Sioux Lookout, IFNA sign new agreement for collaboration on fire-related activities

Tim Brody - Editor

The Municipality of Sioux Lookout and Independent First Nations Alliance (IFNA) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining, “how the two organizations can work collaboratively for the advancement and betterment of each, when it comes to fire-related activities and reduction of fire-related harm and deaths in our communities.”
The MOU was signed on May 2 at the Municipal Office in Sioux Lookout.
“Sioux Lookout Fire Services has resources, including Technical Rescue Specialists, Disaster Responders, Trainers and Instructors, Search and Rescue Teams, and other professional and trained specialist teams with a focus on fire prevention and protection activities. IFNA offers its own set of complimentary resources, such as a dedicated, multifaceted emergency services and regional fire rescue division,” a May 2 media release from the Municipality of Sioux Lookout outlined.
Fire Chief and Manager of Emergency Services for the Municipality of Sioux Lookout, Jeremy Funk, said, “We already have a great working relationship with IFNA’s Integrated Emergency Services team, and this agreement formalizes what we have already been doing informally.” He added, “In our smaller communities, it can be difficult to access the training, equipment, and technology that larger centers take for granted.” 
Nicholas Rhone, Director of Integrated Emergency Services and Fire Chief for IFNA Regional Fire Rescue added, “By working together, through agreements such as this MoU, we make our respective teams stronger. It also brings additional opportunities for training and access to equipment to improve our response capabilities and better serve our communities.” 
IFNA shared, “Sioux Lookout Fire Services and IFNA have worked together on an informal level since 2019. The relationship initially developed with the fire department of IFNA member community Lac Seul First Nation. Since then, IFNA and Sioux Lookout have trained together in auto extrication and ice rescue as well as worked collaboratively on remote community evacuations. Sioux Lookout Fire Services has also supported IFNA with advice and operational assistance with IFNA member community fires. Last year, IFNA included Sioux Lookout in our WISER (Waterless Initial Suppression for Exigent Response) initiative during testing of the fire suppression tools. The Memorandum of Understanding signed yesterday formalizes the working relationship between our two organizations.”
The agreement includes, but is not limited to, mutual aid, sharing knowledge, training, resources, materials, facilities, and response to certain calls for service. The agreement is in effect through December 31, 2026, unless renewed.