2024 has been a year of adversity and reflection for Chatham-Kent’s fire and emergency services.
Fire Chief Chris Case says 2024 included some very notable incidents, including the conclusion of the emergency order following the 2021 explosion in Whatley and the devastating fire at 99 McNaughton Avenue West in Chatham that left close to 100 residents homeless.
“One thing I recall was setting up at 99 McNaughton, seeing the huge effort of the firefighters and paramedics and police officers on scene, who were literally working flat out, and this group of very vulnerable (residents) just stood in the rain,” Case says. “We were really blessed that nobody lost their lives. That really stuck with me.”
Case says the outpouring of support from the community, including a local church and community groups opening their doors and helping to support who were displaced by the fire will be something he never forgets. He says from first responders to municipal housing and economic development staff, everyone who has worked on the 99 McNaughton case, put in a Herculean effort to help those affected by the fire.
The ending of the emergency order in Wheatley was an emotional day for Chief Case. The response to the 2021 explosion was the longest running emergency situation in Chatham-Kent’s history, and Case says getting even a little bit of closure was a huge relief.
“On a personal level, I think I’m into my 35th year (of firefighting,) and Wheatley is probably the most challenging incident I have ever dealt with on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Completion and passing of the Fire Master Plan in 2024 was an accomplishment Chief Case is proud of, bringing in new direction for the fire service for the next decade.
“Chatham-Kent is growing significantly, which is great news, but it also means that the risk are growing in terms of higher rise properties, more traffic on the roads, more industry, more agriculture, the danger we have from living near water, all of these things were brought in our community risk assessment.”
The Fire Master Plan received unanimous approval from municipal council in June, with implementation expected to span the next several years. Case says that work will include building new fire stations, getting new trucks, building new skill sets, and bringing Chatham-Kent’s fire department in line with the risk as they are today as opposed to 25 years ago.
Heading into the holidays, Chief Case urges everyone to keep safety top of mind. He says the Christmas season is typically one of the busiest times of year for the fire department, when people are cooking more and people are more distracted. He recommends setting timers whenever you are cooking, keep your tree watered, check that all smoke and CO detectors are working property, and talk to any visitors about a fire escape plan to ensure everyone has a safe, happy holiday season.
