March/April 2004 Volume 13 Issue 1
Published in the interest of fire protection and fire prevention in Ontario.
Comments, suggestions, questions and articles are welcome. Please send them to the attention of:
Chris Slosser, Editor, Office of the Fire Marshal, 5775 Yonge Street, 7th Floor, Toronto, ON M2M 4J1, Tel: 416-325-3155, Fax: 416-325-3162, chris.slosser@jus.gov.on.ca.
Unless otherwise indicated, the opinions expressed in any material published herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official policy of the Office of the Fire Marshal.
The reproduction of original articles appearing in this publication is permitted and encouraged, however permission to reproduce material for commercial purposes must be obtained from the Office of the Fire Marshal. Permission to use articles reprinted from other sources must be obtained from the original source.
ISSN 1188-7524
Thank you to everyone that contributed to this issue, particularly Bev Gilbert, Janice Johnstone, Beth Tate, Robert Harpur, Alison Wilson, Rose Barg, Karen Bauman, Leslie Kennedy, Donald Donaldson, Kevin Foster, Sharon Corston, Debbie MacLean, Mike Scarland and Larry Williams.
Sparky®, Learn Not to Burn® and Risk Watch® are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269, U.S.A. Used with permission.
The Hon. Monte Kwinter,
Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services
It was a great honour when Premier Dalton McGuinty appointed me to the post of Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services last October, and I am pleased to have been asked to contribute to this issue of the Ontario Fire Marshal's Messenger magazine.
Many of you will know that my government experience has been largely in the economic portfolios, including serving as Minister of the former Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations (now Consumer and Business Services), the Ministry of Financial Institutions, and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Technology. Coming from such a background, it was - and is - exciting to be responsible for a ministry devoted to protecting Ontario's physical safety and economic security.
Since my appointment, I've visited the Ontario Fire College in Gravenhurst and have had many other opportunities to meet representatives of the Ontario fire service. I've been impressed, but not surprised, by your commitment to public service and professional excellence. Firefighters are ready to risk their lives every day for their fellow citizens, and I look forward to participating in ceremonies such as the Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery, when we express our thanks in a tangible way.
As firefighters, you contribute to your communities in so many ways. Fighting fires and responding to medical and other emergencies are the most obvious, but inspecting buildings for fire hazards, educating the public about smoke alarms and escape plans, and participating in local activities that bring people closer together are all aspects that improve the quality of life in your communities.
One of the newer challenges facing the fire service is posed by the threat of terrorist attacks. The Office of the Fire Marshal played a leadership role in developing Ontario's ability to respond to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents, and in promoting heavy urban search and rescue capabilities. While these initiatives were prompted by terrorist attacks in the United States, they have also heightened our ability to deal with a wider range of emergencies, whether caused by nature or human beings.
Our government is committed to strengthening the communities in which we live and to providing Ontarians with a quality of life second to none. One of our key priorities is to ensure we have safe, clean, livable communities, because the strength of Ontario depends on the strength of our cities and rural communities. We understand that Ontario residents want cleaner air and water, safer communities, and cities and towns that work for the people who live in them.
I look forward to continuing to work with the men and women of the Ontario
fire service. Many of the issues we face are difficult, especially in a time of
strained financial resources. However, I'm confident that by presenting our
respective points of view clearly and openly, we will be able to work towards
the sorts of solutions that will contribute to our common goal of real, positive
change that will make a difference in every Ontarian's quality of life.
If you have an item you would like to see published in Update Ontario, please send it to: The Editor, The Ontario Fire Service Messenger, Office of the Fire Marshal, Place Nouveau Building, 5775 Yonge Street, 7th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M2M 4J1. Tel: 416-325-3120, Fax: 416-325-3162 or email chris.slosser@jus.gov.on.ca.
By Gord Young
A provincial team trained to deal with large-scale disasters could be deployed
in Northern Ontario if needed, law enforcement and emergency personnel were told
during a recent meeting.
"We are a specialized resource if you need us," said Capt. Alan Thomas, of the Toronto Fire Services, during a presentation at North Bay Police Service headquarters.
Thomas, a member of Ontario's Heavy Urban Search and Rescue unit (HUSAR), delivered his presentation about the team to about 30 people, including city police officers, Ontario Provincial Police, paramedics and firefighters.
Assembled following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the U.S., Thomas said the team isn't just available in southern Ontario.
Although some of the team is still being assembled, he said, the 65 members include police officers, firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, technicians and public works employees — each with particular expertise.
The team uses such equipment as cranes and heavy machinery,
sensors that can measure underground acoustic noise, dogs to help locate victims
buried beneath rubble and specialized cameras.
DISASTER RESPONSE
Thomas said the team can be deployed to help at disasters in communities
throughout Canada. Similar units exist in Vancouver and Calgary.
Although it wasn't required for rescue efforts, the team most
recently responded to the collapse of the Uptown Movie Theatre in Toronto a few
months ago. One man died and 14 people were injured when demolition work
triggered a cave-in.
Thomas said the team led in the search for human remains last April following a
gas explosion at a mall, which killed seven people.
This article originally appeared in The Sudbury Star. Reprinted with per-mission
from the North Bay Nugget.
Two conferences related to public education and fire prevention are being held this year.
The first, entitled "Times they are a-changin', Injury Prevention Solutions" will be held on April 29 and 30 in Fort Frances. For more information, contact Deputy Fire Chief Ken Peterson, Kenora Fire & Emergency Services by phone at 807-467-2090.
Pembroke will host this year's Fire and Life Safety Educators' Conference, entitled "Naturally Wonderful." The conference will take place November 3, 4 and 5. For more information, contact the Renfrew County Mutual Aid Fire Service Association by phone at 613-754-5221.
Thank you to all those who submitted information and/or photo-graphs since the last issue of The Messenger in September/October 2003.
We received many submissions but were unable to print them all. We apologize if we were not able to print your story. Please continue to send us your news. We look forward to hearing about all the goings-on across the province.
The OFM has received inquiries about whether fire departments are responsible for costs associated with requesting the assistance of the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) at emergencies or other events.
According to Mike Scarland, Manager of Operations, Fuels and Safety Division at the TSSA, fire departments are not responsible for paying when they request TSSA assistance.
"We work with fire personnel as partners in ensuring public safety," Scarland wrote in an email to the OFM. "In circumstances where we attribute a fire cause to be related to a specific issue, we may invoice our investigation time to the owner of the equipment, the owner of the home, the person who caused the fire, etc.," Scarland continued.
"However, in no cases would we ever invoice the fire personnel contacting us to have us assist in an investigation, regardless of whether or not the OFM is involved."
According to Scarland, far too often the TSSA hears about problems after a site has been turned over to the insurance reps, when evidence continuity is gone. "Most fire personnel are simply unaware we exist and that we can assist each other."
TSSA fuels inspectors are Provincial Offences Officers who have extensive private industry fuels backgrounds.
Their expertise, combined with the expertise of fire personnel, make for a solid team in deter-mining the root causes of fires. TSSA can be reached 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for incidents by contacting the Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060. Technical inquiries can be made on fuels subjects at 1-877-682-8772.
Pictured above: back row: Larry
Brunke, Pat Lannigan, Lawrence Andrews, Bob Thorpe, Howie Bowes, Maxwell
Loughran. Front row: Donna Brunke, Stacey Bennett, Jean Kettles, Ed Golec, Gord
Post.
Pictured above: back row: Councillor Greg Dobbie, Fire Fighters Association President Mike Prior, Fire Chief Gerry Bennett, FPO Dave Balderson, Deputy Mayor Grover Clair and Councillor Roger Gipson. Front row: Councillor Frank O'Hearn, Mayor Sylvia Thomas, Office of the Fire Marshal Adviser Peter O'Hare and Councillor Cheryl Prichard.
The OFM compiles statistics on all fatal fires that occur in Ontario. These statistics can assist the fire service to determine fire trends, plan fire prevention initiatives and target public education activities. Due to the methods and criteria used in reporting fire deaths, statistics are subject to change.
Age Group 16-64: Male - 44, Female - 25, Total - 69
Age Group 65 and over: Male - 17, Female - 15, Total - 32
Total 2003: Male - 68, Female - 45, Total - 113
Fire Cause - Accidental 37, Undetermined 8, Under Investigation 34, Incendiary 17
Time of Day - 0001-0800 - 41, 0801-1600 -
29, 1601-1800 - 3, 1801-0000 - 23
September 2003: 5 fatal fires resulting in 5 fire deaths
Age Group 0-15: Male - 0, Female - 0, Total - 0
Age Group 16-64: Male - 3, Female - 1, Total - 4
Age Group 65 and over: Male - 1, Female - 0, Total - 1
Total September 2003: Male - 4, Female - 1, Total - 5
Fire Cause - Accidental 1, Undetermined 0, Under Investigation 1, Incendiary 3
Time of Day - 0001-0800 - 1, 0801-1600 - 2, 1601-1800 - 0, 1801-0000 - 2
Locations of fatal fires: Cambridge (1); Kingston (1); Middlesex Centre (1); Red Lake (1); Welland (1).
October 2003: 6 fatal fires resulting in 6 fire deaths
Age Group 0-15: Male - 0, Female - 1, Total - 1
Age Group 16-64: Male - 2, Female - 1, Total - 3
Age Group 65 and over: Male - 0, Female - 2, Total - 2
Total October 2003: Male - 2, Female - 4, Total - 6
Fire Cause - Accidental 4, Undetermined 0, Under Investigation 2, Incendiary 0
Time of Day - 0001-0800 - 2, 0801-1600 - 3, 1601-1800 - 0, 1800-0000 - 1
Locations of fatal fires: London (1); Toronto (1); Oakville (1); Ottawa (2); Waterloo (1).
November 2003: 7 fatal fires resulting in 8 fire deaths
Age Group 0-15: Male - 0, Female - 0, Total - 0
Age Group 16-64: Male - 6, Female - 1, Total - 7
Age Group 65 and over: Male - 1, Female - 0, Total - 1
Total November 2003: Male - 7, Female -1, Total - 8
Fire Cause - Accidental 2, Undetermined 0, Under Investigation 5, Incendiary 0
Time of Day - 0001-0800 - 4, 0801-1600 - 1, 1601-1800 - 1, 1801-0001 - 1
Locations of fatal fires: McNab/Braeside (1); Toronto (1); Mulmur (1); Niagara Falls (1); Ottawa (1); Wabigoon (1); Whitby (1).
December 2003: 17 fatal fires resulting in 18 fire deaths
Age Group 0-15: Male - 1, Female - 1, Total - 2
Age Group 16-64: Male - 6, Female - 3, Total - 9
Age Group 65 and over: Male - 5, Female - 2, Total - 7
Total December 2003: Male - 12, Female -6, Total - 18
Fire Cause - Accidental 4, Undetermined 0, Under Investigation 9, Incendiary 4
Time of Day - 0001-0800 - 9, 0801-1600 - 4, 1601-1800 - 0, 1801-0001 - 4
Locations of fatal fires: Gravenhurst (1); Hearst Town (1); Innisfil Township (1); Toronto (2); New Tecumseth (1); Oshawa (1); Ottawa (2); Perth East (1); Peterborough (1); Prince Edward (1); Sarnia (1); The North Shore (1); Thunder Bay (2); Tillsonburg (1).
January 2004: 14 fatal fires resulting in 19 fire deaths
Age Group 0-15: Male - 1, Female - 5, Total - 6
Age Group 16-64: Male - 4, Female - 6, Total - 10
Age Group 65 and over: Male - 3, Female - 0, Total - 3
Total January 2003: Male - 10, Female -9, Total - 19
Fire Cause - Accidental 7, Undetermined 3, Under Investigation 4, Incendiary 0
Time of Day - 0001-0800 - 7, 0801-1600 - 4, 1601-1800 - 1, 1801-0001 - 2
Locations of fatal fires: All First Nation Communities (1); Gananoque (1); King (1); Mapleton (1); Toronto (4); Midland (1); Moose Factory (1); Osnaburgh (1); Ottawa (1); Thunder Bay (1); Windsor (1).
February 2004: 4 fatal fires resulting in 4 fire deaths
Age Group 0-15: Male - 0, Female - 0, Total - 0
Age Group 16-64: Male - 2, Female - 1, Total - 3
Age Group 65 and over: Male - 0, Female - 1, Total - 1
Total February 2003: Male - 2, Female -2, Total - 4
Fire Cause - Accidental 1, Undetermined 0, Under Investigation 3, Incendiary 0
Time of Day - 0001-0800 - 3, 0801-1600 - 0, 1601-1800 - 1, 1801-0001 - 0
Locations of fatal fires: Sudbury (1); Kingston (1); Kitchener (1); Oshawa (1).
Fire is the fifth largest cause of
unintentional deaths in Ontario, following deaths from motor vehicles, falls,
poisoning and drowning/suffocation. From 1995 to 2001, 901 Ontarians died from
fire-related injuries. Of these, 175 fatalities (19%) were impaired by alcohol.
Even as the population increased during this period, the seven-year trend of
per capita fire fatalities was down 27%; and alcohol-related fire fatalities trended
down 40%.
TIME OF DAY
Fires and fire fatalities vary by time of day. Fire fatalities peak between
midnight and 2:00 a.m., when most people are asleep. After 2:00 a.m., [fatal]
fires and fire fatalities decline until 2:00 p.m., after which both increase.
Slightly more than half of fatalities (52%) occur between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
There is a slight peak in fire fatalities from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., which
corresponds to the dinner hour and an increase in cooking fires.
Alcohol-impaired fire fatalities
exhibit a different pattern from all fire fatalities, with larger numbers of
fatalities occurring in the evening hours. This is not unexpected, since alcohol
consumption usually begins in the late afternoon and early evening hours.
Sixty-six percent of all alcohol-related fire deaths occurred during the
eight-hour period from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The number of these fatalities
was highest from 4:00 to 5:00 a.m. (19 deaths) and second highest from 2:00 to
3:00 a.m. (17 deaths). These early morning hours may correspond to normal
sleeping patterns and to the depressant effects of alcohol.
MONTH OF YEAR
Over the seven-year period from 1995 to 2001, there were an average of nine
fatal fires and 11 fire fatalities per month. Fire fatalities ranged from a low
of 51 in July to a high of 115 in March. Spring and summer months (May through
September), on average, had the fewest number of fires and fire fatalities. The
number of fires and fire fatalities increased gradually from October through
January. This increase may reflect the change in temperature when heating fires
add to the other types of year-round fires.* From March to May, fire and fire
fatalities dropped nearly 50%.
February is an unusual month in that the number of fires and fire fatalities
decreases significantly compared to January and March - other cold months. Part
of the decrease can be explained by the fact that February has fewer calendar
days than other months; statistically, however, this deviation requires further
investigation.
The monthly occurrence of alcohol-related fire fatalities follows a similar
pattern. March is the highest month of alcohol-impaired fire fatalities. Spring
and summer months have the fewest number of fires and fire fatalities (May
through September). Unlike the general pattern, however, alcohol-impaired
fatalities increased in August, with a decline in September and constant
increase with minor variation from October through March.
AGE
The elderly (older than age 74) accounted for the largest number of fire deaths
(153); only 3% of these victims were alcohol impaired. The age group from 35 to
44 accounted for slightly fewer fire deaths (149) than the elderly, but 30% of
these victims were alcohol impaired.
None of the 101 children under the age of 15 (11%) who died as a result of fire
were impaired by alcohol; however, in some multiple-fatality fires, an adult was
impaired by alcohol and a child below the age of 15 years died in the same fire.
GENDER
Males accounted for 62% of the 901 fire deaths from 1995 to 2001. Among the
total of 175 alcohol-impaired fire fatalities in Ontario, men substantially
outnumbered women, accounting for 78% of these fatalities.
CAUSE**
Open flame, smoking, cooking and heating were the four leading causes of fire
fatalities in which alcohol was a factor. These four causes accounted for 59% of
all fatalities and 92% of all fatalities for which cause is known (the cause for
33% of the fatalities is unknown).
Open flame was the leading cause of fire fatalities in Ontario. Smoking, the
second leading cause overall, was the leading cause in alcohol-related
fatalities - 28% of alcohol-related deaths. Smokers who are incapacitated
because of alcohol consumption may be more careless with their smoking materials
than their sober counterparts.
Notes:
*A review of Ontario fatal fires shows that heating is not a significant factor
accounting for increased fire fatalities in winter months.
**The inclusion of arson fires in this data analysis affects the ranking of fire
cause.
Footnotes:
1 2002 Chief Medical Office of Health Report - Injury: Predictable and
Preventable, Ontario Ministry of Health, November 2002.
2 Data from 1990 to 1995 were analyzed in Establishing a Relationship Between
Alcohol and Casualties of Fire, USFA, 1999.
3 Fatal Fires in Ontario -1995-2001, Office of the Fire Marshal. (http://www.ofm.gov.on.ca)
4 Population and Dwelling Counts, for Canada, Provinces, and Territories, 1996
and 2001 Canadian Census.
This article is an excerpt from a report produced by the U.S. Fire
Administration/National Fire Data Centre called "Case Study: Contribution of
Alcohol to Fire Fatalities in Ontario," Topical Fire Research Series, Volume 3,
Issue 5, July 2003.
On March 16 Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle welcomed
Daniel Langlois, Manager, Special Investigations, Corporate Audits and
Investigations, CSA Group, to the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council.
Mr. Langlois was appointed to the Council by the Honourable Monte Kwinter,
Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, on March 9.
Pictured above: Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle congratulates Daniel Langlois on his
appointment to the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council.
Given the increasing use of
artificial smoke in the simulation of fires for training or demonstration
purposes, there is some concern about its effects on people's health.
The smoke is actually a mist or fog produced by vapourizing a chemical called
propylene glycol and demineralized water that is considered safe for humans.
However, there is some evidence that people with asthma or allergies may react
adversely to the smoke. For example, according to a Queensland, Australia
Department of Education Manual, "The manufacturers of artificial smoke machines
advise that the chemicals used in these machines have the potential to induce
airflow obstruction in asthmatics or those susceptible to allergic responses."
Major adverse reaction is uncommon, the manual continues, and it is
particularly important that smoke machines are not pointed directly at people.
Further, adequate ventilation reduces the potential for adverse reaction.
While adverse reactions are uncommon, safety bulletins for the theatrical
industry recommend that personnel not be exposed continuously for long periods
of time to artificial smoke without being given breaks.
The Health and Safety Executive in the United Kingdom recommends the following
occupational exposure levels: in an eight hour day, exposure to propylene glycol
should not exceed 10mg/cubic metre, exposure to glycerine BP grade should not
exceed 10mg/cubic metre and exposure to white oil should not exceed 5mg/cubic
metre. The Health and Safety Executive notes that while dense artificial smoke
concentrations exceed these levels, the relatively short period of time people
are exposed to them means adverse health reactions are uncommon.
For those using artificial smoke generators, it is recommended that:
•Only commercial smoke generators made for use with people should be used (i.e.
theatrical smoke generators). Homemade smoke generators should never be used.
•Only the products recommended by the manufacturer should be used to produce
smoke.
•Warning signs should be posted warning of the potential effect on people with
asthma. When dealing with young children, supervisors should ensure that none of
them
have asthma.
•Personnel should not be exposed to artificial smoke continuously for long
periods of time without a breathing apparatus or without taking periodic breaks.
For more information, contact Robert Harpur at 416-325-3220 at the Office of the
Fire Marshal.
Pictured above: Firefighters practice firefighting in artificial smoke.
People often keep cans of WD-40, hair spray,
Off, Fix-A-Flat, etc. in their vehicle. They should reconsider. The picture on
the left is of a pressurized can that exploded in a car and imbedded itself in
the back seat. The temperature outside of the closed vehicle was about 380C
(1000F).
People should be reminded:
• not to leave pressurized containers of any kind in their vehicle where the
cans may be exposed to sunlight;
• to always read and follow the safety recommendations the manufacturer provides
with the cans.
Pictured above: a pressurized can embedded in the back seat of a car.
By Colleen Toms
A former Paris firefighter's generosity will benefit countless young burn
victims at Toronto Sick Children's Hospital for years to come.
Members of the Paris Firefighters Club and family of the late Robert (Bob) Burns
handed Toronto Sick Children's Hospital Burn Unit representatives a cheque
totalling $438,640.87 during an emotional and heartfelt presentation at the
Brant County Fire Department and Administration offices in Paris.
The funds were the proceeds of Mr. Burns' two life insurance policies. He died
Nov. 26, 2003, after a courageous battle with cancer.
The bequest was a true indicator of his love of children and his selfless
40-year commitment to the local fire service. The hospital's director of gift
and estate planning said it stirred not only the hearts of his fire department
colleagues, but those of people who see first-hand the devastating effects of
fire on young children.
"It's the best of gifts that he could have left," Ibrahim Inayatali said. "This
is something that could live on forever. Children are the most vulnerable with
their burns and it will help countless children."
That sentiment was echoed by Paris District Fire Chief John Emerson, who
presided over the presentation with Brant County Fire Chief Dave Collings.
"It is so devastating when children are victims of fire and as firefighters
that's what we try to prevent at all costs. When that does happen, we want to
make sure the kids get the best care they possibly can."
IN PERPETUITY
Mr. Burns would have been extremely proud, Emerson added, to know that his
generosity will ensure that happens.
Inayatali said the funds will be used to create the "Robert Murray Burns and the
Paris Firefighters endowment fund," which essentially means his selfless gift
will live on in perpetuity to support work in the Sick Children's burn unit.
In addition to supporting clinical care including equipment, it will also go
toward training and education for staff to enhance their skills for the
treatment of burns, as well as to research programs. "We do have doctors who
come here for training so there will be opportunities for interaction with
outside groups due to this gift," Inayatali noted.
Mr. Burns' generosity may also aid in the area of preventative burning and
scalding of youngsters, he added.
"The fourth area this may be used is the advocacy side of things, in influencing
people to set standards that ensure the safety of children." This could include
lobbying for the adjustment of acceptable household water temperatures to 490C
from about 600C and fireplace safety guidelines.
Colleen Toms is a freelance writer and photographer. This article originally
appeared in The Brantford Expositor on February 18, 2004. Reprinted with
permission.
Pictured above are those honouring Bob Burns during the cheque presentation.
From the left, back row: Dave Collings, Peggy Burns, Laurie McEnhill, Bernetta
Scime, Paul Scime, Bill Burns, Ibrahim Inayatali, John Emerson, Rick Shannon.
Front row (children): Ashley McEnhill, Riley McEnhill, Amber Scime and Holly
Scime. (Photo by Colin Everett)
There have been a number of staff changes at the
OFM in recent months, including:
• Trevor Bain is the new Manager, Operations in the Fire Investigations and
Evaluation section.
• Gerald Bartlet began on Oct. 14 as a Fire Investigator. Gerald was a police
officer with the Hamilton Police Service.
• Frank Haylow left the OFM on Nov. 28 to become Director of Fire and Emergency
Services for the Municipality of Port Hope. Congratulations, Frank, and best
wishes for your new job.
• Jeffrey Post began on Oct. 14 as a Fire Investigator.
He was previously a police officer with the Hamilton Police Service.
• Wayne Trimble retired from the OFM on June 30. He joined the OFM in Aug. 1987.
Congratulations, Wayne, on your retirement and thanks for your years of
dedicated service!
• Pierre Yelle is the new Operations Manager, Team C position in the Fire
Investigations and Evaluation section. Pierre began his new role on Jan. 2.
The Messenger has a new editor!
Chris Slosser started at the OFM on Feb. 17 as the new editor of The Messenger.
"I look forward to meeting you and learning about all the exciting work the fire
services are doing across the province," Slosser said. "Please keep sending
story ideas about events happening in your area."
A new firefighting training facility, called
Alertech (Academy of Leading Emergency Response Technologies) Training Centre,
opened in Sudbury on September 18, 2003.
The facility boasts a flashover
survival training unit, a smoke tower burn building complete with an elevator
shaft for technical rescue training, a large confined-space training unit, a
pump operators training unit with an underground water tank, an auto
extrication training pad and room for the development of a HAZMAT training unit
when funds become available.
The idea for the centre arose in 1998, when there was a recognized need for a
training facility in the northeastern part of the province, and more
specifically in the Sudbury area. At the same time, the local community college
was developing a Pre-Service Career Firefighter Preparation course. Discussions
grew and three founding partners - the City of Greater Sudbury, Cambrian College
and Falconbridge Ltd. _ came together to make the idea a reality.
The centre is located on the grounds of the Lionel Lalonde Community Centre in
the Azilda section of Sudbury. The site houses a storage garage, a smaller
classroom building, and a garage area in the community centre that includes
offices. Classroom space is available inside the building and the facility has a
dormitory for out-of-town students.
The facility will serve the needs of all emergency responders, not just the fire
service. To date, there have been training sessions with corrections officers,
the local fire service and local mine rescue crews. Local industries are
expected to use the facility for their emergency response training.
Financial support for the project came from the three original founding
partners. Additional business partners include MSA and Draeger, and local safety
industry suppliers.
Pictured above is the new Alertech facility.
On January 28, Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle presented OFM staff with Awards of Service. Pictured above, Wendy Walker receives her award. Other recipients that day included Amina Ahmed, Al Suleman, Dave Horne, Mary Prencipe, Sophie Greco, Robert French, Shelagh O'Neill and Marjorie Wright.
Provincial CBRN Response Teams
The next training initiative for the Provincial Chemical, Biological,
Radiological/Nuclear (CBRN) Response Teams from Windsor, Ottawa and Toronto,
will be held at the Ontario Fire College May 10 _ 14, 2004. This session will
include a series of workshops to enhance the teams' capabilities in responding
to provincial emergencies. This year radiation safety, detection of radiation
sources, as well as common mass decontamination procedures, will be highlighted.
A one-day multi-agency exercise will test the response and decision-making
actions within a unified Incident Management System. Participants and observers
from OPP, EMS and EMO will support the team members in the exercise.
Terrorism/Hazardous Materials Awareness Training
The Terrorism/Hazardous Materials Awareness for First Responders in Ontario:
Self-Study course continues to be available to first responders on the OFM
Internet site at www.ofm.gov.on.ca.
Resources Available
Many books, videos and other resources related to Multi-Agency Emergency
Preparedness and Response are available at the Ontario Fire College library or
through the Fire Science Library in Toronto. To find out more about available
resources, visit our website at
www.ofm.gov.on.ca.
By Karen Bauman
OFM testing is current with the Ontario Fire Services Firefighter Standards for
those enrolled in the Ontario Firefighter Curriculum or the Pre-Service
Firefighter Education and Training Program. But the test questions are divided
differently. Those familiar with the Ontario Firefighter Curriculum know that
there are three tests: Component 1, 2, and 3. The tests may be taken one at a
time or all together.
Those familiar with the Pre-Service Program know that there are two tests: A and
B. They are taken in one day, after a student meets all requirements for
community college graduation.
There continue to be provisions for re-writing a test until a "pass" or
"successful" result is achieved.
Scheduling a Firefighter Test
Fire departments wishing to host a test are encouraged to contact the OFM Test
Unit three months in advance. Scheduled tests are posted on the OFM web site at
www.ofm.gov.on.ca. Individuals may be able to join scheduled sessions and should
contact the Test Unit at 416-325-3140 to discuss their requests.
College Pre-Service Students are Tested
In 2003, nine colleges involved in the Pre-Service Firefighter Education and
Training Program prepared for the OFM tests. Over 250 graduates from Algonquin,
Conestoga, Durham, Georgian, Humber, Lambton, Northern, Seneca and Sir Sandford
Fleming wrote the tests.
Scheduling a College Pre-Service Test
Pre-Service coordinators need to contact the OFM Test Unit to request a test
date. Individuals who miss their college's test date may be able to join another
session and need to contact the OFM Test Unit at 416-325-3140 to discuss their
requests.
In the early hours of November 24, 2003, a fire
occurred at the Peoples' Friendship University dormitory located in Moscow,
Russia, resulting in the death of 42 students. The preliminary investigation
into this fire indicates that it was caused by the electrical malfunction of a
heater that was located in a student's room.
According to officials, the high number of casualties was attributed to a
significant number of deficiencies associated with the dormitory, brought on by
years of neglect. Some of the deficiencies included:
•a lack of a fire alarm system;
•two permanently locked exit stairwells;
•a lack of fire extinguishers;
•a lack of evacuation plans;
•a lack of a voice communication system;
•the failure to address fire safety violations discovered in previous
inspections.
Following this incident, the fire department immediately conducted an
inspection of 312 dormitories across the city. Fire officials recorded nearly
5,000 violations through these inspections. The fire department subsequently
demanded the immediate closure of 140 dormitories and charged 2,000 people for
not meeting safety standards.
This incident was the latest in a series of deadly fires in that country. In
April 2003, two separate school fires in Russia resulted in the death of 50
children. In December 1999, 12 people died in a dormitory fire at Moscow's state
university. Again, the high death toll associated with these fires was
attributed to the same types of fire safety deficiencies.
According to the October 2003 "World Fire Statistics" report published by the Geneva Association,
Russia averaged 8.1 fire deaths per 100,000 people between 1998 and 2000. News
articles report that Russia's current fire death rate has increased to 12.5
deaths per 100,000 people (this compares to an Ontario death rate of 0.78 in
2002).
Since the dismantling of the Soviet Union, the number of fire fatalities in
Russia has increased considerably due to reductions in social program funding.
Limited resources within the fire service have not allowed departments to keep
pace with inspection and enforcement programs. At the same time, owner
negligence and general disregard of fundamental fire safety standards have left
many buildings in a bad state of repair.
Of course, multi-fatal fire tragedies are not restricted to Russia. A review of
international news reports over the past several years revealed many other such
incidents throughout the world. The following is a synopsis of some of these
recent events:
1. On February 20, 2003, in Rhode Island, USA, 100 people died in a nightclub
fire. The use of pyrotechnics without the required city permit, combustible
interior finishing material and the improper use of exits by the patrons
contributed to the high number of deaths.
2. On February 2, 2003 in Harbin, China, a hotel fire killed 33 people.
Inadequate and locked exits were blamed for the high death toll.
3. On December 1, 2002 in Caracas, Venezuela, a fire occurred in a basement
nightclub, killing 47 people. Overcrowding and inadequate exits were determined
to be significant factors in the high number of fatalities.
4. On July 20, 2002 in Lima, Peru, 28 people perished in a nightclub fire.
Poorly marked exits and the lack of sprinklers, a fire alarm system and fire
extinguishers were blamed for the high number of deaths.
5. On June 16, 2002 in Beijing, China, 24 people lost their lives in a fire at
an internet café. The cause was determined to be arson but the high number of
casualties was attributed to the lack of exits, locked doors and windows sealed
with iron grills.
6. On September 1, 2001 in Tokyo, Japan, a fire in a mahjongg club killed 44
occupants. Inadequate exits and the lack of windows prevented the victims'
escape.
7. On January 1, 2001 in Volendam, Netherlands, a fire in a dance hall resulted
in 10 deaths. One of the three exits was inaccessible and there was speculation
that fireworks were smuggled into the building.
8. On December 25, 2000 in Luoyang, China, 311 lives were lost in a nightclub
fire. The building lacked sprinkler protection and a fire alarm system. The
exits were both blocked and locked.
9. On October 26, 2000, in Mexico City, Mexico, 20 people died as a result of an
electrical fire in a disco. Flammable decorations, insufficient and locked exits
and the lack of a firefighting water supply contributed to the high number of
deaths.
10. On December 8, 1998, a fire at an orphanage in Manila, Philippines killed 27
people. Locked exits and barred windows were blamed for the high number of
deaths.
11. On October 29, 1998 in Gothenburg, Sweden, 62 people died at a dance in a
cultural center. Overcrowding, blocked exits and barred windows contributed to
the high number of casualties.
One cannot rule out the possibility of such a tragedy occurring in Ontario. The
reality is that some of the aforementioned incidents occurred in countries that
also have impressively low fire death rates. We need to learn from these tragic
fire incidents and be vigilant and responsive to the need for refinements or
change. There is no room for complacency.
The week of April 18 through 24 has been
proclaimed as Wildfire Prevention Week.
Due to recent wildfire tragedies in British Columbia and California, the
Ministry of Natural Resources, the OFM, and the Ontario Association of Fire
Chiefs have developed a wildland/urban interface fire safety education package
for use in communities that could be affected by wildfire. The theme of the
material contained in the package is focused on Protecting Your Home From
Wildfire. The educational material provides a resource for the fire service to
assist them in delivering wildfire safety messages to elementary school age
children and the public.
Fire departments will receive the education
package that includes print material and a CD containing information: a lesson
plan that can be used to teach adults, a teacher lesson plan for grades 3, 4 and
5 that can be delivered to elementary school teachers for use in the classroom,
facts regarding wildfire in Ontario and a Fire Smart Home Owner's Manual.
For more information on this package contact Gerry Armstrong at 807-274-0907.
Pictured above are the recent wildfires in British Columbia.
By Beth Tate
The growing popularity of fried turkey in the United States, and more recently
in Canada, has resulted in an increase in the number of people who use turkey
fryers. While people rave about the tasty turkey, the potential dangers of the
fryers are often unrecognized.
In the last year the OFM, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the
United States, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in the U.S.
have all issued communiqués, media releases and reports highlighting the fire
risks presented by turkey fryers. But still, public education is required.
One major fire safety hazard associated with turkey fryers is the overheating of
oil prior to placing the turkey in the fryer. The typical fryer holds about 13.6
litres of oil and it can take about 45 minutes to get the oil to the desired 350
- 3750F (177-1900C) cooking temperature. Because the oil
in the fryer cools about 250F (-40C) when turkey is placed
in it, people tend to pre-heat the oil to about 390 - 4000F (199-2040C).
The fryer becomes a major hazard when people leave the heating oil unattended. Too often they become distracted or involved in some other activity and forget to come back to see if the oil is at the correct temperature. By the time they return, the oil is smoking or on fire.
Pictured above: a firefighter demonstrates how easily a fire can start when using a turkey fryer.
If left unattended, it is possible for the
cooking oil to overheat to a point of self-ignition (approximately 7000F
or 3710C). The resulting fire is both difficult to extinguish and
spreads quickly as the burning oil overflows the pot. The potential for
overflowing makes it extremely important that people not use turkey fryers on
wooden decks or near any combustible material.
An additional concern is the length of time the oil remains hot after the turkey
is done and the burn hazard this presents.
The potential dangers have resulted in a review of the standards governing
turkey fryers. The OFM is part of a Joint Technical Advisory Group (TAG)
overseeing a series of standards that are being harmonized so they can be
applied consistently in both Canada and the United States. The TAG's revisions
to the standard governing turkey fryers are expected in late 2004 or early
2005.1
Although numerous changes to the standard are anticipated, a primary
consideration will be to address ways of preventing the oil in the fryer from
overheating in the pre-cook stage when the appliance is most likely to be
unattended.
Options will include measures such as timers to
shut off the burner after a pre-set time and temperature controls.
Other revisions are likely to include clear markings on the appliance and pot,
and instructions on how to deal with hazards caused by over-filling the pot and
excessive moisture in the bird. Both instances can cause hot oil to spill over
the pot and ignite.
Turkey frying can be done safely if properly monitored, with knowledge of the
associated hazards and with appropriate precautions. However, increased public
education and awareness of the potential dangers is still required.
Notes:
1 The standard relevant to this issue is ANSI Z21.89/CSA 1.18, "Outdoor Cooking
Specialty Gas Appliances," which deals with all types of fryers and boilers. The
current edition of the standard is 2002.
For more information on the safety of turkey fryers, see:
www.ofm.gov.on.ca, for
Communiqué 2003-0www.ul.com/consumers/turkeys.html2;
www.nfpa.org, www.cpsc.gov and
www.csagroup.org for news
releases and safety information, and
www.ul.com/consumers/turkeys.html for a
video clip of a turkey fryer test conducted by Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
By Robert Harpur
Recently Gary Jarrett, Assistant Division Chief of the Brampton Fire and
Emergency Services, ex-pressed concerns to the OFM about fires caused by the
rupturing of metal halide lamps. The rupturing of lamps caused two recent fires
in his jurisdiction resulting in approximately $11 million in property damage.
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) estimates that there
are approximately 40 million metal halide lighting systems installed in North
America and that over 100 million have been sold in the last 10 years. While the
NEMA states that there have been "very few reported instances of property damage
claims resulting from the rupture of a metal halide system," the experiences in
Brampton indicate that such losses do occur.
The potential hazard of these lamps has been recognized for some time. In 1986,
the U.S. Department of Labor issued a Hazard Information Bulletin on the dangers
presented by the failure of metal halide lamps made by one company. The same
problem exists with lamps made by most lamp manufacturers.
Metal halide lamps consist of a clear quartz arc tube containing mercury and
other metals that are enclosed within a glass bulb. The arc tubes can operate at
temperatures of 900 - 1100oC (1652 - 2012oF) and pressures
of 5 - 30 atmospheres (73.5 - 440.9 psi). If the arc tube ruptures, it can do so
with enough force to fracture the outer glass bulb, releasing quartz fragments
hot enough to ignite nearby combustibles.
The rupture of an arc tube is most likely to occur because of stresses caused by
crystallization of the quartz tube. This can result in regions of different
thermal expansion that can lead to the quartz cracking and eventual failure of
the arc tube.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has three classifications for
metal halide lamps:
• E-type lamps can only be used in suitably rated enclosed luminaries;
• S-type lamps may be used in open luminaires if certain conditions are met;
• O-type lamps may be used in open luminaires.
The O-type lamps generally have an additional quartz shroud a-round the arc tube
that can contain the arc tube fragments or reduce their momentum sufficiently
that they will not break the outer glass bulb. Lamps with a protective shroud
are frequently designated as MP-type metal halide lamps. It should be noted that
lamps that have a plastic safety coating cannot contain an arc tube rupture.
Exclusionary sockets are available which permit an O-type lamp to be installed
but prevent the installation of E- or S-Type lamps.
Recommendations to Reduce Risk of Arc Tube Rupture
1. Users must follow all of the warnings and instructions pro-vided by the lamp
or luminaire manufacturer.
2. Replace lamps at the interval recommended by the manufacturer. Although the
lights may still continue to function for some time after the recommended
replacement time, this is the time when an arc tube rupture is most likely to
occur.
3. If lights are in continuous operation (i.e. 24 hours/day, seven days/week)
they should be turned off at least once a week for a minimum of 15 minutes. This
has two purposes:
a. Arc tube ruptures are more likely to occur when a lamp approaches the end of
its life. The lamp is also harder to start as it approaches the end of its life.
The shut down time decreases the chance the lamp will restart, thus also
decreasing the chance of an arc tube failure.
b. As the lamp cools down the arc tube will be subject to increased thermal
stresses. Any weaknesses created by the crystallization of the quartz tube will
cause the arc tube to fail when it is not operating at high temperature and
pressure and it is more likely that the outer glass bulb will be able to contain
any fragments.
4. Ensure that lamps and luminaires are listed by an accredited testing agency
to UL 1572 High Intensity Discharge Lighting Fixtures or CSA C22.2 No. 9.0
Luminaires or the Bi-national Luminaire Safety Standard UL 1598 Luminaires and
CSA 22.2 No. 250.0-00 Luminaires.
5. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dimming metal halide lamps.
Excessive dimming can increase the risk of an arc tube rupture occurring.
6. Do not locate luminaires directly above flammable or combustible materials,
e.g. in ware-houses. Locate luminaires over the centre of aisles rather than
over the storage.
Except for article 4.1.5.3., which applies only to locations that have flammable
or combustible liquids, the Fire Code has no requirements that would apply to
the use of metal halide lamps. Unless the fire department can show that the
lamps are actually rupturing, the mere presence of metal halide luminaires is
not sufficient justification for issuing an inspection order.
However, when metal halide lamps are encountered during inspections, the fire
department can ensure that the owners are aware of the potential hazard and the
recommendations to reduce the risk of a rupture and of a fire if a rupture
occurs.
If any fire department has information concerning fires initiated by rupturing
metal halide lamps, please contact Robert Harpur at the OFM at 416-325-3220. If
you require more detailed information on metal halide lamps and appropriate
operating procedures you can obtain the National Electrical Manufacturers
Association standard LSD 25-2000 "Best Practices for Metal Halide Lighting
Systems, Plus Questions and Answers about Lamp Ruptures in Metal Halide Lighting
Systems". It is available on-line at no cost at
http://www.nema.org/index_nema.cfm/1427/9A5EDCA1-6358-4EBF
-9BB3E9EA018304F6/.
A delegation from the Tokyo Fire Department visited the OFM to learn about the role of the OFM and the delivery of fire protection services in Ontario. Pictured above are Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle were (from left) Translator Makiko Ogasawara, Fire Lieutenant Hiroshi Morijiri and Fire Sergeant Tamiko Inoue.
April 21- CFSA Annual Seminar in Toronto
April 22 - Nomination deadline for the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety - Call
416-325-3155 Council's Fire Safety Awards for nomination forms
April 29-30 - Public Educators' Conference, "Times they are a-changin'" in Fort
Frances
May 9-13 - OAFC's Annual Meeting and Educational Seminar in Toronto
May 10-14 - Training for the Provincial Chemical, Biological,
Radiological/Nuclear (CBRN) Response Teams from Windsor, Ottawa and Toronto at
the Ontario Fire College
May 29-June 4 - Municipal Fire Service Instructor's Association Spring Seminar
in St. Catharines
June 7-10 - Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association Convention in
Richmond Hill
June 17 - Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council's Fire Safety Awards
Ceremony in Toronto
July 30-Aug. 1 - Fire Fighters Association of Ontario's 103 Annual Conference in Blyth
On October 28, 2003, Firefighter Gord Harrison, from the Hastings Fire Department, handed out a back pack, Sparky dolls and a smoke alarm to Grade 3 students from the Hastings Public School for designing and practicing fire escape routes in their homes. Pictured above are the winners (from the left) Dalton Fudge, Danielle Drysdale, Andrew McDermott and Nathan Deabreu (kneeling). (Photo courtesy of The Community Press)
The Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation/Fondation
canadienne des pompiers morts en service respectfully invites all Canadian
firefighters, their families and members of the public to Parliament Hill,
Ottawa, on September 12, 2004 for a morning memorial ceremony honouring the
firefighters who have given their lives in the line of duty, especially those
who died in 2003.
For details on the Foundation/Fondation and details as they are announced,
please refer to www.cfff.ca.
Over 2,000 fire service and law enforcement professionals from across North America are set to descend on the City of London, Ontario for the 2004 Can-Am Police-Fire Games running from July 11-18, 2004.
Community safety professionals will come together to compete in 60 team and individual events at 35 venues in London. The Games, which aim to foster camaraderie between safety professionals, will include a diversity of traditional and occupation-oriented sports. Competitors will participate in conventional events like basketball, rowing, weight-lifting and track and field. Others will compete in more skill-specific events like auto extrication, fire attack, S.W.A.T. and narcotics dog.
“This is truly going to be an international event,” Ken Heslop, London Police Service Inspector and Chair of the Games’ Operational Management Committee, said. “We’ve had inquiries from France, Germany, Britain - we’ve even got entrants coming from New Zealand.”
The Games started in 1977 as the Northwest Police-Fire Games when state police and fire officials in Washington state and Oregon, and a police-fire sports group from western Canada, formed an association to organize an annual multi-sport event for firefighters and police officers. This continued until 1996.
Pictured above is the Can-Am Police-Fire Games logo.
The event grew so large that the group then renamed itself the Can-Am Police-Fire Games and started holding the Games every two years. Over the years, competition to host the event became so stiff that cities now must go through a bid selection process up to four years in advance of a planned Games.
“We started planning for this in early 2001,” Heslop continued.
The occupation-oriented sports give competitors
the chance to show off the skills they use in their jobs every day.
The Toughest Firefighter Alive competition, for example, requires participants
to complete four tasks that involve connecting fire hose to hydrants, carrying
air bottles and water buckets or hoses up a ladder extended four stories high,
carrying a 77 kilogram weight rack 182 metres, then climbing over a wall, and
running up four stories of stairs. The contestant who completes all tasks in the
fastest time is the winner.
As always, this year’s Games are being organized by volunteers. It is
expected that more than 500 volunteers will have donated their time for this
year’s event.
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