Goulais Fire and Rescue is currently under a temporary contract to cover emergencies in Batchawana Bay, says the department's fire chief.
SooToday learned this week that the fire hall servicing Batchawana Bay was recently closed.
In an email, Andre Anthony Thurairatnam, spokesperson for the Office of the Fire Marshal, said the provincial office met with local community and fire safety leaders in Batchawana Bay to discuss the community’s fire protection needs.
"After some discussion, the community decided to enter into an agreement with Goulais Fire and Rescue to provide fire services in the area," said Thurairatnam.
Fire Chief Kris Rooley of Goulais Fire and Rescue confirmed by phone today that his department is under a contract to provide fire protection services to residents of Batchewana Bay, but declined to comment further.
Questions about the reasons for the change were directed to the Local Services Board of Batchawana Bay. A call to the chair of the board by SooToday has not been returned.
Thurairatnam said details including how to use the existing equipment from the Batchawana Bay Fire Department are being sorted out locally.
"OFM is fully behind this decision and is helping both communities make the transition," he said.