Firefighters modelling topless in an annual charity calendar will have to lower the temperature — by donning shirts — if they want to continue to be featured.

The edict was delivered by senior staff at the City and applies moving forward to the calendars put out by the St. Catharines Fire Combat Team.

Fire Chief Jeff McCormick delivered the news through an email to team members on Jan. 20. He said the decision came as a result of a discussion between him and the city’s management team. "(It was) based on events that I'm not at liberty to discuss," he said.

At issue is the fact the firefighters are topless in many of the photos. The bare-chested men are often wearing other elements of their firefighting uniform and are pictured in and around the fire hall, with trucks, hoses and other equipment in full view.

“In its current form, the fire department nor the City of St. Catharines could continue to support the calendar,” said McCormick, noting it’s because of the states of undress.

“It’s against our core values — the dignity and respect we believe our employees are entitled to.”

With four calendars already under their belts, the team was originally told they were to stop making them altogether. However, according to Ryan Madill president of the St. Catharines Professional Firefighters IAFF local 485, that was walked back after discussion with the chief.

“At first, they were told they weren’t allowed to use their uniforms, bunker gear — nothing to do with the department was to be used,” he said.

Now, they’ve been told that if they cover up — essentially put a shirt on — they can continue to make the calendars.

“The decision was made without any discussion with us. It was a management decision,” said Madill, adding the team was very disappointed.