RED LAKE — Red Lake is looking to develop a 10-year plan to enhance its fire service.
The municipality has hired a consulting firm to help prepare the plan, which will also include station assessments and fire service reviews.
Red Lake Fire Chief Dexter Hupe said the process to develop the plan will include an online survey, which will allow members of the community to provide input.
Hupe said the recommendations in the plan will help create a vision for the future of the service, and a strategy for resources.
"We realize we need to work with a wide range of partners to serve the community and develop local strategies to create new approaches to providing services more effectively,” he said.
Hupe said the fire department's staff and volunteers already routinely train with internal departments and outside agencies, and he's looking forward to strengthening those relationships.
Although the survey is meant to engage with the community to see what the residents of Red Lake feel needs improvement, Hupe said he's is proud of the level of engagement the fire service provides through public education.
“The members of Red Lake Fire and Rescue Service enjoy interacting with the community and promoting fire safety messages,” Hupe said.
One particular aspect Hupe is looking to develop is a residential home safety inspection program.
“The public will be able to request for a member of our team to come to their home and ensure the homeowner has the appropriate amount of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. We will also assist with installation if required. Working smoke alarms save lives,” he said.
The report will be brought to senior management and council for approval.
