The leaking of a confidential fire audit commissioned in 2006 drew threats of legal action from the District of Squamish's top staffer last week, and subsequent Lower Mainland media attention and a firestorm of criticism online.
The situation began when squamishreporter.ca revealed that a 2008 fire audit report written by the Fire Underwriters Survey - a national organization representing more than 85 per cent of the private sector and casualty insurers in Canada - stated the District of Squamish was in critical need of increased Fire Rescue staff.
The audit reportedly stated that Squamish Fire Rescue was 82 per cent deficient in available fire forces and this was severely detrimental to fire insurance gradings. Instead of hiring, six months later council laid off one paid firefighter position.
In response to the Sept. 16 posting, chief administrative officer Kevin Ramsay reportedly sent squamishreporter.ca writer Gagandeep Ghuman a letter threatening legal action if he didn't reveal who provided the confidential document and if he didn't remove the related story immediately. Ghuman did not comply, but instead reported on the threats.
In an interview with the Vancouver Sun on Sept. 18, acting mayor Corinne Lonsdale said Ramsay was responding to council "being attacked," claimed the article contained "misrepresentations and inaccuracies" and he wanted to find out where the internal leak had come from.
Lonsdale also said the district would release Ramsay's email and the report to the public, but later recanted, saying "We're not going to fuel that fire any further."
Ramsay said he can't reveal nor discuss the document with The Chief until council releases it from its confidential status.
However he did tell The Chief he was responding to inaccuracies that "could likely cause alarm" and was acting to protect the district.
"It is the CAO's responsibility to protect the District of Squamish and ensure its integrity. A confidential document has been released to the public and it is my duty to investigate this breach," he stated in an email.
"It was only my intent to determine the leak so appropriate action could be taken. We are now considering whether there is anything to be gained by pursuing the matter further."
Ramsay told The Chief an investigation determined the "leak did not occur with existing staff and council."
The online story received numerous comments critical of the District of Squamish. One reader called on the district to point out the "inaccuracies" in the online story.
"If the report was inaccurate, then the fire department and district have a responsibility to explain what was incorrect about it. The newspaper would then be required to publish the other side of the story," stated the comment.
"However, the response of the people in power would indicate that the report was well founded and the screw up entirely theirs.
"This is small-town, third-world thuggery at its finest. As for the District, really guys? This is basic Grade 10 civics. You live in a democracy. You can't intimidate people into making your screw ups go away."
Ramsay did not respond to questions on what specific inaccuracies were in the online story by press time.
Another reader criticized the district on its lack of transparency.
"This council has not lived up to its promise of transparency at all. I am gravely disappointed over many things that have transpired during this term," stated the posting.
In the wake of the firestorm, Squamish Fire Rescue came to council Tuesday (Sept. 21) to report the department is healthier than ever following eight months of changes.
Despite the positive changes in the organization and training, Adams said there is still a lot to accomplish. They will be commencing an internal audit of the department focusing on regulatory compliance, fire service standards and best practices.
They also want to hire a third party consultant to conduct an audit looking at long term equipment and staffing levels.
In the meantime, Fire Rescue is looking for 15 to 20 new "dynamic team players with a real sense of community" to join their volunteer crew.
Fire chief Tom Easterbrook and deputy fire chief Mike Adams described the numerous changes the department has undergone in the past eight months.
"I've been absolutely amazed at the changes they have made within the team and how far they moved the organization forward," said Ramsay.
The fire department has undergone a complete change of leadership since January 2010 and initiated several programs.
A new performance based promotion program, a members only website for volunteers to communicate more effectively with staff, an annual maintenance plan for equipment and occupational first aid certification have all been established.
"When Mike and I started we realized that a lot of the firefighters didn't have sufficient training in emergency scene management," said Easterbrook. "Since then all operational officers have successfully passed competency based practical evaluations."
That is not to say Adams and Easterbrook weren't impressed by the volunteer force.
"I've been absolutely blown away by the long service of some of our volunteers," said Easterbrook. "Their commitment and dedication is extremely impressive."
The department will be hosting two information sessions for those interested in dedicating time to protecting lives in Squamish, one in mid-October and another in early November.
