North Glengarry will soon take over ownership of a specialized trailer and equipment used to help fight wildland fires across Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.
SDG Counties Council approved the transfer of the Wildland Fire Trailer to the Township of North Glengarry during its July 20 meeting. The trailer is currently owned and maintained by the SDG Transportation Services Department and contains important firefighting equipment, including extra hose and submersible pumps used during wildfire response.
The trailer has been available for use by all local municipalities in SDG, providing additional resources when crews are dealing with large-scale outdoor fires.
The decision to review ownership of the equipment came after the Alvin Runnalls Forest Fire near Winchester in 2025. Following that fire, SDG staff and local fire departments looked at ways to improve wildfire response and determine the best location and management plan for the trailer.
North Glengarry has agreed to take responsibility for storing, maintaining, and managing the equipment. The township also plans to work with the other municipalities on cost-sharing agreements and memorandums of understanding to ensure the trailer remains available throughout the region when needed.
“We’re happy to take it. We have the storage capacity for it,” said North Glengarry Mayor Jamie MacDonald.
MacDonald said the trailer is a valuable resource for the community, especially as wildfire risks continue to be a concern.
During discussions at council, some members questioned whether agreements with the other SDG municipalities had already been finalized. Staff confirmed those discussions are still ongoing, and the transfer will require continued cooperation between local councils.
The Wildland Fire Trailer was previously stored at the Newington fire station, but North Glengarry showed the most interest in taking over ownership.
The goal is to keep the equipment accessible across SDG, ensuring local fire departments have additional support when responding to wildland fires and other emergencies.