Community Response Unit provides support during Saint John fires

The Community Response Unit (CRU) was called upon twice in the past week, to assist residents and first responders when fires broke out in Saint John, N.B.

The Saint John Fire Department reached out to The Salvation Army during the early hours of Monday morning to alert them to a multi-home unit fire on St. James Street West. The CRU was on-site to serve hot beverages and snacks to exhausted firefighters, first responders and the displaced residents.

“Thank you for coming out this morning,” says Fire Chief Kevin Clifford. “It is great to have this service available to help warm us, and thank you for being willing to come out when we really need it.”

The next morning the CRU was again called to provide support, as a house fire blazed on Lancaster Street West, destroying one building, and damaging three others. Volunteers on the CRU worked quickly to make enough provisions for the 72 firefighters and first responders who received support.

The Community Response Unit (CRU) is a multi-purpose vehicle that serves as a mobile canteen for the Division’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS). It gets called into action when crises strike around the Maritime region – such as fires and floods – and also serves the most vulnerable throughout the winter months by providing meals, warm clothing and spiritual care for individuals on the street.

The CRU is also used to support community and family events around the Maritimes. Recently the CRU participated in the Saint John Winterfest 2016. Parked at Rockwood Park, the CRU served 280 individuals taking part in the sliding, hiking and other winter festivities.

We want to thank the brave firefighters and first responders who worked so tirelessly this week to help keep Saint John safe.