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-- Ee SS ee Wednesday, Feb 14, 1990 Page 5 Minister of -TERRACE BAY/SCHREIBER NEWS Natural Resources stu d ying A review of the Ontario fire crew system found that instituting a flexible system in 1989, with a core unit of three-member fire crews, has been effective, but there may also be a need for four- member crews in some arcas. In all, the review makes eight recommendations. IN addition to the suggestion on crew configura- tion, the report recommends examining the optimum mix of fire resources for the province, looking into thee feasibility of restoring funds removed in 1989, providing native awareness train- ing in regular fire trainingpro- grams, strengthening the role of the auxiliary firclighter, enhanc- ing the basic training sysem, developing a bettcr definition of the role of the fire crew leader and strengthening internal and external communications on changes to the fire system. wThe review has presented me for the coming season," Natural Resources Minister Lyn McLeod said. "I have received the report and will be studying its findings and recommendations before making any decisions." The review outlines several options on crew size. The min- istry changed its fire crew system to a flexible system with a core unit of three-member crews from the fixed five-member configura- tion at the beginning of the last firre season. At the time, the Fire Crew Srategy Implcmentation Report 1989 identified the need for a review at the end of the sea- son of the effectiveness and effi- ciency of crew restructuring. "The change in the fire crew system was onc step toward a more balanced fire suppression strategy," said Mrs. McLeod. "It reflected advancements in other arcas such as waterbombing , decision support, and fire intelli- ithe ceca tr unit, was chosen in an effort to increase efficicncy and to improve MNR's ability to react to fires quickly. In the process, the ministry increascd the number of initial' attack crews to 207 from 170, while the number of fire- fighters was reduced to 621 from 850 The review indicates that while there were some implemen- tation problems, the change to smaller crews was effective in preventing a project fire. A pro- ject fire is one that requires a Sub- stantial commitment of fire crews and equipment. The unforeseen problems were related to fatigue, training, cquipment and: adapta- tion to the increased use of auxil- jary firefighters in support of the regular crows. Despite the fact that there was a high incidence of fire starts and fire conditions were extreme dur- ing much of the season, the ow! Ontario fire control system proved effeetive in keeping losses of prime forest arca to less than 10,000 hectares. A related review is currently under way on health and safety aspects of firefighting. A task force of representatives from MNR and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union is expected to report by January 31, 1990. to the director of Aviation and Fire Management. SSS TRAVEL < Call your onlyintown 4 Travel Consultant ne Joe Mykietyn ( OF Ca Soa, 5 Es we. | yrs Fa PAR 824-3418 with a range of recommendations gence." for our forest firefighting efforts The flexible crew system, with three-member crews as the core I. Murray Dodick Optometrist 1119 Victoria Avenue Thunder Bay, Ontario P7C 1B7 : 1-622-7726 HIGHVIEW ANIMAL CLINIC Dr. Benz & Dr. Peterson will be in Terrace Bay on Wednesday, Feb. 21 and Thursday, Feb.22, 1990 | For appointments please call Cathi at 825-3330 REGAL CAPITAL -- PLANNERS LTD. (Canada's Largest Independent . Investment Fund Distributor) "a WELCOMES Mr. D'Arcy 438 Fort Garry Road 2 P.O. Box 656 ee Terrace Bay, Ontario == POT 2W0 : | To the Regal Team of professional financial planners for the TERRACE BAY, SCHREIBER: Sponsored by. respi ssn hes 0 Wilson | (807) 825-3708 | and MARATHON areas. __ es Now is the time to renew your Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS*) Renewat application kits have been mailed to Guaranteed Income Supplement. If you have already returned your~-- completed application, it is now being processed. If approved, your payments will continue in April. If you have not returned your ~application, you should do. so. today in order to avoid an interruption in your ~~ ae payments. When applying, please remember to: w fill out your renewal w include all the necessary income information; _Canada bed i everyone who receives the __._If you did not receive your Programs office. The _ -address are in the application completely; ~~ from the Old Age Security pension, heerecnrerates = P al can xesnestiesamnssinacsesitieincs das. PONE OD ae ces oneness sae? - Santé et Bien-étre social . Re ced = return your renewal -- application in the self- addressed envelope by March 31, 1990. renewal kit, or if you want more information, contact your nearest Income Security telephone number and government listings of the telephone book under "Health and. Welfare Canada, Income Security Programs." *The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is an income-tested, monthly benefit for Old Age Security pensioners with limitéd income apart