(Ottawa) The fire that broke out last month on board the NCSM Fredericton while the frigate was sailing off the Norwegian coast could have been avoided, according to Vice-Admiral Craig Baines, commander of the Royal Canadian Navy.
The fire on November 18 is said to have started after the crew of Fredericton forgot to disconnect a temporary bilge pump that had been installed during repairs to the main pump, Baines told The Canadian Press.
The army claimed that there were no injuries, although the captain of Fredericton said the fight to put out the blaze was difficult due to the cramped spaces and rough seas at the time.
The fact that the fire was not the result of a systemic problem in the Navy frigates is good news, says Baines. He admits, however, that the 12 warships that make up the fleet are starting to show their age.
The Halifax-class frigates entered service in the 1980s and have been plagued by a number of fires and other problems in recent years. However, their replacement by new vessels is not expected until the early 2030s.
Baines says he’s working with other parts of government to ensure the fleet gets the upgrades and repairs it needs to continue protecting Canada and operating overseas until that new boats are in service.