Carbonear expands fire protection to Flatrock

By Mark Squibb/October 28, 2022

Firefighters in Carbonear might expect an uptake in calls after the Town signed two new fire protection agreements this week.

First, the Town signed an agreement to provide fire protection to the community of Flatrock.

Flatrock had requested the service, which Carbonear was agreeable to providing so long as Flatrock verified the list of households in its area.

Mayor Frank Butt asked who plowed the road to the Flatrock, as he was concerned about the condition of the road during the wintertime.

Chief administrative officer Cynthia Davis said that information has been factored into the agreement, adding the onus is on Flatrock, and not the Carbonear Volunteer Fire Department, to have the road cleared.

“My concern is not so much going to the fire, or responding to the call, but coming back down over the hill,” said Butt, himself a member of the fire department. “It’s a gravel road, and if it’s not sanded, or even if it’s sanded, it creates issues, and that’s the only concern that I had with the agreement.”

Davis said the decision to respond to a call will be at the discretion of the fire chief, as per the agreement.

The motion to provide the service passed unanimously.

There was no mention of whether residents of Flatrock will have to pay a fire protection fee in return for the services.

The Town of Carbonear also unanimously agreed to enter into a fire protection mutual aid agreement with the Town of Bay Roberts.

Under the agreement, Carbonear will come to Bay Roberts’ aid if need be, and vice versa.

The issue was raised in a public works meeting some time ago, but the motion had been overlooked and did not make it to the council chamber until this week.

Such an agreement already exists with neighbouring Harbour Grace and Victoria.