Winnipeg, MB - better known as "turnout gear" - to Firefighters Without Borders Canada, an organization that facilitates the donation of used equipment to fire departments around the world.
The turnout gear sets of protective pants and coats proposed for donation have reached an age of ten years and, as a result of National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) standards, cannot be used any longer in Winnipeg fire-fighting operations. Like Winnipeg, most fire departments in Canada subscribe to NFPA standards, meaning the equipment would not be permissible in operations across Canada.
“Much of this equipment would be useful to fire services in developing countries that don’t subscribe to NFPA standards and have little or no fire-fighting equipment of their own,” said Fire Paramedic Chief John Lane. “This is a win-win that benefits the receiving agencies and keeps the gear out of the landfill.”
The Chief also noted that transportation and delivery of the donated equipment would be handled by Firefighters Without Borders, at no cost to the City. Winnipeg joins fire services across the country that donate in-kind supports to Firefighters Without Borders Canada.
The WFPS budgets approximately $550,000 per year for new turnout gear, for new hires and for replacement of “expired” equipment. A new set of coat and pants costs between $2,800 and $3,500. After ten years, the equipment has no cash value to the City.
The proposal to dispose of the equipment would comply with the City of Winnipeg’s Materials Management policy provisions for donating equipment to a not-for-profit organization.
City Council approval is required for the donation of City assets where the donation is proposed on an ongoing basis. The administrative report, which will be considered by the Standing Policy Committee on Protection and Community Services at its meeting on May 11, 2015, can be found at Standing Policy on Protection and Community Services.
Shipment of the equipment would be arranged upon Council approval of this proposal.