Fire protection for northern communities

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering
• Main Authors: Heinke, G. W., Christensen, V., Hipperson, L., Bowering, E. J.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1985
• Subjects: General Environmental Science; Civil and Structural Engineering; Yukon; Northwest Territories; Canada; Greenland; Alaska
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/l85-061; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/l85-061

Small, isolated communities present special problems for fire protection. Many communities in northern Canada and Alaska have less than 1000 people. They are isolated, have no tax base, and have high costs. Most cannot afford to provide any type of fire protection. In the Canadian Territories, grant money for public services, including fire protection, are provided by the government whereas in Alaska each community is left to its own resources.This paper presents a review of the existing situation in northern regions as of 1981 and compares, among similar communities, their fire loss records in light of their fire protection efforts. Recommendations for fire protection systems in these communities are presented. Key words: fire protection, northern communities, public services, water supply, Alaska, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Greenland.