SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Improving training practices, solidarity among firefighters across the North and a better relationship with the territorial government were the main points discussed during the NWT Fire Chiefs Association annual general meeting in Yellowknife.

"As fire chiefs, it is our job to work together with the goal of having a fully functional fire department in every community in the NWT," said Gerda Groothuizen, NWT Fire Chiefs Association president and Yellowknife deputy fire chief, during the meeting, held from May 31 to June 3.

Fort Simpson fire chief Pat Roe said, meetings like the one held in Yellowknife are crucial to the survival of fire departments in the NWT.

Fire chief meetings "need to be held, because they help fire departments make sure we are all on the same page," he said.

The four-day event began with a general business meeting, and the following three days were used to cover a variety of grassroots topics, including fire department budgeting and the need across the territory for up-to-date supplies and fire equipment, Groothuizen said.

"It's very important that equipment like our (fire) apparatus are current; good equipment means that each department in the NWT can fight fires in a safe, rapid way." added Hay River fire chief Ross Potter.

Groothuizen said the conference helps ensure NWT fire departments run well, and that everything is in good working order.

"As a result, we run more efficiently and become more eligible for government funding," she said. "When fighting a fire, one mistake can cost someone their life."

A learning symposium was also held during the four-day meeting to enhance training opportunities for Northern firefighters. The meeting featured several key guest speakers who discussed the NWT's continuing need for firefighters, and the crucial role that sharing resources and mentoring plays in firefighting across the North.

"The more seasoned firefighters mentor the newer ones; the system works really well," Groothuizen said. "It's important to remember that the majority of our firefighting staff are volunteers. They are here because they want to be and we need to give them the best training possible, and mentoring is a key part of training."

In light of the recent wildfires across the North, Groothuizen said these meetings help firefighters hone their approach to wildfire issues, but stresses firefighters do much more than fight wildfires.

"The FireSmart program (which is used to fight wildfires) is just one aspect of firefighting; we are also structural firefighters, and if a wildfire were to spread to a structure, we would be prepared for that," she said.

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