Pickering Fire Services is aiming to have all its staff trained to handle a hazardous goods rail emergency by the end of 2015.
Local fire fighters have been taking an “aggressive” approach to training in the wake of the July 2013 derailment in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, which saw 47 lives lost and more than 30 buildings destroyed.
A new report says 52 Pickering Fire Services staff have now completed first responder level hazardous materials training, a 24-hour course that includes classroom and hands-on elements.
There are plans to certify another 12 to 15 fire fighters in November and have the entire staff trained by the end of next year.
