The response time from Calgary Fire crews has worsened every year since 2007 and what’s causing the hold up is the time it takes from getting the dispatch to leaving the station, usually referred to as ‘turnout’ time.

Crews are supposed to leave the station within 90 seconds about 90 per cent of the time, but last year they met the target for just over half of calls, compared to 65per cent in 2007.

Turnout is dragging down overall response times around the city which still fare better in Calgary than in Edmonton, according to the Calgary Sun.

Edmonton fire crews have hit the minute and a half target less than half the time for the last decade.