Menu

firefighters

Camp Molly 2024 firehose

Female/non-binary youth firefighting program returns

,

The next generation of firefighters starts now—female and non-binary youth aged 15-18 are invited to a free, four-day summer firefighting camp in Thunder Bay this summer.

Camp Molly will be held from June 11-14. Registration is now open from now until April 30.

The camp showcases firefighting as a rewarding career by providing training in fire suppression, auto extrication and firefighter survival.

“We are thrilled to return to Thunder Bay,” said Paula Andreychuk, Camp Molly Treasurer and Thunder Bay Lead. “We’re looking forward to an incredible camp experience that will empower and challenge campers while helping them see themselves in a new and positive light.”

Camp Molly is named after Molly Williams, the first known female firefighter and first known Black firefighter in the United States.

According to the NY Daily news, when an influenza outbreak ravaged the men of a Lower Manhattan fire crew over 200 years ago, Molly Williams answered the call of duty. In the NYC Blizzard of 1818, Williams, a former slave, went out in a calico dress and checkered apron and took her place with the men on the front lines of a fire. She helped pull a pumper to the fire through the deep snow and tackle the blaze. Williams’ story is immortalized in Dianne Ochiltree’s children’s book “Molly, By Golly!“

Camp Molly aims to carry on her legacy by inspiring other firewomen.

“Hosting Camp Molly for the second time is an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience, build teamwork, and develop practical skills, while being exposed to a career in the fire service and other emergency services,” said Dave Tarini, Acting Fire Chief. “Events like this do not happen without collaboration, and I want to recognize the many personnel from several divisions across the City of Thunder Bay, whose hard work and planning make this experience possible for the next generation.”

Dryden Fire Service logo

Dryden City firefighters recognized for years of service

Several members of the Dryden Fire Service have been honoured for their years of service.

Medals and Service Bars were presented to 18 firefighters.

Fred Hampton, who has worked for 30 years as a firefighter, received a Provincial Service Bar.

Three others were presented with Federal Service Bars for having 25 years of service.

They are Andy Trudgen, Chris Stoiber and Pat Smith.

Fourteen others were handed medals from the Canadian Volunteer Firefighting Association recognizing 10-year or 15-year milestones.

Canadian Volunteer Firefighter Association (15 Years of Service Medal)

Ryan Robertson
Darren MacLeod
Keith Matsuo
Barry Armit
Cory MacLeod (not pictured)
Jason Hatch (not pictured)

Canadian Volunteer Firefighter Association (10 Years of Service Medal)

Chris Wood
James Cran
Jaime Seeley
Brian Realini
Tim Dashnay
Byron McQuarrie
Brad Wright
Shaun Wright

“Thank you for your years of service to our community and for passing down generations of knowledge, experience, and life lessons to our firefighters and those who will follow in your footsteps,” reads a post from the City of Dryden Fire Service to the award recipients.

redditt fire truck

Municipal fire services in northwestern Ontario receive provincial funding

Several northwestern Ontario municipal fire services have received additional funding from the provincial government.

Most are receiving Fire Prevention grants to help them expand cancer prevention initiatives and enhance emergency response to incidents involving lithium-ion batteries.

Funding ranges from $16,000 to $35,000 for most communities.

Oliver-Paipoonge and Thunder Bay are getting higher amounts.

The province announced earlier this year that it was doubling the amount of money available from $10 million to $20 million.

Here is a list of some of the communities in northwestern Ontario receiving grant money.

Recipient:

Amount:

Alberton – $19,626
Armstrong – $19,626
Atikokan – $19,626
Chapple – $32,000
Conmee – $19,626
Dryden – $34,517
Ear Falls – $19,626
Emo – $19,626
Fort Frances – $19,626
Gillies – $16,000
Hudson – $19,626
Ignace – $17,372
Kenora – $52,821
La Vallee – $16,000
Machin – $13,300
Morley – $30,000
Neebing – $79,719
Nipigon – $19,626
O’Connor – $19,626
Oliver Paipoonge – $102,613
Pickle Lake – $19,626
Rainy River – $48,000
Red Lake – $69,418
Red Rock – $19,626
Shuniah – $52,821
Sioux Lookout – $16,000
Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls – $33,114
Thunder Bay – $135,808

Norton fire -Mike and Ginny Sherwood 3

UPD: Fire in Norton displaces residents, damages buildings

, ,

A late‑night fire in Norton has displaced about a dozen residents and damaged several buildings on Perkins Drive.

Valley Waters Mayor Randy McKnight said a house, garage, shed, and a four‑unit apartment building were destroyed in the fire Thursday night.

He said a second apartment building is still standing but has been vacated while it is checked for smoke and possible structural damage.

McKnight said the displaced group includes adults, children and several pets. He said no injuries were reported and everyone was able to get out safely.

Fire in Norton (December 2025) (Image: Courtesy of Mike and Ginny Sherwood)
Photos: Fire in Norton (December 2025) (Images: Courtesy of Mike and Ginny Sherwood)

Eight fire departments responded, with an estimated 60 firefighters on scene.

McKnight said crews drew water from the Kennebecasis River and worked in strong winds that made the fire difficult to control.

He said an excavator was also brought in to pull collapsing structures away from the building that was saved.

Fire in Norton (December 2025) (Image: courtesy of Mike and Ginny Sherwood)
Photos: Fire in Norton (December 2025) (Images: Courtesy of Mike and Ginny Sherwood)

The mayor said the municipality is working with the landlord to identify what each displaced resident needs.

Donations are being collected at the Valley Waters municipal office and at a store in Sussex owned by the landlord.

McKnight said community groups, local businesses and residents from across the region have already stepped in to help.

Fire in Norton (December 2025) (Image: courtesy of Mike and Ginny Sherwood)
Photos: Fire in Norton (December 2025) (Images: Courtesy of Mike and Ginny Sherwood)

He said the long‑term challenge will be finding housing, as the apartments that burned were older and more affordable.

Fire investigators and the fire marshal’s office are still working to determine the cause.

Saint John Fire and Rescue

Saint John firefighters help dog return to safety

,

A daring rescue for the Saint John firefighters.

They were dispatched Sunday night for a dog that had fallen over a cliff in Lorneville.

After assessing the situation, crews set up a rope rescue system to safely get to the distressed animal.

A firefighter on a harness, secured with lines, was lowered to the dog’s location.

The firefighters say the dog was frightened but doing okay and has been returned to its owners.