Physical distancing is on everyone’s mind these days, including the crew at the West Nipissing Fire and Emergency Service.
Crews will still be on hand to respond to every emergency situation. However, the public will not be permitted inside the Fire Service office. That means, fire safety inspections, and the selling of burning permits are cancelled for the time being.
“We are eliminating person to person contact,” Fire Chief Richard Maranda said. “We are still manning the main station in Sturgeon Falls. The only thing that we are rescheduling is fire safety inspections, unless there is a fire hazard, then we will attend the residences.”
“We’re working in conjunction with the district health and ministry of health and are awaiting their guidelines,” he continued. “Unless they cancel social distancing, we would prefer to eliminate any hazards to our first responders.”
Maranda adds for emergency situations, call 9-1-1. For all other issues, such as non-emergency situations, inquiries, and concerns, call 705-753-1171.
“I just hope people will take this social distancing and all the recommendations seriously,” Maranda said. “This is a beast we are working against and hopefully everyone stays safe.”