Fire Protection

The Ministère de la Sécurité publique du Québec is carrying out an in-depth reorganization of fire protection services across the province. New government requirements will have a particular impact on rural municipalities like Austin. Respecting this new by-law, as reflected in the implementation of the regional fire protection plan to cover the risk of fire, will allow the great majority of property owners in Austin to take advantage of lower insurance premiums. Moreover, the municipality will also benefit from legal provisions related to exoneration of responsibility.

In concrete terms, Austin has tackled a host of measures over some 5 years, including enlarging the fire station in the village, purchase of a new tanker truck, installing dry hydrants at various places in the municipality and finally, purchase of a new pumper truck to replace the 1979 model which is still in service, to complete the project, for delivery in 2010.

Along with this considerable financial outlay, the municipality must accelerate its recruitment of volunteer firemen and their training. A major prevention operation has also been put in place. Every residence will be inspected periodically, and during this visit, occupants will be informed about prudent fire protection practices to follow