Certificates of Compliance

East Gorham

In April, members of the East Gorham Fire Department received their Certificate of Compliance from OFM fire protection adviser, Olaf Lamerz. The East Gorham Fire Department was one of six Northern Fire Protection Program fire departments in the Thunder Bay District to recently achieve compliance.

East Gorham is north of the City of Thunder Bay and has a population of approximately 1100 residents.

Other Northern Fire Protection Program fire departments in the area who have recently achieved compliance include Kaministiquia, Nolalu, Pass Lake, Rossport and Shebandowan.

Oliver Paipoonge

On April 11, the Corporation of the Township of Oliver Paipoonge was presented with a Certificate of Compliance.

The Municipality of Oliver Paipoonge includes approximately 350 square kilometres that abuts the City of Thunder Bay. The community is home to about 5700 residents and is composed of three separate and distinct village areas including Murillo, Kakabeka and Rosslyn Village.

Neebing

On April 6, the Corporation of the Municipality of Neebing was presented with a Certificate of Compliance.

Neebing is a community near Thunder Bay. Its population is approximately 2000.

The Messenger needs your news

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: 416-325-3138, fax: 416-325-3119 or email carol.gravelle@jus.gov.on.ca

More compliance in North Bay area

As of March 30, 2005, 167 municipalities and 45 Northern Fire Protection Program (NFPP) fire departments have been issued Municipal Fire Protection Information Survey (MFPIS) certificates. OFM fire protection advisers report the surveys are being well received by both organized and unincorporated communities. Some communities are being proactive to the survey’s process and are taking the initiative to develop and/or implement the minimum required programs prior to the survey being assigned by the OFM.

In this photo, Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle presents MFPIS compliance certificates to North Bay area representatives from The Township of Sables-Spanish Rivers, The Municipality of Huron Shores, The Town of Mattawa, The Municipality of Magnetawan, The Township of McMurrich/Monteith, The Township of Papineau-Cameron, The Township of Bonfield (regrets from representatives), and Aweres Fire Department – NFPP.

Canadian Tire Fire Safety Day in Dryden

Over the course of the morning and early afternoon on May 14, approximately 3000 bags of fire safety materials were distributed by the City of Dryden Fire Service at their local Canadian Tire. It was the first fire safety initiative of the year in Dryden. Below, Sparky brings two young girls up to date on fire prevention.

Above, a few of the 15 participating Dryden firefighters demonstrate aerial ladder operations by changing the weathered flags on the roof of Canadian Tire. At left, a young boy shares all that he has learned about fire protection and prevention with a group of residents.

Sarnia pumper truck gets new lease on life

Trucks made in Canada by the American LaFrance Co. are hard to come by these days. However, for the last seven months, a truck made by American LaFrance has taken up much of the free time of the crew at Sarnia Fire Department as they work to restore the very first motorized pumper truck that the City of Sarnia bought in 1922 and finally took off the road in 1956.

The history of the pumper truck can be characterized through the changing needs of Sarnia. Directly introduced after horse-drawn carriages and steamers, the pumper truck was used in Sarnia as the primary mechanism to fight fires.

Robert Johnson, long since a retired Sarnia firefighter, was the last person to drive the American LaFrance pumper truck before it was mothballed to make way for more elaborate and efficient trucks.

"Robert has been up to his elbows in grease since the restoration project began," says Captain Dana Pitts of the Sarnia Fire Department. "The nature of this restoration project holds a different meaning for everyone working on it; but particularly for him, time is of the essence."

For the most part, the pumper truck sat at substations around the city from 1956 onwards. It was only in 1992 that the Firefighters Association approached then Chief Robert Timms about the pumper truck and agreed to purchase it for $1.00 from the city. It was a real deal considering the registered pumper truck had been purchased by Sarnia for $15,000 in 1922 from the American LaFrance manufacturer in Toronto.

Several years after the pumper truck was purchased, the work began. Beginning in January 2005, the restoration crew got busy on their frame-off restoration project by unscrewing the bolts, disassembling the various assemblies and arranging for the frame pieces to be sand and soda blasted until every item was down to the bare metal.

While this was happening, the fire crew found that some ‘new’ vintage parts would be needed to restore the pumper truck back to its original grandeur. Some of the crew took a trip down to Jackson, Michigan in April to visit a flea market. What they found was well worth the trip. Although old American LaFrance parts are difficult to find in most circles, they managed to come across an American LaFrance Truck collector! The crew was happy to learn that the collector had many original vintage parts for a series of pumper trucks in his possession. Of particular interest to the crew was a centrifugal clutch part – amazingly, the collector had seven of these clutch pieces on his shop shelf. The crew also found themselves having to buy some custom-made tires for the pumper truck; these alone cost almost $3000 USD.

How is the fire crew paying for all of these restorations? Barring no expense, the fire department organizes fish fries every second Friday night at a local marina. The crew is also lucky to have so many local businesses donating their services and/or materials to the restoration project. One business in particular, J&J Body Shop, has donated their expertise, all of the prep work and the exact two-tone paint colour to ensure the pumper truck is as good as new.

"We continue to organize structured work nights once a week and all of the work is done 100% by our guys," says Pitts. "The work is especially meaningful because of the small shop we are working in; it was donated by Todd Gladwish, a good friend from Glis Industrial Ltd., who recently passed away in a tragic accident. His spirit has inspired us and we plan to dedicate the pumper truck to him. We’ll do this with a brass plaque in his memory."

Signifying great historical value, the historic pumper truck will be used in and at parades, community fundraisers, barbeques, and possibly even weddings. With a tentative completion date of June 1, 2006 for this significant part of Sarnia’s fire history, the fully restored American LaFrance pumper truck’s legacy is likely to endure for many more years as it begins its second life as a memoir to be remembered.

Thanks to Dana Pitts, Captain for Sarnia Fire Department for providing the information for this article.

2005 Fire Safety Awards

Fire departments from across Ontario gathered at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel on June 15 to honour 21 recipients selected to receive Fire Safety Awards at the 17th annual Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council’s award ceremony.

"All of today’s recipients knew the importance of keeping their communities and loved ones safe from fire," said Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle. “We honoured their exceptional efforts in helping to prevent tragic fire injuries and deaths."

Categories for awards included Action, Advocate, Partner and Fire Marshal’s Awards for Excellence in Fire Safety. Among the award recipients were five children whose quick actions helped to avert potentially life-threatening situations. The recipients are:

Shobith Raju, 9, Brampton. Kurtis Patterson, 7, Dutton. Erin Humphrey, 7, Burnstown. Spencer Tompkins, 4, Peterborough. Abby Vesterfelt, age 6, Peterborough. Helen Turner, principal, Grandview Public School, Cambridge. Anne Marie Taylor, pre-school teacher, Holland Landing Children’s Academy. Management & Training Corporation Canada, Penetanguishene. Royal Canadian Legion Branch 322, Ajax. New VR, Barrie. Focus 50 Plus, Barrie. CHtv, Hamilton. Canadian Tire, Sault Ste. Marie. Miniature Enthusiasts of Kingston and Area (MEKA), Kingston. Optimist Club of Richmond Hill. The Sue Storr Talk Back program on 1070 CHOK AM, Sarnia. Victorian Order of Nurses Meals on Wheels, Windsor. Rotary Club of Windsor 1918, Windsor. Karen Cook, Omemee. Fran Laframboise, North Bay. Neena Saloiya and her guide dog, Ziggy, Toronto.

Deputy Fire Marshal Doug Crawford, The Honourable Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Monte Kwinter and Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle stand with the five children who received Fire Safety Action Awards.

"Cue into testing smoke alarms"

On March 23, the "Cue into Testing Smoke Alarms" was officially launched in Terrace Bay, Ontario.

Using a pool cue to test smoke alarms was the solution that Captain Ray Stachiw found to concerns from local area seniors having difficulty testing and maintaining their smoke alarms. Initially, tested through a pilot project with a local senior’s club, the program helps seniors to test their smoke alarms safely and regularly.

When the pool cue is installed in the occupant’s home, a chart is provided for the occupant to record monthly alarm testing. In addition, every autumn, the Fire Prevention Team plans to visit each participating home to change smoke alarm batteries, check for hazardous accumulations, and review additional fire safety programs and the occupants’ home escape plans.

The primary goal of this program is to help seniors help themselves.

For more information, please contact Ray Stachiw, Prevention Officer or Ken Benoit, Fire Chief Terrace Bay Fire / Emergency Services at (807) 825-3315.

Pictured above: Demonstrating the program in action are, from left, Terrace Bay Fire Prevention Officer, Captain Ray Stachiw, Firefighter Arvi Lehtinen, Mrs. Carol Black, Mrs. Gertrude Cotton; Mrs. Kay Graham and Fire Chief Ken Benoit.

2005 Fire Prevention Week

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is urging the public to focus on candle safety during Fire Prevention Week, October 9-15, 2005. As the theme makes clear, emphasis is placed on the need for increased consumer caution: "Use Candles with Care: When you go out, blow out!"

NFPA’s public safety campaign and related materials concentrate on home use of candles, which represent a uniquely residential concern. Nine out of 10 reported U.S. candle fires occur in homes.

Forty-one percent of home candle fires start in the bedroom, resulting in a quarter of associated fire deaths. Eleven percent of the home candle fires start after someone falls asleep. NFPA’s research also shows that home candle fires follow a seasonal pattern. December has almost twice the number of home candle fires of any other month.

Leaving candles unattended and using candles for light were singled out in NFPA’s analysis as serious fire problems. Reported U.S. home candle fires rose 15 percent from 2000 to 2001, from 15,700 to 18,000, continuing a climb that began in 1990 when there were 5,500 candle fires.

In Ontario the statistics tell a different story. From 2000 to 2004, the number of fires caused by candles that were the result of accidental and incendiary causes in residential structures fluctuated only slightly. In 2000, 286 fires were caused by candles, resulting in 40 injuries and three fatalities. In 2001, 293 fires were attributed to candles causing 39 people to become injured and five fatalities. In 2002, the numbers decreased slightly with 281 fires having been caused by candles, 29 injuries and three fatalities. The numbers rose again in 2003 to their highest over the four year period with 299 fires, 45 injuries and seven deaths. The numbers decrease again in 2004 with 240 fires, 34 injuries and two fatalities.

The numbers tell us that in 2004 alone, there were more than three times the number of fires for every million people in the U.S. than in Ontario. But even though the U.S. experiences more fires from candles, Ontarians must remain diligent in their efforts to curb the potential for fires with candles. Given the popularity of candles and the fact that they have caused fatalities in Ontario, it is hoped this year’s theme for Fire Prevention Week will have a significant impact on fire safety.

For more information about home candle fires and trends, and specific fire safety advice to prevent candle fires, visit www.nfpa.org or www.ofm.gov.on.ca.

Some good candle safety tips that everyone can practice, particularly during Fire Prevention Week, include:

Extinguish candles when they burn to within five centimeters of their holder.

Ignition Source: Candles 2000-2004

2000 - Total Fires 286 Injuries 40 Fatalities 3 Estimated $ Loss $5,549,480

2001 - Total Fires 293 Injuries 39 Fatalities 5 Estimated $ Loss $7,140,444

2002 - Total Fires 281 Injuries 29 Fatalities 3 Estimated $ Loss $5,302,129

2003 - Total Fires 299 Injuries 45 Fatalities 7 Estimated $ Loss $9,436,075

2004 - Total Fires 240 Injuries 34 Fatalities 2 Estimated $ Loss $7,062,637

The information reported above is the result of accidental and incendiary candle fires in residential structures from 2000 to 2004. It is based on data supplied by fire departments to the OFM using the Standard Incident Reports and information gathered through OFM fire investigations.

"It’s Fire Prevention Week – Use Candles with Care"

Although candles are no longer used as a main source of light, they still remain as popular today as they did in the past, albeit for different reasons. Candles, synonymous with celebration, provide ambience in small and large family gatherings and are often used in religious ceremonies. They are produced in all shapes, sizes and colours and can be found in practically all households.

Candles can also be a fire hazard if not used properly. The number of candle fires has increased at an alarming rate in recent years. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign aims to raise the public’s awareness of candle fire safety with It’s Fire Prevention Week – Use Candles With Care.

To assist fire departments organize their local campaigns, the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council has developed a variety of campaign resources, including the Fire Prevention Week One-Stop Shopping Kit, and is promoting several Fire Prevention Week activities.

Information for parents, children, teachers and parents will be made available on the Council’s website, at www.firesafetycouncil.com in late August.

Fire Prevention Week One-Stop Shopping Kits:

Once again, the Council will be offering the Fire Prevention Week one-stop shopping kits to fire departments. Supporters and sponsors of the kits include the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc., Energizer Canada Inc., Garrison/Canadian Tire Corporation, Kidde Safety/Pyrene Corporation, Technical Standards and Safety Authority, and Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada and the Canadian Standards Association Group.

This year’s kit is bigger and better than ever. Not only does it include everything needed for a successful Fire Prevention Week campaign, but the kits also contain support materials for other important campaigns such as Carbon Monoxide Safety Awareness, Holiday Safety, and Energizer’s nationally recognized Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery campaign. It is a one-stop fire prevention kit that will benefit both the fire department and the community long after Fire Prevention Week activities are over.

The kit is valued at over $2,000 but can be purchased from the Council for the low price of $399.00. Additional items may be purchased individually. Kits will be shipped in late August.

Enquiries about the kit or Fire Prevention Week should be directed to (416) 325-3152 or at Anne.Miller@jus.gov.on.ca.

Keeping Our Kids Safe Campaign – Partnership with Ontario Teachers

Fire Prevention Week provides an excellent opportunity for the fire service and Ontario elementary school teachers to work together to reach children and their families with key fire safety messages. Downloadable curriculum correlated lesson plans are available to teachers to help them provide students with a strong understanding of basic life safety skills. Participation in the campaign gives teachers and students a chance to win valuable prizes: classroom pizza parties, gift certificates for classroom supplies, and the grand prize for one lucky teacher, a trip for two to Florida during March Break 2006. To obtain lesson plans and details about the campaign, visit www.firesafetycouncil.com.

Schools Out…Safely Out! World Largest School Fire Drill on October 12, 2005, at 10 a.m.

This province-wide fire drill is being organized to increase public fire safety awareness and to encourage children to practice home escape plans. Fire departments in Ontario will be challenging every principal, custodian, volunteer, teachers and student to get out of school…safely on Wednesday, October 12, 2005, at 10 a.m., during the 2005 Fire Prevention Week. The Council is encouraging all fire departments to visit their local schools and get everyone involved. Coordinating all schools to participate on the same day and at the same time may qualify this event for a Guinness World Record for the world’s biggest school fire drill.

Participating schools will be eligible to win prizes: $1,000 as the 1st prize, $500 as the 2nd prize, and $100 as the 3rd prize. In addition, the fire department of the school that wins one of the prizes will also win a matching prize in the form of a credit in the same amount at the Council’s Distribution Centre, to be used for the purchase of educational materials. For details, visit www.firesafetycouncil.com.

Canadian Tire Fire Safety Day – October 8, 2005

The Canadian Tire Fire Safety Day held in the spring was a tremendous success. On that day, 105 fire departments in Ontario participated in this event at 225 Canadian Tire store locations. Fire departments are invited to team up once again with their local Canadian Tire store and set up a fire prevention display at the store for the Fire Safety Day taking place on October 8, 2005 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A representative from the Council will contact each fire department to see if it would like to participate. The Council will give a free kit containing handout materials to all participating fire departments for this special event.

Alarmed for Life

In 2002, the Office of the Fire Marshal published and distributed a resource kit entitled Alarmed for Life!: Tips and Tools for a Community Smoke Alarm Program. This kit contains tips and information to assist fire departments develop and implement a community smoke alarm program. To assist fire departments in implementing their smoke alarm program, the Council is offering for purchase smoke alarms, batteries and carbon monoxide detectors at the best possible prices it can. Fire departments may order at www.firesafetycouncil.com.

Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery

The Council and its partner Energizer Canada Inc. are aiming to increase the public’s awareness of changing smoke alarm batteries when they turn back their clocks by an hour on October 30. A banner bearing the message Change Your Clock - Change Your Battery was produced for the 2005 fall campaign and is included in the resource kit. Details and participation forms will be available at www.firesafetycouncil.com. Fire departments are encouraged to promote the Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery message. Public service announcements are also available on the Council’s website.

Carbon Monoxide Safety Awareness

The Council encourages fire departments to make use of the 10 carbon monoxide posters included in the one-stop shopping kit during the month of November. Fire departments can remind members of the public to get a carbon monoxide detector for their home and to have their heating appliances inspected by a certified technician. Fire departments wishing to obtain public service announcements may visit www.firesafetycouncil.com.

Ontario fire service certification programs

Training Officer Certification Program

Launched by the OFM and OAFC partners on May 3, 2005, the Ontario Training Officer Certification Program offers opportunities for certification to those currently in the training role as of May 31, 2005 (‘Window of Opportunity’) and for those who will assume the position in the future (regular route). Each route is comprised of both academic and job performance requirements. Please visit the OFM website at www.ofm.gov.on.ca, Fire Service Programs, Training Officer Certification Program, for a copy of the program brochure, answers to frequently asked questions, the Commitment to Participate form and the application form. Or, contact the Certification Office at 416-325-3142 for hard copies of the program information.

Firefighter Certification Program Specialty Modules

The Fire Marshal and the President of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) have decided, in consultation with the Certification Council, to increase the number of certification specialty modules for firefighter certification. This decision was made in order to address concerns expressed by the fire service, in particular, concerns relating to the accessibility and availability of the specialty modules, and also to the limited selection and lack of specialty modules on certain types of fire department services. Effective June 23, 2005, the list of certification specialty modules also includes the Hazardous Materials Awareness and Terrorism Course for First Responders. This course is available on the OFM website.

If you require further information, please consult the OFM website at www.ofm.gov.on.ca, call the OFM Certification Office at 416-325-3142 or contact Doug Goodings, Executive Coordinator, Certification/Accreditation Programs at Doug.Goodings@jus.gov.on.ca or by phone at 416-325-3136.

Memorial holds different meaning for everyone

On June 5, firefighters and their families from across Ontario traveled to Queen’s Park Circle in Toronto for the official unveiling of the Ontario Fallen Firefighters Memorial.

The memorial commemorates 344 fallen firefighters who sacrificed their lives while protecting lives, property, and the environment throughout Ontario. It is set on a red Maltese Cross—the international symbol for firefighting. The memorial itself is a large, bronze, sculpture depicting a modern-day firefighter rescuing a child from peril. A towering black granite monolith is in the background, representing a building. White granite walls surround the memorial with the name, rank, and date of death of each of Ontario’s 344 fallen firefighters, including the earliest-known firefighter in 1848.

Dignitaries who attended the dedication of this memorial included Lieutenant Governor James Bartleman, The Honourable Premier Dalton McGuinty, The Honourable Monte Kwinter, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, Bernard Moyle, Fire Marshal of Ontario, Julian Fantino, Commissioner of Emergency Management for the Province of Ontario, Lee Grant, President of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, Fred LeBlanc, President of the Ontario Professional Firefighters Association and Jim Richards, President, of the Fire Fighters Association of Ontario.

In an article that appeared in the Brantford Expositor on June 18, Rob Bowen, president of the Brantford Professional Firefighters’ Association, said “This is something that has been done for police officers for years and it’s only right that it be done for firefighters, too. “These men [and women] lost their lives helping others.”

While the memorial identifies those who have fallen—names that hold special meaning for everyone—it is also a significant reminder of firefighting history in Ontario. The memorial exhibits how firefighting has changed through technology and also how it has stayed the same, through the heroic and selfless efforts of firefighters at each situation they face.

The earliest known firefighter to lose his life in the line of duty was William Thornton, a member of the Toronto fire service. In the 1840s, Toronto’s firefighting service was comprised of six volunteer companies who responded to fires from a single fire hall on Church Street. It was a time when firefighters still pulled manual pumpers by hand, and horse-drawn tankers brought water from Lake Ontario. Fires were difficult to fight, just as they are today, and the various companies took great pride in their dangerous service to the community.

In the early morning of November 22, 1848, a fire erupted in a shoe store on King Street near Church Street. With no official alarms, the owner, who lived above the shop, began shouting in the streets as he ran to ring the bells at a nearby church. When they arrived, the firefighters were confronted with a heavy fire spreading through four shops, all with apartments above. While battling the blaze, the structures weakened and firefighter Thornton became trapped during a wall collapse. Although he was wearing a helmet, it could not protect him from a heavy stone façade that collapsed on top of him. He was carried out by another firefighter and taken back to the fire hall, where a doctor was summoned. Over the next few days he fought for his life until finally succumbing to his injuries. He was honoured with a full fire brigade funeral.

"Today, and forever more — their names will once more come to life and be displayed on the granite wall of this beautiful memorial," said Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle. "We, as government, members of the fire service and the community, must have a goal and that goal would be to create an environment where there will be no more names inscribed on the memorial."

Case Study:

Building with Serious Fire Safety Deficiencies

The following is an actual incident in which the Office of the Fire Marshal assisted a fire department in addressing serious fire safety deficiencies in a mixed industrial/residential building. The Messenger will periodically publish such case studies for educational purposes.

BY KIM BAILEY
OFM FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER

Property Description:

The property consists of a three-storey building containing a combination of industrial and residential occupancies. The total building area is 400 m2 and is of combustible construction. Originally built as a barn in the mid-1800’s, a small addition was constructed at a later date. The property evolved to its present mixed use over a period extending from 1978 to 1988 without a building permit.

The first floor contains a commercial printing operation, residents’ common hobby room and the owner’s workshop. The second and third floors contain a total of six residential suites. Suites #1A, #2, #3 and lower level of #5 are located on the second floor. Suites #1, #4 and upper level of #5 are located on the third floor but access to suite #1 is from the second floor common corridor. Each residential suite is provided with solid-core wood doors without self-closers. Walls and ceilings consist of gypsum wallboard.

The print shop that occupies the majority of the first floor of the building is classified as an F-2 occupancy. There is a large quantity of combustible materials located here. A five-gallon pail (one day’s supply) of a flammable solution is used in the print shop for cleaning the presses. This solution is dispensed into the pail from a 45-gallon drum.

The owner’s workshop contains some woodworking and machine shop equipment, a 200-gallon heating oil tank and a variety of other items. The hobby room is used for winemaking and can be accessed through the owner’s workshop or from the interior stair serving residential suite #5. The doorway from the hobby room to suite #5 is not protected with a fire-rated door. The hobby room also contains a forced-air oil furnace.

The floor assembly between the printing shop and the residential suites above consists of wood joists that are exposed in some areas, sheathed with a membrane of gypsum wallboard or provided with fibreglass ceiling tiles in a “T-Bar” assembly in other areas. The underside of the stair serving residential suite #1-A is exposed to the printing shop.

Suite #1A is accessed directly from the outside. A common second floor corridor provides direct access to residential suites #2 and #3 on the second floor, and suite #1 on the third floor (via an in-suite stairway). Two means of exit are provided from this corridor. One is via an east side interior open stairway leading down to a first floor vestibule area with direct access to the exterior. The other is through a 4½ ft. high door leading to an exterior balcony at the west side of the building. This balcony has an openable gate that is intended to provide access to the ground using an aluminum ladder stored on the balcony.

The east interior stair also provides access to the third floor landing, which serves unit #4 and the upper level of unit #5. The walls and ceilings of this stairway and second floor corridor are sheathed with gypsum wallboard. The second floor level of unit #5 is also provided with direct access to the exterior at grade via an in-suite stair. The underside of this in-suite stairway is exposed to the common hobby room.

The ground floor vestibule that provides access to the east side interior stairway serving the residential suites also provides access to the ground floor industrial areas. A glass panel door separates this vestibule from the interior stair. A wood panel door leads to a ground floor office, while a hollow ground floor office, while a hollow wood door leads to the print shop. None of the vestibule doors are equipped with self-closing devices and are often left open.

There is no fire alarm system in the building. Hard-wired smoke alarms are provided in each residential suite.

Primary Concerns

The fire department was concerned about the safety of the residents given that:

Actions

Day 1: The fire department contacted the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) to review options under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act (FPPA) for addressing the fire safety deficiencies including the possibility of an “Order to Close.” Only a preliminary inspection of the building had been conducted at this stage, which excluded the residential suites themselves. No immediate fire hazards were noted. The fire department was advised that a full inspection should be conducted as soon as possible to determine the full extent of fire safety deficiencies and presence of any hazardous conditions or activities.

The fire department was also advised to contact the municipal building department regarding the classification of the building and options that may exist under the Building Code Act to address the concerns. The OFM staff would continue to be available to discuss options for addressing any hazards.

Day 2: The fire department conducted a full inspection and additional building and occupancy information was discussed with the OFM. It was confirmed that there were no conditions posing an immediate threat, but significant fire safety deficiencies were discussed. The fire department reviewed the requirements for dispensing of flammable liquids under Part 4 of the Fire Code and took steps to ensure remedies were implemented immediately in the print shop.

The fire department also directed the owner to install battery-operated smoke alarms in the stairway at the second floor level, and in the print shop as a temporary measure. A Hydro Inspection Order was issued to address electrical deficiencies that included:

Day 3: The fire department continued discussions with the OFM and issued a Notice of Violation under Section 9.5 of the Fire Code, with a short time frame to comply with exit stair separation requirements. Additional action under Section 15 of the FPPA continued to be an option in the event that the owner failed to meet this time frame.

Day 4: The building department served unsafe and emergency orders under the Building Code Act (BCA) to address the many Building Code-related deficiencies. The owner was ordered to discontinue residential use until remedial work was completed.

Conclusions

The fire department determined that if the orders served under the BCA were implemented, then the compliance process for Section 9.5 of the Fire Code would be terminated to prevent conflicts. Compliance with the Building Code would adequately address the fire safety issues.

Quick Facts About Closures

For additional information on closure of a building, please refer to OFM guideline TG-02-2003 Orders, Orders to Close and Immediate Threat to Life.

Inquiries about the potential closure of a building should be directed to the Fire Safety Standard Sections at the OFM at 416-325-3100.

Kitchener’s secret is out

The number of homes whose smoke alarms are connected directly to the Kitchener Fire Department is growing slowly but surely — but with the emphasis on the word slowly.

"It’s beyond me why people haven’t recognized how cost-effective it is and what a wonderful solution this is to a fire tragedy," said Randy Kalan, the chief fire prevention officer.

After a pilot project, a department program called Direct Detect began in October 2000 with about 425 customers. This has since grown to a little more than 1,600. But Kalan believes the figure should be a lot higher.

"I get this confusion about why people aren’t knocking down our door to get this system installed," he said. The system is available to homes, businesses and institutions in the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo and the townships of Wilmot, Wellesley and Woolwich, which are the municipalities served by the dispatch centre on Strasburg Road.

The most common system is called AirWatch, which includes state-of-the-art smoke alarms that send wireless signals to a base unit in the home. It automatically transmits information and an alarm over phone lines to the dispatch centre, which prompts an immediate, electronic alert to the appropriate fire stations.

"There’s no need for human intervention," Kalan said. "As soon as the direct alarm comes in, we have an instantaneous way of dispatching the fire trucks."

That can save precious seconds, minutes or even more. The photoelectric AirWatch system can detect smoldering fires up to an hour earlier than most standard ionization alarms.

The fire department’s website adds: “Even if you were at home when the alarm goes off, with all of the confusion during a fire, it could take several minutes or longer before you can escape and call for assistance.

With AirWatch, help is already on the way while you concern yourself with getting the family safely outside. Since a fire can double its size in seconds, that’s good to know."

The AirWatch system is a little like renting a hot-water heater. It costs residential homeowners $10.34 a month for everything — including taxes, the equipment, installation, maintenance and, of course, monitoring.

That’s for a system with two alarms, with each additional one costing an extra $1 a month. People have the option of buying a system with two alarms and the base unit at a cost of $240, plus a monitoring fee of $5.25 a month. That doesn’t include maintenance, however, which means more than 90 per cent of homeowners opt for the rental, Kalan said.

The alarm also sends a signal to the fire department if it fails, needs cleaning or if the batteries run low. The department makes house calls to rectify the problem, including replacing any equipment if necessary.

Some people may balk at the cost of the system, considering they can pick up smoke alarms for $20 to $40 each at hardware stores. But Kalan believes the benefits far outweigh the costs.

That’s particularly true if there’s nobody home to hear an alarm from conventional equipment.

As well, he said, most home insurance companies provide premium discounts that cover 20 to 70 percent of the annual cost of renting an AirWatch system.

Some homeowners have smoke alarms built into packages provided by private security companies, who have a co-operative agreement with the Kitchener Fire Department to hook them up to the Direct Detect system.

"We’re told over and over again that this is the best-kept secret in the city. But we’re not trying to keep it secret."

Excerpted from the April 4 issue of The Record (Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo).

Wireless smoke alarms in U.S.

In June, the world’s largest manufacturer of fire safety products launched the Kidde Wireless System. The wireless system is the first of its kind to enable every home in the United States to have interconnected wireless smoke alarms, which experts say can provide an earlier warning to fire. These are the first UL–listed wireless smoke alarms in the U.S.

For more information about the Kidde Wireless System visit www.kiddewireless.com.

New in the OFM Library

Check out our latest books and videos from the Fire Sciences Library & Audio-Visual Resource Centre. We provide current fire resources to support the Office of the Fire Marshal as well as fire departments, emergency services and fire related industries. The collection consists of 9,000+ books, standards, statue law, reports, 80+ journals, and over 1,300 audio-visual resources. A full listing of new resources is available on our website!

New Books

Chief Officer validated by International Fire Service Training Association. (2004)

Citizen’s guide to terrorism preparedness by Richard Stilp and Armando Beledacqua. (2003)

Electrical safety in the workplace. National Fire Protection Association. (2000)

Fire Safety in Assembly Occupancies: NFPA ready reference, National Fire Protection Association. (2004)

Handbook of Hazardous Materials Spills Technology edited by Merv Fingas. (2001)

Health Care Facilities 6th ed., National Fire Protection Association. (1999)

Life Safety Code Handbook 9th ed., National Fire Protection Association. (2003)

Principles of Fire Protection Chemistry and Physics 3rd ed., National Fire Protection Association. (1998)

New Videos and DVDs

Emergency Evacuation: What every employee should know. (2004)

This program aims to teach employees the fundamentals of personally preparing for an emergency in the workplace.

Hybrid Vehicles. (2001)

This program focuses on Honda’s hybrid vehicle, “the Insight.” It covers: vehicle construction, energy storage system and high voltage components and the vehicle propulsion system. It outlines emergency response procedures for incidents involving fire, submersion and collisions.

Inspection and testing of automatic sprinkler systems. (2004)

This video describes the four principal types of water-based systems (wet pipe, dry pipe, deluge system and pre-action systems). Detailed graphics are used to depict principles of operation and the importance of methodical record keeping thereby creating a history of the system.

Manufactured home fire safety. (2003)

This program is designed for residents of manufactured homes. It covers the installation and maintenance of smoke alarms, electrical wiring safety, wood burning stoves, space heaters, HVAC system safety and maintenance.

The Fire Sciences Library & Audio-Visual Resource Centre are located in the Office of the Fire Marshal serving staff and residents of Ontario. We welcome visitors to come to the library and borrow from our collection. We will also courier material directly to clients. Hours are Monday – Friday 8:30am to 4:15pm. Visit our website by clicking on Resource Centre at www.ofm.gov.on.ca Phone: (Library) 416-325-3235/3236, (Audio-Visual) 416-325-3121, Email: firesciences.information@ofm.ca.

Recent investiture recipients

Congratulations to those who recently received investiture medals for 40 years of service or more! Pictured here are Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle and Manager of Operations Paul Leslie with...

Nearly 4,000 die in U.S. fires in 2004

In July, a study was released from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) indicating that there were 3,900 fire fatalities last year in the United States, and just as in previous years, most (82%) of these fatalities occurred in homes. The total fire death toll decreased slightly by 0.6% from 2003, and there was a 1.4% increase in fire deaths in homes.

The yearly report noted that nationwide, there was a fire death every 135 minutes in 2004. In all, 17,785 people were injured in fires in 2004, a slight decrease of 1.4%. As with fire deaths, most (77%) reported fire injuries occurred in homes, or about 13,700 injuries. However, there was a fire injury every 30 minutes in 2004.

Property damage from fires decreased by 20.2% to $9 billion. Nearly all of this decrease reflects the absence in 2004 of any fires as large as the two southern California wildfires of 2003, which together produced losses of $2 billion. Of the 2004 total, $8 billion occurred in structure fires and $5 billion in homes.

In 2004, public fire departments responded to 1,550,500 fires in the U.S., a slight decrease of 2.2% from the previous year. But there was a slight increase of 1.3% in structure fires to 526,000. There were also 266,500 highway vehicle fires, down 6.8% from last year.

The report also recommended what should be done to reduce the continuing annual toll of home fires and the injuries and deaths that occur as a result of them. These are: More widespread public fire safety education to avoid serious injury or death if fire occurs; more use and maintenance of smoke alarms; more development and practice of escape plans; wider use of residential sprinklers; more fire safety designed into more home products; and more attention to the special fire safety needs of high-risk groups, including the very young, older adults, and the poor.

The fire loss report has been issued every year by NFPA since 1977. In that time, reported fires have declined by roughly half and associated fire deaths by nearly half, even though 2004 saw no significant improvement.

Reprinted from an NFPA news release dated July 11, 2005. For more information, please visit http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/PDF/OS.fireloss.pdf.

OFM News Update

Ed Marinoff retired in June. Ed joined the OFM in 1989 as a Fire Protection Engineer where he assisted in fire investigations of an electrical nature, and examined electrical equipment involved in fires. Prior to joining the OFM, Ed had worked at Trans-Canada Pipelines and the Canadian Standards Association.

Tony Mintoff, Assistant Deputy Fire Marshal of Field Fire Protection Services, left the OFM on June 24 to become the City of St. Catharines Fire Chief.

Barry MacKinnon, Chief of Emergency Management & Response, is Acting Assistant Deputy Fire Marshal of Field Fire Protection Services effective July 4 until further notice.

Douglas Goodings was appointed to the position of Executive Co-ordinator Certification and Accreditation Programs. Doug comes to the OFM with vast experience and knowledge of fire fighting, acquired during his 25 years with the Canadian Forces.

Peter O’Hare, Fire Protection Adviser, retired on June 30. Peter had been in the fire service for 38-1/2 years. Congratulations Peter!

Keri Gysbers, Acting Manager, Administrative Services, Field Fire Protection Services, completed her secondment on June 27.

Doug Tennant, Operations Manager, Field Fire Protection Services, led the OFM on August 1 to work as deputy fire chief for Cambridge Fire Department.

Meredith Crawshaw from Field Fire Protection Services left the OFM on June 14.

Jana Gillis began as an instructor at the Ontario Fire College on August 8. Jana’s background includes working for the St. Catharines Fire Department for 30 years, most recently in the position of fire prevention officer and inspector.

Chris Slosser has stepped out of his position as Public Relations Officer/Editor to fill the position of Program Specialist for six months. Congratulations to Chris on the birth of his daughter Sophie!

Carol Gravelle began a six-month contract on May 24 as Public Relations Officer/Messenger Editor. Carol has over five years of experience in public relations.

Michael Fenn retired as Deputy Minister of Community Safety on June 30 after a distinguished career in the public service, having served municipal and provincial governments for over 25 years. Always dedicated, professional, strategic and customer-focused, Deputy Fenn began his career in the OPS at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs in 1970 and then returned to assume the position of Deputy Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing in 1998. He was appointed Deputy Minister of Community Safety in 2004.

U.S. reports residential fires deadly for children and seniors

Two new reports released in June by the U.S. Fire Administration show that 2,500 children and 2,300 seniors were injured or killed in residential fires in the United States in 2002.

The reports, issued by the United States Fire Administration (USFA) examine the causes and characteristics of residential fires involving children and older adult casualties.

According to the reports, an estimated 2,500 children age 14 or younger were injured or killed in residential fires. Of these fire casualties, almost half were under the age of five and 70 percent were under the age of 10. An estimated 2,300 adults age 65 or older were injured or killed in residential fires. Over 80 percent of older adult fire casualties were between the ages of 65 and 84.

In Ontario, statistics for residential fires tell a similar story. In 2002, there were 13 fatalities for those aged 19 or younger. Of these, nine fatalities were with children aged nine or younger. In that same year, there were 28 fatalities for those aged 60 and older. Of these, 20 fatalities were for those aged 70 or older.

Copies of the full reports can be downloaded from www.usfa.fema.gov/statistics/reports/pubs/tfrs.shtm. Additional information on fire safety is available at www.firesafety.gov.

Fire Chief for a Day

BY TOM MARSHALL
PUBLIC EDUCATION OFFICER
SARNIA FIRE RESCUE SERVICES

Sarnia Fire Rescue Services had a new Fire Chief for a day in April. Her name was Stephanie St-Pierre and she was a Grade 4 student from Errol Road Public School.

To kick off Fire Prevention Week 2004, the Sarnia Fire Rescue Services traveled to all of the 27 elementary schools in Sarnia to conduct fire drills. It was a competitive month conducting the drills, but in the end, Sarnia’s Errol Road Public School had the best overall fire drill and won the Sarnia-wide contest.

The school was presented with a plaque for their efforts and the Grade 4 students of that school were given a presentation by Sarnia Fire Services’ Public Education Officer, Tom Marshall. He issued them another challenge; create an effective fire safety poster and one lucky student would become Fire Chief for a day.

It was Stephanie who won the poster contest and, as a result, got the position as Fire Chief for a day.

Stephanie’s day on the job as Chief began with the fire crew from fire station #4 coming to her house at 8:30 a.m. to pick her up and take her to Errol Road Public School. With lights flashing and horns honking, the crew dropped her off at school with the whole school waiting on the front lawn for her.

That morning there was a school assembly that saw Sarnia’s Chief Richard Boyes (the Fire Chief for the other 364 days of the year) make a presentation to Stephanie and welcome her as Fire Chief for the day. She was presented with a Sparky backpack, stuffed Sparky toy and a ball cap.

When the assembly was over, fire station #1 picked up Stephanie, Chief Boyes and Marshall and took them to city hall to visit Sarnia’s Mayor, Mike Bradley.

After meeting with the Mayor, the group headed to McDonalds for lunch, where the owners donated lunch and provided a special gift, a milkshake maker, to Stephanie.

Having barked a few orders, and having tested her skills using the water hose, Stephanie went off duty as Fire Chief in the early afternoon when the crew from fire station #1 escorted Stephanie back to Errol Road Public School in a rescue truck. Getting back to the school early gave Stephanie the opportunity to talk to her class about the day’s events before she went home for the day.

The Chief for a Day program is an effective way to raise awareness about fire safety in Sarnia and has been ongoing for three years.

New game scores home run with Brantford children

BY GAIL CLARE
BRANTFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT

With 45 games played in 2004, Sparky’s® World Series of Fire Safety game is a fun and interactive way for students to learn about fire safety.

The objective of the game is to see children face off against each other in the ultimate test of their fire safety knowledge. To play the game, children are divided into two separate teams; “the Smoke” and “the Flames”. The game begins with one player from each team at "home plate." A fire department representative then rolls a special die to determine if the value of the upcoming question will be the equivalent to a baseball single, double, triple or homerun. When the value is determined, the question is asked of the player at home plate. This is the only player of the team to have the opportunity to buzz in and answer the question. A correct answer can promote a player around the bases. However an incorrect answer allows the opposing team player at home plate to answer.

The team with the highest number of runs at the end of the game wins.

The game can be played indoors or outdoors and the only component that was created specifically for the game was the podium, designed to look like home plate, that children stand behind and answer questions. Standing approximately one metre (36 inches) high, the top plate has two smoke alarms that are wired to two red lights on the front of the podium. The smoke alarm and lights are all powered by two six-volt batteries held in a compartment in the center column of the podium. When children are asked a question, they push the test button on the smoke alarm that sounds the buzzer and lights the corresponding red light on the front of the podium.

The game is effective because, although it is baseball-oriented in nature, it does not rely on a child’s physical abilities. Instead, it allows children to move around the baseball diamond when they successfully apply their fire safety knowledge.

Opposing teams face off using their fire safety knowledge.

Community Safety Village established in York Region

On May 14, York Region launched their Community Safety Village to children in Grades 2 and 3 who attend school within York Region’s Public and Separate School Boards.

The safety-focused facility is located in Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area in Whitchurch-Stouffville and is operated by the Police Services board of York Region. The miniature village is an effective tool to demonstrate lessons about fire and life safety because both police and fire educators teach children about crossing streets, stop signs, bus safety, railways, helmet safety and fire safety. The curriculum used by the fire educators is based on the Risk Watch educational materials and focuses on making smart choices.

"Given the great reviews from the public, the Community Safety Village has been extremely well received throughout the region," says John Adema, a member of the Board of Directors for the Village and the Chief fire prevention officer of Central York Fire and Emergency Services.

Other similar Community Safety Villages in Ontario are located in Niagara, Cambridge, Windsor and London with many more in the planning and/or construction stage at this time. The Village is open year ‘round and it is estimated that approximately 25-30,000 children will visit and use the facility each year. The Village and the educational centre were provided and constructed through the generosity of corporations and citizens of York Region.

Man jailed for turning group home into fire hazard

BY SUE YANAGISAWA
THE KINGSTON WHIG-STANDARD

A Kingston man took responsibility in court for Fire Code violations at a group home for adults with developmental and psychiatric disabilities that contributed to the death of a man in an arson fire at the home. He was sentenced to two years in prison.

He pleaded guilty to one count of criminal negligence causing death and two counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm by failing to ensure adherence to Fire Code regulations at the Rising Sun Residential Care Home.

One of the home’s residents died in the Jan. 28 blaze which was so intense it blew out a large window on the main floor. Two other people were injured.

The building sustained $300,000 damage.

Justice Judith Beaman was told that there were 14 people living in the three-storey house at the time, including the owner and two family members.

The fatal fire was able to spread as rapidly and extensively as it did, according to assistant Crown Attorney John Skoropada, because fire doors required by the Fire Code had been removed during renovations to repair damage from an earlier fire in November.

One of the two staircases required by the Fire Code was also clogged with mattresses, which impeded the residents’ escape from the upper floors. Beaman was told that the Kingston man and spouse of the private home’s owner was trying to help by taking on the repairs and renovations and he admitted to her: “I bit off more than I could chew.”

He said he’s sorry for the part he played in this tragedy.

Skoropada told Beaman that an electrician brought in to work on the private home’s fire alarm system identified specific Fire Code violations to the group home’s management before the fire.

The electrician also noted, at the time, that there had been tampering with the electrical system.

About three weeks after police began investigating the January blaze, the fire in November - which until then had been listed as being of undetermined origin - was also attributed to arson.

Skoropada told the judge no one was injured in that first fire, which originated in a room that was shared at the time by two residents.

One of the men who lived in this room, whose case is still before the courts, was charged in early February with second-degree murder, arson with disregard for human life and arson causing bodily harm arising out of the January fire.

Several days after that, police laid additional arson charges against him in connection with the November fire.

In sentencing, Beaman described the fatal fire as "a horrible, sad event," and told the Kingston man that he’d placed the most vulnerable people in society at risk with his “catastrophically negligent behaviour.”

"You created this situation by nailing doors shut, removing fire doors and blocking stairwells," she said.

Excerpted from the June 30 issue of The Kingston Whig-Standard.

Update

Since the publication of this article, the owner of Rising Sun Residential Care Home pleaded guilty to one count criminal negligence causing death and two counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm. She received an eight-month sentence to be served in the community, including six months of house arrest.

Excerpted from the August 5 issue of the Kingston Whig-Standard.

Sparky gets a new hydrant

BY BRENDA STONEHOUSE
CITY OF KAWARTHA LAKES &

BRIAN MCCUAIG
KAWARTHA LAKES FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE

A routine fire inspection was the catalyst for a winning partnership between Devil’s Elbow Ski Resort in Bethany, Ontario and the City of Kawartha Lakes Fire & Rescue Service.

Most business people are less than thrilled to see a fire prevention inspector walk through their doors, but John Holmberg, owner of Devil’s Elbow Ski Resort, welcomes them with open arms.

Holmberg believes fire safety is good for his business, and has invested considerable time and money to go above and beyond the recommendations that were made in a recent inspection. Having met the requirements of section 9.2 of the Ontario Fire Code, the ski resort went even further and installed a full-blown sprinkler system throughout the chalet.

"My business only runs for four months a year and I can’t afford to miss a season," says Holmberg. "I’ll do everything I can to make sure that a fire will not devastate us."

The water for the sprinkler system is supplied by a 10 million gallon reservoir at the top of the ski hill. Due to the elevation drop, as the water is piped down the hill, there is an excess of 700 kpa (100 psi) to feed the sprinkler system as well as a fire hydrant outside the chalet.

The Holmbergs, who live close to the resort, also extended the water line a few hundred feet through the bush to the roadside to give the Kawartha Lakes Fire & Rescue Service a year-round water source to protect the neighbouring homes. The hydrant was installed last fall and has already been used during a recent fire at a nearby property. Residents have also seen a drop in their insurance rates because of the new hydrant.

"The municipality partnered with me to put the hydrant in," says Holmberg. "This is my community and I want to help protect it."

‘Come Ski with Sparky’

As a result of their achievements in fire safety and their commitment to the community, the Kawartha Lakes Fire & Rescue Service Fire Prevention Division hosted a ‘Come Ski with Sparky’ day at the resort during March Break 2005. It was an attempt to draw some attention to the pro-active ski resort and to educate kids on the importance of fire safety.

The Bethany Division fire trucks were on hand for the special day, along with the Kawartha Lakes Hazmat trailer, fire prevention displays including the Hazard House and of course, Sparky the Fire Dog!

Sparky spent the morning helping to instruct ski lessons for the children and then spent some leisurely time hitting the slopes.

The day was so successful, it’s going to become an annual event at Devil’s Elbow Ski Resort during March Break and it’s possible a second day will be added during the Christmas Break.

A presentation will be made to Devil’s Elbow Ski Resort at an August 23 City of Kawartha Lakes Council meeting to recognize their fire prevention efforts.

What a performance!

BY TIM BECKETT
PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING TEAM LEADER (DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF, KITCHENER FIRE DEPARTMENT)

The Ontario Fire Service Performance Measurement and Benchmarking System (PMBS) is continuing to be implemented across the province with much success. Since the launch in November 2004, numerous accomplishments have been achieved with the ongoing commitment of members of this unique partnership. For example, a new Standing Users Group has been set up to provide ongoing leadership and oversight of the long-term sustainability of this important management tool for the fire service. Many of the original Project Working Group members are continuing to serve in this role.

Given the success of a peer-based approach to pilot-testing, a Peer Mentor Network was established under the leadership of Peter Sells (Toronto Fire Services). This network of fire service PMBS "super-users" provides local coaching and mentoring, expertise in problem-solving, and training on a regional basis for fire service users of PMBS across the province. The network is also a key conduit for communication to the Standing Users Group regarding opportunities for enhancement to the system over time. A Peer Mentor can provide helpful tips and assist with issues such as how to login or obtain a User ID and password, selecting peer groups and designing custom reports.

The Public Relations and Marketing Team, under the leadership of Tim Beckett (Kitchener Fire Department), continues to profile the system at key venues such as the recent Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) Annual Meeting and Education Seminar, OAFC zone meetings, regional conferences, magazine articles and trade shows. PMBS has attracted much interest from other jurisdictions, and this team has been kept busy making presentations, authoring articles and responding to inquiries from numerous fire service jurisdictions across Canada, the United States, and Europe. PMBS is also a featured case study in an upcoming research report sponsored by the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC).

The Data and Measures Team, under the leadership of MaryBeth Gibbons (City of Greater Sudbury Emergency Services), is focused on continuous improvement of PMBS. Their work includes refining and expanding the measurement framework, identifying additional benchmarks and peer grouping opportunities, and, designing a way to gather data from fire services to support and share these measures.

Fire Chiefs have already experienced early successes with PMBS. Fire Chief Ted Bryan (Otonabee-South Monaghan) said "I was able to transfer and incorporate a peer group comparison of the effectiveness of our department’s smoke alarm program as it pertained to actual fire responses, hence, identifying the success and justifying the continuation of the program for this year’s budget. I also included the comparison of emergency response times, accompanied with an explanation of who our particular peer group members were.” He continued“ This software is an interactive friendly administrative tool that allows a Fire Chief to prepare comparisons and view data with his/her peer groups and the provincial averages. I look forward to us growing together to further explore and utilize this program on a regular basis.”

Take the time to check out the Ontario Fire Service Performance Measurement and Benchmarking System at www.ofspmbs.ca. Built "by the fire service, for the fire service," PMBS is available to help you start integrating important performance measurement information into your business decision-making and optimizing fire protection and prevention services to their fullest in your community.

A User’s Manual, Quick Reference Guide, Peer Mentor Network Directory, event schedule, and additional performance measurement resources are available at www.ofspmbs.ca. Also consider joining the Standing Users Group, Data/Measures Team, or Peer Mentor Network to contribute your ideas. Check it out today!

Showcasing the PMBS system at the OAFC Conference are, from left, Carol-Lynn Chambers, Vincent Liu, Debbie Higgins and MaryBeth Gibbons.

What’s new in Russell Township?

Russell Township opened the doors of their new fire station to dignitaries and the public on June 25 and 26. The new station has more than four times the space of the older station and includes a helicopter-landing pad.

"When you turn on the lights, all that’s missing are the corn fields; it’s [the new helipad] our field of dreams," says Bruce Armstrong, Volunteer Fire Chief for the Russell Fire Department. Armstrong is referring to the amazing efforts of the volunteer firefighting crew and the community support that has made the dream of a new helipad and fire station a reality for Russell Township.

To build the helipad, the Russell Township volunteer firefighters of the area took the initiative to raise the funds and purchase the materials for the new helipad. In the first three weeks of their fundraising alone, the firefighters raised 75% of the $73,000 they needed to begin building the helipad, thanks to the generous support of the community.

When the work began to build the helipad, most was completed by the skilled volunteer firefighters.

The 8,500 square foot fire station is expected to more effectively serve the community’s needs for the next 50 to 60 years. In comparison to the older station, the new state-of-the-art facility has the following attributes: