Northern Bruce Peninsula is purchasing a few drones to assist with fire fighting.
Council approved the purchase from Altohelix during its meeting on March 25 after securing provincial funding through the Emergency Management Ontario’s Community Emergency Preparedness Grant.
The just over $40,000 grant will go towards the purchase of three drones and comes after council approved applying for the grant at its Feb. 5 meeting, following a previous failed attempt.
CAO Peggy Van Mierlo-West says, “it is going to include training for staff, hopefully it is going to cut down on our search and rescue times and improve our emergency services.”
In addition to helping battle fires, the drones can also be used by other municipal departments to inspect roads and bridges.
The provincial grant helps municipalities buy emergency supplies, equipment, and services for emergency training, exercise planning, coordination, and education.
A report from Fire Chief Jack Burt says, “Altohelix has an excellent reputation in the emergency services sector of equipment, training and support services, and is the only drone provider recognized by the Ontario Fire College through the Office of the Fire Marshal.”