The Municipality of Morris-Turnberry and the Township of North Huron have partnered to create a full time Fire Prevention Officer positionThe Municipality of Morris-Turnberry and the Township of North Huron have partnered to create a full time Fire Prevention Officer position
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Huron Fire Official Says No Significant Increase In Barn Fires This Year

A spokesman for Morris-Turnberry and North Huron Fire Department says they're not dealing with any more barn fires this year than usual.

James Marshall suspects they're getting a higher profile this year at least partly because of social media.

"It's pretty quick to get photos and stories out about barn fires. We haven't responded to any more this year than any other year. In fact, it's been a little quieter for us - knock on wood - in the North Huron/Morris-Turnberry area."

Marshall says his job as Fire Prevention Officer includes working with farmers on prevention of fires and dealing with them if they happen.

Farmers are faced with a fire are encouraged to call in firefighters rather than try to fight it themselves.

He points out area fire departments have big trucks and can move a lot of water, but it takes time for them to get there and get set up.

He'd like to talk to farmers and get into their barns to check out things.

"Is there water supply - are there any risks that I need to be aware of - if we have hoses on the truck, is it long enough to get down the driveway to ensure that we can push water down the driveway - so we'd rather be proactive that way and preventative versus the first time we meet the farming family is at 3 in the morning."

According to Marshall, firefighters would rather be proactive and preventative than meet the farm family for the first time at 3 in the morning.

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Marshall suggests social media is playing a part in raising the profile of those fires this year.

[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/MARSHALL-Fire-1.mp3"][/audio]

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Marshall says part of any discussion with a farmer would be how to deal with a fire if it ever happens.

[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/MARSHALL-Fire-2.mp3"][/audio]

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If a farmer is faced with a fire, Marshall urges them not to try to fight it on their own.

[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/MARSHALL-Fire-3.mp3"][/audio]

 

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