Public safety was never at risk, and the Fire Department maintained full emergency response while addressing recent fleet challenges.

In light of concerns raised on social media today, we want to ensure residents have clear and accurate information about the situation. We understand that hearing concerns about the fire fleet can be worrying. When residents see suggestions that fire crews were unavailable or that equipment is unsafe, it naturally raises questions. That is why it is important to provide the community with accurate information and clarity.

First and most importantly: public safety was never compromised at any time. While it is accurate that we did not have enough heavy apparatus to staff all stations recently, all stations remained staffed, and our overall response capacity was equivalent to a normal operating day. When mechanical issues occurred, our Fire Management team redeployed apparatus and personnel to ensure uninterrupted coverage and reliable emergency response for the people of Saint John. Fire crews were not out of service; the same staffing was available for response but deployed differently to maintain full citywide capability.

Recent weeks have brought several unexpected challenges that temporarily impacted fleet availability. Three frontline units were involved in accidents during last week’s storms, one of which remains out of service until a replacement windshield arrives. Like many municipalities across North America, we are experiencing delays in the availability of specialized parts, which can extend repair timelines. Our fleet mechanics, who maintain all emergency and winter operations vehicles, including fire trucks, plow trucks, sidewalk plows, and the wider municipal fleet, have been prioritizing fire apparatus while managing significant seasonal demand with a limited number of mechanics available.

Despite these pressures, Fleet and Fire Management have worked diligently to keep trucks in service. We meet regularly with IAFF representatives as frontline perspectives are an important part of our planning and decision-making processes.

Some online claims have suggested that a truck was returned to service without the ability to perform all of its functions. It is true that, in one instance, a ladder truck was temporarily used as a pumper while its aerial components were undergoing repair. The truck was not returned to service in a way that compromised safety. When the aerial system is out of service, the apparatus can still safely and effectively operate as a pumper. Fleet and Fire Management do not and will not return any piece of equipment to service unless it is safe, reliable, and appropriate for the role it is filling.

Using reserve or re-assigned apparatus to maintain full community coverage while other units undergo preventative maintenance or repair is standard industry practice and ensures uninterrupted emergency response.

The City of Saint John has made, and continues to make, significant investments in the fire fleet. The purchase of a new ladder truck is in the final stages of the RFP process, with a decision expected within weeks. Work is active on a new tanker truck approved in the 2026 Capital Budget, and discussions on a new engine are underway with Fleet, with options being explored within available funding. Altogether, nearly $5 million in capital funds has been committed to new fire apparatus. A State of the Fleet Report will be released by July 2026, outlining a long-term procurement strategy and defined replacement schedule to guide fleet renewal moving forward.

We recognize that residents expect transparency and accountability from their fire service leadership, and we agree. These challenges are ours to manage, and we are managing them responsibly. We will continue providing clear, factual information to the community as our fleet renewal strategy progresses.

Our firefighters and fleet mechanics serve this city with professionalism and dedication every day, and we value their commitment. The Saint John Fire Department remains focused on delivering safe, reliable emergency service to our community, today and for the long term.

Source Saint John Fire Department