Gravenhurst Volunteer Fire Department

As a result a complete new training roster has been in effect for the past two years. Our fire fighters have been trained to control modern hazards. Many hazards have been eliminated through the 1,140 inspections which have been made since July 1957 and these have resulted in several major building renovations as well.

In October of this year one of our firemen completed a one week course in firemanics at the Ontario Fire College. Another is presently taking part in a three week first aid and rescue course at Arnprior.

Sixteen departments participate in the Muskoka District Mutual Fire Aid Association to provide more efficient fire protection for large fires where additional equipment may be needed.

The Gravenhurst Department was chosen to represent the district on television in April this year.

The new fire emergency phones installed with the dial system in June has given the public more immediate response to their problems.

Additional equipment has raised our inventory to $27,000, which is not out of line considering our broad coverage.

There were 53 fires in 1957 as compared to 31 in 1958. To date there have been 19 fire calls and 2 for oxygen and first aid in 1959. Property loss in 1958 totaled $21,278.00 and to date in 1959 - $2,225.00.

This protection costs you approximately $1.63 per person annually. It also saves you on fire insurance approximately $1.40 per $1,000 coverage on first class buildings and $5.50 per $1,000 coverage on frame buildings.

The Fire Department is here for your protection and this is accepted a a necessary responsibility. We cannot adopt a complacent attitude. There is always room for improvement. We believe it is a worthwhile investment that you will want to maintain.

R. Mathias, Chief