Garage fire2A former Ontario Fire Marshall told city council Monday night  that it was gambling by reducing the minimum firefighter staffing levels from 16 to 13 per shift.

Pat Burke said that 13 firefighters wouldn’t be able to hold the fire and rescue anyone inside.

He said what will suffer is the rescue.

And there could be severe consequences for the city if a firefighter died trying to rescue someone.

Burke called on council to undertake a comprehensive fire risk assessment saying a proper one was not done ahead of the changes.

But ,Chair of Community Services Councillor Mark King says no cuts are being made and the staffing level remains at 16.

King says in a nutshell, if three firefighters phone in sick, no-one will be called in on overtime.

Council made that decision two weeks ago. Just  details remain to be worked out.