Home Fire News Inquest into deaths of two Ontario firefighters set to begin

Inquest into deaths of two Ontario firefighters set to begin

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TORONTO — An inquest into the deaths of two Ontario men who lost their lives during firefighter training exercises five years apart is set to begin today.

Firefighter trainee Adam Brunt who died in February 2015 during a firefighter training session. Image credit: Southwest Fire Academy/Facebook
Firefighter trainee Adam Brunt who died in February 2015 during a firefighter training session. Image credit: Southwest Fire Academy/Facebook

Thirty-year-old Adam Brunt, a firefighting student from Clarington, Ont., died in February 2015 after getting trapped under the ice during a rescue exercise.

His death came five years after a similar incident near Sarnia claimed the life of Gary Kendall, a volunteer firefighter.

Their deaths brought scrutiny on private training course for firefighters, which aren’t mandatory or regulated.

The Ontario government vowed two years ago to look into regulating the private safety training industry.

Gary Kendall
File photo – Point Edward Firefighter Gary Kendall lost his life during ice rescue training.

The inquest, which takes place in Toronto, will examine the events surrounding Brunt and Kendall’s deaths and may make recommendations aimed at preventing similar deaths.

Al and Christy Brunt held a photo of their son Adam who died in February 2015 during a firefighter training session. The couple is pushing for changes in the privately operated training to improve safety and avoid further casualties. Image credit: Northumberland News/Facebook
Al and Christy Brunt held a photo of their son Adam who died in February 2015 during a firefighter training session. The couple is pushing for changes in the privately operated training to improve safety and avoid further casualties. Image credit: Northumberland News/Facebook

It is expected to last two weeks and to hear from 15 to 18 witnesses.

© 2017 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

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