Neebing Fire and Emergency Services is building a new decontamination facility.
The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is investing just under $1.4 million in the project.
The new facility will help the department’s ability to respond to increasing emergency calls, improving the safety, and readiness of emergency services in Neebing.
“As a former volunteer firefighter, I understand firsthand how critical it is to ensure our emergency services have the right tools and facilities to keep our community safe,” said the MPP for Thunder Bay – Atikokan, Kevin Holland. “This new decontamination facility will significantly improve the efficiency and safety of our first responders, helping them return to active service quickly. By enhancing the ability to decontaminate equipment and vehicles more efficiently, we are not only improving the safety of our emergency personnel but also strengthening Neebing’s overall response capacity.”
Construction of the new 4,000-square-foot heated building is set to begin in August, with completion expected by March 2026.
The new facility will provide a dedicated space for decontamination, maintenance, and training for Neebing’s emergency services personnel.
It will feature a pressurized decontamination area, complete with specialized cleaning equipment including gear washing machines, dryers, and decontamination showers, as well as a clean area for the safe storage of personal gear, sensitive equipment, and permanent records.
“With the alarming rise in presumptive cancer diagnosis within the Fire Service, decontamination and firefighter welfare are taking centre stage. “ said Fire Chief Mark Shruiff. “The addition of the Fire Service Bay to Neebing will allow us to decontaminate thoroughly and efficiently, having our members back to a ready state within as little as 2 hours, where currently it can take 18 hours or more. From personal protective equipment to pumpers, all aspects of our department will pass through this building, reaching an efficiency not previously attainable.”
Currently, decontamination activities are conducted in existing fire halls that lack the necessary infrastructure for effective cleaning.
The new facility will include features to address this, such as a wash bay area to maintain and restore vehicles and equipment, as well as a dedicated space for practical training.
The project will also see the installation of water storage tanks with a total capacity of 10,000 gallons, enhancing the municipality’s emergency preparedness.
