Bay Roberts fire department looking for recruits

By Olivia Bradbury, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Bay Roberts Fire Rescue is looking for new members.

Council was apprised of the fire brigade’s move at its monthly meeting on March 10.

The brigade has 31 active members. Anyone interested in joining can find an application on the Town of Bay Roberts webpage. The recruitment drive ends April 26.

“I would just emphasize for those who are watching us,” said Deputy Mayor Neil Kearley, “whether they might consider volunteering for that or if they have friends, family or anybody else who would be interested in volunteering with the fire department, to please reach out and support and grow that number.”

In other news related to the brigade, Bay Roberts firefighters responded to some 20 calls in February.

The numbers were compiled in a report prepared by Fire Chief Mike Murphy and presented to council by fire department liaison, councillor Ross Petten.

The calls included nine medical matters; eight motor vehicle accidents; and three fire calls – one structure fire, one open fire, and one pole fire. There have been 58 calls in total since the beginning of 2026.

Petten said the brigade also completed eight training sessions and held three meetings since the last report.

Chief Administrative Officer Dave Tibbo noted the department’s new ladder truck recently saw action for the first time. It happened when the Town of Spaniard’s Bay, with whom Bay Roberts has a mutual aid agreement, asked for help with a commercial building fire. Bay Roberts Fire Rescue responded with its pumper and ladder trucks.

Chief Murphy said the new ladder truck was particularly useful, allowing firefighters to get on the building’s roof and spray water.