A large portion of the Brigus Volunteer Fire Department has resigned after comments made in a council meeting last week.

Shears Mercer Jr., Brigus Mayor and a member of the fire department for over 30 years, says a number of firefighters have resigned after comments made by one town councillor following a treasurer report on spending at the fire department.

Mercer says the comments should have been cleared by the executive before being made, but the situation has gotten “blown out of proportion.”

The town is covered in case of emergency. Mercer says there are still a few members on the brigade, and they have been in contact with fire services in the surrounding communities in case a fire breaks out.

An emergency meeting has been called for tonight to try and find a resolution. He says he hopes cooler heads can prevail and the town and the department can work through these issues together.