Behind the scenes supporting Barrie firefighters was an array of City of Barrie workers – from roads crews to water crews and soon the environmental staff will be called in to assist.

“We have fleet here to support the fire department’s equipment, should there be any mechanical issue,” said Barrie’s operations director Craig Hebert. “We have roads operations crews, with salt and sand trucks and traffic signage and detours. Water operations is monitoring our water system for continuous quality and pressure.

“Our environmental operations aren’t involved yet, but they could be.”

At one point through the night, water pressure in the city’s system dropped and fire crews set up two lines to Kempenfelt Bay, to relieve the pressure on the city’s water system. Ward 7 Coun. John Brassard – a long-time firefighter in Markham – estimated crews were pouring at least 20,000 litres per minute on the blaze.

“It was a pretty spectacular blaze,” he said, adding Barrie works to ensure the safety of its emergency personnel, especially during the cold dark night.

Safety for emergency personnel included keeping the roads, like Dunlop and Bayfield streets, well salted and sanded so they would not slip on ice. Some firefighters do carry oxygen packs and other heavy equipment on their backs, and slipping on ice could cause injuries, such as a dislocated shoulder, Brassard explained.

Roads in the city core remain closed, and including some of those near the Barrie Transit terminal.