The union representing Toronto's firefighters says its seen a 13.4 per cent increase in fire calls since this time last year, something it says is a result of more people staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Frank Ramagnano, president of the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters Association, says people need to be more careful while cooking and smoking at home during the pandemic. Fighting fires during a pandemicRamagnano says although firefighters are trained to deal with high-pressure scenarios, the pandemic has taken a toll on members. Fire chief looking at possible 20% cutAn added concern for Ramagnano is the financial shortfall the City of Toronto finds itself in due to the pandemic, and what impact it may have on Toronto Fire's resources. Toronto Fire Chief Matthew Pegg, who also serves as the city's head of emergency management, says the response to COVID-19 has been robust, responsive and responsible.

Source: CBC News July 29, 2020 09:00 UTC