Alike

,

The Dryden Fire Service and other partners are taking the lead to bring some joy to area kids as well as the entire community.

Members of the service have been holding mini-parades almost everyday for a youngster who is celebrating a birthday.

Deputy Fire Chief Kent Readman says this is a difficult time for youth as they are stuck inside their home and unable to see their friends.

“For a kid on its birthday it’s usually a pretty special event and most of them don’t understand why they can’t have their parties, they can’t have their friends and family to hang out with, they can’t have their big normal parties, so we thought we could bring the party to them.”

Readman says the thrill for the volunteer team is seeing the smiles on the childrens faces.

He notes reaction from the community has been beyond expectations.

“Our original Facebook posts, just over a week ago, we reached over 36,000 people with our one post, generated hundreds of likes and shares out of that original post. Eight days, I think we’ve done about 25 birthday parties and we have a whole bunch more lined up.”

Readman says volunteer firefighters will continue to hold the parade of vehicles until the pandemic comes to an end.

He stresses they have seen an outpouring of support from residents.

“If they know we are coming to their neighbourhood they have started posting signs as we drive by thanking frontline workers and first responders. So this has extended way beyond us as a Fire Service. It’s the police, EMS, the hospital staff, grocery store people. Everyone that’s doing their part to keep the community moving and safe.”

Readman notes they have been joined by members of the Oxdrift Fire team and Falcon Beach Towing and he appreciates their support.

Readman says this initiative is also an opportunity for firefighters to spread fire safety messages.

To hear more from Kent Readman, visit the Audio link below.

https://www.facebook.com/DrydenFire/videos/511898632819281/

 

dryfirehall-1

Dryden Fire Seeking Volunteer Firefighters

, ,

The Dryden Fire Service is hosting an open house tonight (Thursday) in a bid to find some new recruits.

The event is at the City Fire Hall from 6:00pm until 9:00pm.

Chief Rob Grimwood says they will provide information on the requirements of being a volunteer firefighter, the training involved and the time commitments.

Grimwood says they are looking for roughly 8 to 10 new recruits at both stations.

He adds “We’re going to open the doors to the station. Provide tours of the station, the trucks and the equipment and be available to answer any questions that people may have. Our hope is that people do end up being interested and apply.”

The criteria for becoming a volunteer firefighter includes:

-Lives in the City of Dryden
-Over the age of 18
-Legally eligible to work in Canada

pic1-1

Dryden Council Meets One-On-One With Fire Service

, ,

Dryden Council has received a first hand and up close look at operations at the Fire Department.

Mayor and Council took part in interactive demonstrations and information sessions during a visit to the Fire Hall this week.

Chief Rob Grimwood initiated the get together.

Martin MacKinnon says the experience was very enlightening and very educational.

“The new Chief is very proactive in doing what’s right for the community. He took us through what we are mandated to do as a community, as a Council. He took us through the standard that’s put in for insurance rates, where they come from.”

MacKinnon stresses the highlight of the visit was the opportunity to re-kindle their relationship with the Fire brigade.

“And that in itself was a wonderful experience. To see how well they are doing. To see that they are getting the proper training and that they are really enthusiastic with what they are doing.”

MacKinnon says the visit was long overdue and extremely important for Mayor and Council.

“Right there at the ground level as a Councillor, it’s good for me to meet hands-on with the fellows actually doing the work. Because it tells you that the amazing amount of time they commit to their training and their practice to make our community safe.”

He adds “It gives me a good hands-on view of what they need for equipment and updates and where the provincial government is taking us with mandated training.”

MacKinnon notes the meeting gives Council a good perspective on the needs of the Fire Service and how it relates to the 2020 municipal budget.

He adds it also helps in future lobbying efforts with the Federal and Provincial governments.

(Photos: Dryden Fire Service)