A homeowner wants to know what the fire department policy is in regards to fires on water access only properties within the boundaries of Elliot Lake.
The Elliot Lake Fire Department was called out to a fire early Sunday morning on the north end of Dunlop Lake, but were unable to provide assistance.
A wood shed and garage were destroyed before the homeowner and neighbours put it out.
In an email to The Moose, Fire Chief, John Thomas, says the department did respond to the fire, but were unable to provide assistance due to the location of the property being a two-kilometre trip by ice.
Thomas added there is a lack of equipment and training to safely transport personnel and gear across a frozen body of water.
The homeowner’s neighbor, Peter Merk, says in light of the lack of training, he would like to know what the department’s policy will be, and if training will be provided for both firefighters and homeowners who have to protect their own property.
He adds he understands it is water access only, but offered up to six snow-machines to assist the department, but was refused.