October/November 2005 Volume 14 Issue 4
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:
Carol Gravelle, Editor, Office of the Fire Marshal, 5775 Yonge Street, 7th Floor, Toronto, ON M2M 4J1, Tel: 416-325-3138, Fax: 416-325-3162, Carol.Gravelle@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 who contributed to this issue, particularly Bev Gilbert, Janice Johnstone, Chris Slosser, Kathy Paidock, Taryn Lloyd and Tony Pacheco.
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.
Bernard Moyle
Ontario Fire Marshal,
Office of the Fire Marshal
For many years, the Ontario fire service has been doing a remarkable job of promoting the use of residential smoke alarms. Through some very innovative programs, fire departments have found ways of targeting and reaching our most vulnerable residents. Over the years I have heard countless success stories of how smoke alarms saved lives. If there is any question about the importance of working smoke alarms, the story on Page 2 about a mother and her nine children in New Tecumseth will remove all doubt.
However, despite our best efforts, we continue to experience fire tragedies. Burned into all of our memories are three devastating fires that occurred in Ontario over the past year. In Ottawa, five members of the same family died in an apartment fire: no working smoke alarms. In West Lincoln, a mother and seven children perished when their farmhouse burned down: no conclusive evidence of working smoke alarms. And in Cornwall, fire claimed the lives of a young father and his three-week old baby: the smoke alarm had no battery. From 1995 to 2003, data from the Office of the Fire Marshal indicate a smoke alarm was known to be working in only 31 per cent of homes that experienced a fatal fire. Although a crucial part of fire and life safety, working smoke alarms are clearly still not being taken seriously enough.
As Fire Marshal, I find this extremely frustrating. Smoke alarms are inexpensive, easy to install and, more importantly, a requirement under the law. Why, then, are so many Ontario homes still not protected by working smoke alarms? During a recent stakeholder focus group, we attempted to determine the answer to that question and devise some strategies that will dramatically increase compliance with smoke alarm regulations. The discussion was intense, animated and sometimes controversial, but many good suggestions were offered that promise to change the face of smoke alarm programs in the very near future. You can read about some of the group’s conclusions on Page 16 of this issue.
In the coming months, you will hear more about smoke alarm strategies in Ontario. We’ve come a long way, but there is still work to be done. The fire service knows only too well that smoke alarms are not only a good idea—they are the law. Our challenge is to make sure all Ontarians understand that as well.
Fire Chief Dan Heydon holds a smoke alarm next to a burned out garage. The family of 10 escaped, thanks to a working smoke alarm. Photo courtesy of Janis Ramsay, reporter/photographer with The Alliston Herald.
The fire upon arrival at the scene in New Tecumseth. Photo courtesy of Dan Heydon, Fire Chief of New Tecumseth Fire Department.
A working smoke alarm saved a mother and her nine children in a Labour Day weekend fire in New Tecumseth.
"The mother, oldest son and daughter were awake watching a movie in the living room with the French door of the room closed so as not to disturb the seven sleeping children," said Dan Heydon, Fire Chief of New Tecumseth. “From their statements, they say there was a sudden flicker on the television. At that point the oldest son heard something in the main hallway and when he went to investigate found the smoke alarm activating. When he entered the kitchen area he found himself standing in smoke at his head level. He alerted his mother and the oldest sister. Together, the three family members awoke the rest of the children. They called 9-1-1 from a nearby neighbour’s house."
That call came in at approximately 1:38 a.m. on Saturday, September 3. It took only 10 minutes for three crews of area firefighters to arrive at the rural home. However, when they got there, the crews saw the garage was completely engulfed in flames. Fingers of flame were reaching up from under the partially closed garage door. Minutes later, the garage roof collapsed. Working quickly to complete the primary and secondary searches in the home, the fire crews had the fire under control in approximately 30 minutes.
At press time, a cause for the fire could not be determined. However Heydon did confirm the Electrical Safety Authority had been on the scene to investigate. The fire caused an estimated $100,000 in property damage, in addition to $80,000 in contents loss. Fortunately, the majority of the bungalow was salvaged. The garage and workshop were destroyed and a few trusses over the nearby living room and kitchen will need to be replaced.
The other miracle in this case is the rescue of a litter of kittens. Although firefighters did an early check for the kittens after they had the fire under control, they were unable to find any kittens in the home. When firefighters were ready to leave the secured area, one kitten came out of the home. Two more were later found under a bed.
"This story is further evidence of how invaluable working smoke alarms can be in averting a tragedy," says Bernard Moyle, Fire Marshal for Ontario. "To ensure smoke alarms are properly maintained, everyone should change their smoke alarm batteries each year, test them monthly and ensure there is one on every level of their home."
Bernard Moyle, Fire Marshal of Ontario addresses the audience gathered at the Ontario Fire College on October 2. To his left are The Honourable Monte Kwinter, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, Dr. Fred McLennan, Principal, Ontario Fire College and Reverend Dr. Jim Sitler, Chaplain, Ontario Fire College.
Memorial services were held across Ontario on October 2, 2005 to commemorate Firefighters’ Memorial Day.
The services honoured all firefighters, including those who have died in the line of duty. In 2000, the Government of Ontario passed the Firefighters’ Memorial Day Act, establishing the first Sunday of October as Firefighters’ Memorial Day, commemorating those firefighters who have sacrificed their lives on duty.
In Gravenhurst, at the Ontario Fire College, The Honourable Monte Kwinter, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services and Bernard Moyle, Fire Marshal of Ontario, attended the service.
In Toronto, a memorial service was held in the Toronto Fire Academy auditorium where senior representatives from the Province of Ontario, City of Toronto, Toronto Fire Services, and the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association attended.
Cornwall firefighters provide information on home fire safety with the assistance of their ‘Smoke House’.
Cornwall City Fire Department demonstrate their quick fire suppression techniques at an event during Cornwall’s Community Fire Safety Week.
In August, the Cornwall City Fire Department launched a Community Fire Safety Week to increase awareness about fire safety and combat the rising trend of fire-related fatalities in the area.
"The driving force behind the Community Fire Safety Week was the fact that Cornwall had four deaths in six months," said Fire Chief Vic Leroux. "We hadn’t had a fire death in the past 10 years until now. We had to increase our fire prevention efforts to curb this devastating problem."
During the week-long program, both fire stations hosted an ‘Open House’, and invited the community to schedule free ‘Home Safe Home’ visits whereby the fire department would initiate home inspections. In all, the fire department distributed 600 free smoke alarms, complete with batteries to residents, made 20 ‘Home Safe Home’ visits and 20 car seat inspections/installations. The fire department also gave 25 station tours that included 48 adults and 54 children.
The activities throughout the week were effective in educating the public about fire prevention and protection. They were also effective in garnering significant media coverage including articles in the local newspaper and radio interviews each day of the Community Fire Safety Week.
The initiative was prompted by the deaths of a young father and his baby daughter in a June 23 fire, in addition to the February 4 deaths of a man and woman, plus the near death of a man during a fire on January 24.
"Many of these outcomes could have been prevented," said Leroux. "Obviously, working smoke alarms could have eliminated the two fire deaths in June. In the case where the man and woman died, the man attempted to return to the scene of the fire," he continued.
Activities for Community Fire Safety Week from August 8-12
Monday
Members from the Cornwall fire department went to the Walmart in Cornwall and gave a fire prevention presentation to Wal-Mart staff. A fire prevention public display was also set up in the store. The display focused on the importance of working smoke alarms and home fire escape plans.
Tuesday
Declared "Test Day," the fire department visited four seniors residences in Cornwall and informed seniors about fire prevention and protection a fire safety video. At 6 p.m., fire trucks with sirens circulated the city roads to remind citizens to test their smoke alarms and home fire escape plans.
Wednesday
The fire department was at Cornwall Square raising awareness through a fire prevention public display from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursday
The fire department was at the Eastcourt Mall with their fire prevention public display from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They also provided car seat inspections and installations at one of their fire stations during the same time period.
Friday
Declared "Community Safety Day," a number of organizations in the community set up information booths in the Canadian Tire parking lot to raise awareness about making informed decisions when it comes to community safety. The day included fire extinguisher demonstrations, a free barbecue and the visual display of a Smoke House and Command Vehicle.
Saturday
The children of Cornwall tied up their shoelaces for the Red Cross Children’s Triathlon on Saturday. There was also a children’s firefighter combat challenge that was coordinated at Mattice Park and another free barbecue. The fire department was there with its Smoke House and a fire truck display.
Sunday
Adults got to stretch their legs in the Red Cross Adult Triathlon. The fire department continued its awareness program throughout the day.
There is no comparison between sitting in a classroom and being given a fire safety message, and actually putting on the gear to put that message into real-life action.
Every year there is high demand to take part in the five week Whitby Junior Firefighter program. It is now entering its second generation of junior firefighters. There’s no telling how many junior firefighters have been the key factor in making sure their families are safe in the event of a fire. At least two, Shannon Clarke, 10, and Kenisha Williams, 11, have used the techniques they learned in the program to put together an escape plan that saved their own families when fire struck.
The original purpose of the program — to cut down on the number of deaths by fire — is just as valid today as it was 33 years ago. Here’s to many more years of junior firefighters spreading the safety message.
Excerpted from the August 5, 2005 issue of Oshawa-Whitby-Clarington This Week.
Nine Grade 4 students in York Region recently became Junior Firefighters after winning an injury prevention contest based on the Risk Watch curriculum.
The contest was implemented by York Region fire departments. About 1,500 students participated by writing a story about staying safe over the summer months and using their knowledge of the eight injury prevention areas addressed in the Risk Watch program. The Junior Firefighters were chosen from entries that met the criteria.
As the due date neared, York Region fire departments became inundated with entries. When the nine students were chosen, they came together with their respective fire departments for a Fire Safety Day at the Community Safety Village in Whitchurch-Stouffville.
The Junior Firefighter program is teaches students about fire and life safety. Some of the sponsors of the York Region Junior Firefighter program included York Regional Police, York Region Fire Prevention Officers Association, York Region Fire Chiefs Association, Bell Canada, Richmond Hill Optimist Club and McDonald’s.
Recently in Simcoe, Norfolk County Fire & Rescue issued tickets (Offence Notices) to the owner of a commercial/residential property. It was reported by Ken Sheridan, Fire Prevention Officer (Media Relations), that this involved two counts of "Failure to maintain a smoke alarm in operating condition" and two counts of "Failure to install a smoke alarm as required." Each offence carries an automatic fine of $195.00 plus a $5.00 court fee and $35.00 victim fine surcharge for a total of $940.00 for all counts.
"We have adopted a ‘Zero’ tolerance for smoke alarm non-compliance here in Norfolk County. I’ve not heard of one good excuse yet for not having a working smoke alarm," said Sheridan.
"Owners are responsible for ensuring compliance with the Fire Code and having a working smoke alarm is part of that; people’s lives may depend on it. Every residential unit in Ontario is required to have a working smoke alarm. These units did not have working alarms. The occupants have a reasonable expectation of safety when a unit is rented to them," said Sheridan.
The homeowner of a converted basement apartment has been charged for failing to obtain the proper approvals from the Town of Oakville.
Gary Laframboise, Chief Fire Prevention Officer for the Oakville Fire Department hopes that this conviction will act as a wakeup call to all owners of properties containing accessory apartments.
"Building owners have a responsibility, legally, as well as morally, to make sure that their residents are kept safe from fire," stated Laframboise. "Owners must also comply with the Ontario Fire Code as it relates to an accessory apartment and be actively engaged in ensuring the safety of their residents. The homeowner of a converted basement apartment has been charged for failing to obtain the proper approvals from the Town of Oakville.
According to LaFramboise, operating an illegal accessory apartment places the tenants in danger and the Fire Prevention Division will aggressively seek and take legal action against owners of illegal units.
The former owner of a building in Simcoe was found guilty for failing to secure a vacant building against unauthorized entry.
In June 2003, a complaint was filed at the Norfolk County fire department regarding the building. The structure was found to be unprotected against unlawful entry. Evidence indicated there was unauthorized entry and small fires had been set inside the building. The owner was subsequently notified. On September 27, 2003, a suspicious fire destroyed most of the building, known locally as the old Caswell Dairy. Charges were then laid against the owner under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act for the Fire Code violation.
On September 1, 2005, the owner failed to show for court and was tried in absentia. A fine of $5,000 was levied.
A homeowner in Ottawa has been fined $2,500 for each house she owned for failing to comply with an Inspection Order. The homes contained quantities of combustible materials placed in locations that posed a serious risk to life safety should a fire occur. The inspection orders required the owner to provide one-metre passageways through the piled materials to facilitate the escape of occupants and to maintain a specified one-metre clearance from each appliance and combustible materials.
After obtaining an entry warrant to enter the homes to evaluate for fire safety the inspection orders were issued. An extension of a two-week time period was granted for compliance with the order. Upon conducting several re-inspections, the fire official found stairwells were still obstructed with bags of clothes, mattresses, carpets, and furniture, and a combination of different pilings of other assorted combustible materials remained in unsafe locations.
Let's hear about it!
Going forward The Ontario Fire Service Messenger would like to inform all readers about recent convictions and other successful enforcement initiatives in Ontario.
Please send information to carol.gravelle@jus.gov.on.ca.
Q. In what kind of structural properties do the most fatalities occur?
A1. Ninety-five percent of fatalities in structure fires occur in residential properties. From 1985 to 2004, residential fires accounted for 73% of all fires in Ontario.
Q. Is there a higher occurrence of fires for other types of structures?
A2. Yes. In 2004, there were 105.9 fires for every 10,000 industrial structures and 25.5 fires for every 10,000 commercial structures. This is compared to 15.4 fires for every 10,000 residential structures in that same year.
A recent analysis of Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) data demonstrates a real risk of fire in all types of structures: residential, industrial and commercial. The data also demonstrates the ever-present need for fire and life safety awareness initiatives by the Ontario fire service.
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.
Fatal Fire Summary
July 2005: 4 fatal fires resulting in 5 fire deaths
Age Group 0-15: Male - 0, Female - 0, Total - 0
Age Group 16-64: Male - 1, Female - 0, Total - 1
Age Group 65 and over: Male - 2, Female - 2, Total - 4
Total: Male - 3, Female - 2, Total - 5
Fire Cause - Accidental 0, Undetermined 1, Under Investigation 2, Incendiary 1
Time of Day - 0001-0800 - 1, 0801-1600 - 2, 1601-1800 - 0, 1801-0000 - 1
Locations of fatal fires: Elliot Lake (2); Mississauga (1); North Dundas (1); Toronto (1).
August 2005: 1 fatal fire resulting in 1 fire death
Age Group 0-15: Male - 0, Female - 0, Total - 0
Age Group 16-64: Male - 1, Female - 0, Total - 0
Age Group 65 and over: Male - 0, Female - 0, Total - 0
Total: Male - 1, Female - 0, Total - 1
Fire Cause - Accidental 0, Undetermined 0, Under Investigation 0, Incendiary 1
Time of Day - 0001-0800 - 0, 0801-1600 - 1, 1601-1800 - 0, 1801-0000 - 0
Locations of fatal fires: Hamilton (1).
In the photo from left are Derrick Etheridge, Loyalist Fire Department, Carl Young, South Frontenac-Loughborough Fire Department, Brett Moreland - South Frontenac-Storrington Fire Department, Ross Babcock, Stone Mills Fire Department, Ben Lappen, South Frontenac-Portland Fire Department, Jack Cronk, Stone Mills Fire Department and Dave Harachka, Napanee Fire Department. Missing is Wendy Hartwick, City of Kingston Fire and Rescue.
Smoke Alarms - a Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Initiative has been selected from approximately 255 submitted abstracts to present at the 2005 Canadian Injury and Prevention Safety Promotion Conference, from November 6 to 8 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Launched in January 2005, the initiative is operated by the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Fire Prevention Committee and the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Health Unit. It focuses on providing fire prevention information and smoke alarms to all new parents who have been identified by the Health Unit as high-risk families in the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington area.
The initiative’s focus and the theme for this year’s conference, Evidence to Action: Injury, Violence and Suicide Prevention, are a perfect fit. The role of the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Fire Prevention Committee and the Kingston Frontenac Lennox and Addington Health Unit is to develop a poster board (8’x 4’) citing the key components of their initiative for the dedicated poster session and table exhibits portion of the conference. Without any other conflicting sessions or presentations, the poster session and table exhibits will get the full attention they deserve from conference delegates. Volunteers will also be on hand to operate tours to those wishing to view poster boards and table exhibits about specific issues.
Included in the existing "Healthy Babies, Healthy Children," Home Visiting Program provided by the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Health Unit, the fire safety initiative is delivered by the Health Unit through home visits to new high-risk families for up to three years. A home visitor from the Health Unit provides the family with fire safety information and determines whether the family already has a working smoke alarm. A new smoke alarm is provided regardless of whether there is already an existing smoke alarm. The home visitor also informs the family of proper location, testing procedures, and maintenance of smoke alarms. A contact name for the local fire department is provided for assistance with installation, if need be. Each subsequent visit, the home visitor reinforces the need for working smoke alarms and reinforces the need for the family to make good safety decisions, which includes properly installing the new smoke alarm. All of the home visit information is tracked and submitted to the coordinators of the initiative for review.
Findings from the information gathered in the first three months of this year
include:
Three hundred smoke alarms were purchased for this initiative this year, a number based on the number of high risk new mothers from the previous year. Since the initiative’s launch, the Health Unit has begun to purchase batteries to aid in its success. The initiative is funded by the Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Mutual Aid Association.
"The initiative is an important measure toward ensuring fire and life safety for high-risk families," says Wendy Hartwick, Fire Prevention Officer for the City of Kingston Fire and Rescue. "It is also an opportunity to get life saving information into the homes of those we may only see otherwise by way of a 9-1-1- call."
To find out more information about Smoke Alarms – a Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Initiative, please contact Wendy Hartwick at 613-548-4001. To find out more information about the conference, visit www.injurypreventionconference.ca.
Picture courtesy of Corus Entertainment.
On August 31, Corus Entertainment’s Hamilton radio stations, The New Country 95.3, Y108 and AM 900 CHML, officially opened the Woerlen Family Memorial Playground at Gainsborough Central Public School in St. Ann’s, Ontario. The playground, built by Corus Radio Hamilton and Little Tikes, was made possible by funds raised through Corus Radio Hamilton’s radiothon campaign last November, totaling more than $175,000.
The New Country 95.3, Y108 and AM 900 CHML launched the fundraising campaign in support of the Woerlen family of West Lincoln, who lost Monika Woerlen and her seven children in a devastating house fire on November 8, 2004.
"Remembering the Woerlen family with a tangible facility is a fitting memorial that celebrates their lives and gives children a place to play for many generations to come, ” said Suzanne Carpenter, General Manager, Corus Radio Hamilton.
Little Tikes designed the playground with various stations to fit the needs of children from Junior Kindergarten to intermediate students and children with special needs. The site includes musical panels, a finger maze, fun with words area, monster slide and an infinity loop, all of which replace the outdated equipment previously on the site. The Woerlen children attended Gainsborough CPS. On June 25, the Kemptville Fire Department got a present on its 150th birthday.
Building with Serious Fire Safety Deficiencies
InDetail highlights relevant technical information on topics of interest to the fire service.
The objectives of InDetail are to:
Topics will be selected based on various factors, including: requests for information/clarification from the fire service, OFM staff perception of fire service needs, new developments in the fire safety and fire protection fields, new OFC and OBC requirements, current OFM research, and OFM evaluation of products.
We hope to take what are sometimes fairly complex technical issues and present them in an easy to read and interesting format that will benefit the fire service. Your input is welcomed and encouraged. Please direct your comments to the Editor.
As more buildings become retrofitted with high security windows, an increased need has arisen for firefighters to become more knowledgeable on how the window products work.
As more buildings become retrofitted with high security windows, an increased need has arisen for firefighters to become more knowledgeable on how the window products work.
BY MICHAEL NG
OFM FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER
Recent terrorist attacks involving explosives on high profile buildings around the world continue to raise security concerns with building owners. These events have prompted owners to improve security around their building perimeter in an effort to better protect their occupants. Since a building’s most vulnerable component is its exterior glazing, upgrading this material to resist penetration from an attack has been identified as one method of ‘hardening’ it. As a result, more and more buildings are now being retrofitted with security window system products.
High velocity flying glass fragments generated as a result of window impact and breakage is a major contributor to occupant injuries. Currently, there are various window systems that offer protection against this type of hazard. One system consists of a sheet of plastic film applied to the interior side of a window. Another design is laminated glass, which consist of multiple panes of glass bonded together with an interlayer of thermoplastic. Ballistic resistant windows, which are designed to resist an attack by firearms, consist of proprietary combinations of glass, laminates and polycarbonate to obtain the required rating from a testing agency. Some window systems may also have secondary catcher systems such as blast curtain/blast shields to limit the amount of glass that enters the facility should the exterior glazing fail.
Security window systems come in varying grades to suit the level of glass protection required. Besides providing resistance against explosion and ballistic attacks in commercial buildings, other applications include protection against hurricane winds, earthquakes, and burglary/vandalism incidents in homes. Grades can be varied based on film and laminate thickness and the method in which they are applied to the glazing. Film that is mechanically secured to the window frame is more resistant than film secured only onto the glass portion of the window. Also, the deeper the window bite, which is the depth of glass captured within the frame, the more resistant it is.
The security features of these products pose additional challenges for unsuspecting fire and emergency responders who need to gain forcible entry or egress through an inoperable window for rescue or firefighting operations. Since these products are transparent and unlabelled, firefighters will not be aware of the presence of an upgraded window system until they attempt to break it without success. Without the appropriate tools and training, these windows can severely hinder firefighter entry and egress, jeopardizing the safety of personnel and building occupants.
To address these concerns, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) commissioned a study in 2003 to perform forcible
entry testing of various air blast glazing system configurations. These configurations
included:
The study involved observing professional firefighting personnel utilizing standard
operating procedures with various forcible entry tools to gain entry and egress
through an array of window system mock-ups. The purpose was to gain knowledge on
what are the most effective techniques and appropriate tools for firefighters for
penetrating these window systems. The following is a summary of key findings generated
by the study with respect to the proper use of tools and techniques:
As a result of these findings, fire departments may want to update their standard
operating procedures to reflect the growing use of security window systems and their
implications. Some measures to consider include:
More information on this subject matter, including training material, report, and demonstration videos and can be found at the General Services Administration-Office of the Chief Architect website at www.oca.gsa.gov/firefighter/introduction.php.
The Standards Council of Canada has accredited FM Approvals as a testing and certification organization in the following areas:
1. Hazardous Location Electrical Equipment, including:
2. Electrical and Electronic Products, including:
3. Fire Alarm and Signaling Equipment, including:
Products that are certified by FM Approvals must incorporate the "c" at the 8 o’clock position adjacent to the FM certification mark. Further information may be found at www.scc.ca/certifiers/cb_fm-approvals_e.pdf.
Fire departments are reminded to complete the ‘Stovetop Fire Survey’. Having established the Stovetop Fires Working Group, the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council, will use the data from the surveys to further investigate various approaches to reduce this type of fire, in addition to investigating the development of stovetop technology to effectively prevent and manage cooking-related fires.
The OFM is asking fire departments throughout the province to distribute the survey form to fire suppression staff. The survey will run for a period of one year beginning August 1, 2005. Further instructions on how to complete and submit the survey form are included on the form.
English and French survey forms are available for fire departments to download and print from www.ofm.gov.on.ca.
For further assistance on completing and/or submitting the survey, please contact Alison Wilson by telephone at (416) 325-3219 or by e-mail at Alison.Wilson@jus.gov.on.ca.
BY PETER SELLS
PMBS Peer Mentor Network Leader (District Chief, Toronto Fire Services)
The Ontario Performance Measurement & Benchmarking Project proudly brings you the Peer Mentor Network. The Network is designed to act as a key contact and resource for Performance Measurement & Benchmarking System users. It consists of regional Peer Mentors who provide coaching, mentoring and expertise in problem solving and training for local users of the Performance Measurement and Benchmarking System (www.ofspmbs.ca).
The role of the Peer Mentor Network is to:
A Peer Mentor can assist you with problems or issues such as:
For a list of Peer Mentors please check the "Contact" tab at www.ofspmbs.ca.
On August 17, 2005 at the Park Avenue Business Centre in Chatham-Kent myself (Peer Mentor Leader, Toronto Fire Services), Richard Scharf (Peer Mentor, Chatham-Kent Fire Department) and Vincent Liu (OFM) held the first Peer Mentor Network Hands-On Workshop. Together, with 12 fire service leaders from Southwestern Ontario, we provided insight and helpful tips on using the Performance Measurement & Benchmarking System. The workshop also served as an opportunity to practice with the system to explore performance measures like benchmarking with peers and preparing professional reports and presentations to support fire service programs and services.
Hosting a PMBS Peer Mentor Network Hands-On Session requires a computer lab and sufficient local interest with other fire services. For more information on hosting a PMBS Peer Mentor Network Hands-On Session please contact a Peer Mentor or Vincent Liu at ofspmbs@jus.gov.on.ca.
Peter Sells (Toronto Fire Services) leads the instruction of 12 fire service leaders from Southwestern Ontario in August to create a performance measurement report in the PMBS.
BY TARYN LLOYD
OFM Media Relations and Public Education Assistant
Two firefighting brothers from Wiarton who dreamed of a grand charity motorcycle ride to raise money for limb amputees are celebrating after raising more than $13,500 this year.
In its inaugural year, brothers Brent and Keith Hepburn joined fellow riders from their Red Knight’s Motorcycle Club to raise much-needed funds for The War Amps, an organization set up by ex-servicemen in 1918 to assist all amputees living in Canada. This year the annual ALSTAR charity ride was named the ‘Ride with Us Tour’.
The Red Knights is a motorcycle club for members of the fire service and their families who enjoy riding motorcycles. It was set up initially to raise money for young burn victims.
However, the decision to support another worthwhile cause through the staging of an annual ride was born after a devastating motorcycle accident that left Brent and his 19 year-old daughter Mitzi with serious injuries, causing each to lose parts of their legs.
Knowing first hand the comfort provided by the support offered by The War Amps, Brent, Mitzi, Keith and the third Hepburn brother, Vern took the initiative and organized the annual ALSTAR Charity Ride.
In an appreciation letter to riders and supporters, Keith said this year’s event exceeded all expectations and he hoped the support would continue to mount as the ride continues into the future.
"These people have huge hearts and they are in the right place, things that have helped to make this such a great country to live in," said Keith.
To participate in the ride next year or to make a donation visit www.alstarseries.com/ALSTAR_Officia/Motorcylce_ALS.html.
Organizer Brent Hepburn and daughter Mitzi.
On October 7, Toronto Fire Services launched Fire Prevention Week 2005 in Ontario at the Fire and EMS Training Centre. The launch included candle and sprinkler demonstrations and fire suppression techniques used to control vehicle and chemical fires.
Elementary students from 20th Street Junior School, a local Toronto school, were also on hand for a Risk Watch award ceremony. The launch provided an opportunity for the students in Grades 1 to 4 to test out their Stop, Drop and Roll techniques and practice getting low, using a mini fire hose and suiting up into bunker gear and running around pylons.
A tipped-over candle shows onlookers how quickly a fire of this nature can spread and the serious damage that can result.
A student demonstrates Stop, Drop and Roll.
Toronto Fire Services Fire Chief Bill Stewart launches Fire Prevention Week at the event.
"Use Candles with Care: When you go out, blow out!" was the theme for Fire Prevention Week, October 9-15, 2005. This year, Fire Prevention Week was aimed at increasing awareness about candle-related hazards and curbing the number of injuries and fatalities from candle fires.
"A leading cause of candle fires is leaving lit candles unattended," said Bernard Moyle, Fire Marshal of Ontario. "Always blow out candles before leaving the room or going to bed."
Between 1995 and 2001, fires caused by candles increased by 47% in Ontario. Although research indicates the number of fires ignited by candles has since leveled off, they are still a serious concern. In the last five years, approximately 1,400 residential fires were caused by candles, resulting in 20 deaths and 187 injuries.
Got Fire Prevention Week pictures? Send them to Carol Gravelle, The Ontario Fire Service Messenger Editor, for possible publication in the December/January issue.
A number of PSAs were distributed to Ontario media in English and French. Here are some of the the PSAs you may have seen in Ontario community newspapers.
As part of Fire Prevention Week 2005, over one million students and teachers from approximately 2,000 schools across Ontario made history on October 12 in the first ever province-wide fire drill. The "School’s Out…Safely Out!" fire drill was organized by the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council and challenged every elementary school principal in Ontario to conduct one of their provincially mandated fire drills to increase fire safety among children and their families.
"The fire drill was a great way to get kids across the province thinking about fire safety," said Bernard Moyle, Fire Marshal of Ontario and Chair of the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council.
Three Ontario schools were awarded individual cash prizes for their efforts in the fire drill. First prize of $1,000 went to St. Joseph Elementary School in Mississauga, Riverside Secondary School in Windsor received the second prize of $500 and third prize of $250, went to St. Joseph Catholic School in Grimsby.
In August, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) released a study that found half of those who died in fires started by candles in homes in the United States were under the age of 20.
The study reports on findings for 2002 and dovetails with this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, "Use Candles with Care: When you go out, blow out."
The U.S. research indicates candle fires have tripled since 1990, but have finally begun to stabilize from 2001 to 2002. Candles started 18,000 home fires in 2001 and 2002. These fires caused an estimated 130 fire deaths, 1,350 civilian fire injuries, and $333 million in direct property damage during 2002.
The data also found falling asleep when a candle was lit was a factor in 12% of the home candle fires and 25% of the fatalities. Nearly one-quarter of the fatal home candle fires occurred in properties in which the power had been shut off. Seven per cent occurred during temporary power outages.
Reprinted from an NFPA news release dated August 30, 2005. For more information, visit www.nfpa.org/assets/files/PDF/Candlereport.pdf.
Fire Cause Determination Course
Guy Degagne, Jim Fisher, Terry Murray, Bruce Paterson, Wayne Romaine and Pierre Yelle from the OFM’s Fire Investigation Services are providing the content expertise to the OFM’s Academic Standards & Evaluation (AS&E) educational consultant, Leslie Kennedy on revisions to the Fire Cause Determination course. Launched in 1998 in its current format, the three-day course is extremely well received by fire and police service personnel when it is delivered at the OFC and in the field. The revised course will continue to meet the relevant sections of the Ontario Fire Services Firefighter, Fire Prevention Officer and Company Officer Standards. However, there will be a greater emphasis on student-centered methods of presentation.
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. Questions about equivalency of training courses in the ‘Window of Opportunity’ should be directed to Ed Godden, Academic Manager, Ontario Fire College.
Fire Prevention Officer Certification Program
On September 6, the OFM was granted accreditation by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) for the Fire Prevention Officer Certification Program to the Ontario Fire Services Standards. Accreditation is a status granted to a certifying agency or a degree granting institution that has been found to meet or exceed stated criteria of educational quality. Accreditation gives reasonable assurance of the quality of the program.
Certificates, in future, will bear an IFSAC seal. As well, the Certification Office will be reissuing certificates with seals to currently certified FPOs.
Fire Protection Adviser (FPA) Certification Program
Launched in the spring, the OFM Fire Protection Adviser Certification Program was developed to recognize and validate the professionalism of fire protection advisers who meet certification requirements, which are designed to demonstrate that FPAs are performing the required competencies in keeping with the OFM Fire Protection Adviser Standards. The program consists of four components – an academic requirement, a job experience requirement, a job performance requirement and written testing.
Fire Investigator Certification Renewal
Also launched in the spring is the model for OFM Fire Investigator Certification Renewal. It is supported by the OFM annual performance appraisal and performance development plan process.
The program recognizes the fire investigator leadership role within the Ontario fire service and external organizations. Incorporating elements of the original certification process, the program focuses and encourages personal growth and development.
Fire service certification update
Firefighter Certification Program
Enrolled - Departments - 190 Firefighters - 15,369
Total Certified - Career Firefighters - 1,604 Firefighters - 581
Fire Prevention Officer Certification Program
Enrolled - Departments - 79 Fire Prevention Officers - 469
Total Certified - 0 Fire Prevention Officers - 76
Company Officer Certification Program
Enrolled - Departments - 59 Company Officers - 1,136
Total Certified - Departments - 0 Company Officers - 12
Training Officer Certification Program
Enrolled - Departments - 12 Training Officers - 18
Statistics as of September 8, 2005.
For the second summer in a row, the Norfolk Fire Service has brought the educational program ‘School’s Cool’ to elementary schools in the area. This year the crew visited children who were attending school for the first year this September. The program teaches children about the importance of smoke alarms, getting low and going under the smoke to safely to get out of buildings and Stop, Drop and Roll.
Students who participated in the ‘School’s Cool’ program in Norfolk County say "SPARKY" for the camera. They are accompanied by Fire Prevention Officer Ken Sheridan at left and firefighter Randy Schram of Norfolk County Fire & Rescue.
Some young boys get a head start on the competition as they are instructed about the workings of a fire truck.
Hold onto your hats!
BY JANICE JOHNSTONE
OFM PROGRAM SPECIALIST
A working smoke alarm on every level of every home. Is it possible?
That was the question posed to a focus group called together in September to help devise strategies to dramatically increase the number of working smoke alarms in homes. Representatives from fire departments, associations and the OFM spent several hours examining the issues and discussing options that will take smoke alarm compliance to an exciting new level.
The Facts
Since its introduction over 30 years ago, the residential smoke alarm has gained widespread acceptance. There is much documented evidence to support this inexpensive little device, yet people continue to die in homes with no working smoke alarms.
A review of residential fires in Ontario from 1995 to 2003 revealed that 81% of homes where fire departments attended a fire had a smoke alarm present. That means 19% of homes that experienced a fire during that nine-year period had no smoke alarm at all. In addition, 23% of the alarms that were present did not operate during the fire. There were two main reasons for this: the battery was removed or dead; or the alarm was too far away from the fire. In fatal residential fires over the same nine-year period, the picture is even more dismal. A smoke alarm was known to operate in only 31% of homes that experienced a fatal fire.
Focusing In
The focus group determined that reasons for non-compliance centred around two primary concerns: nuisance alarms and homeowner/tenant responsibility. In order to achieve the goal—a working smoke alarm on every level of every home—they further identified issues to be addressed in four key areas: technology, legislation, public education and enforcement. A summary of their conclusions in each of these areas follows.
Technology: Although human behaviour was considered to be primarily responsible for the high number of inoperative smoke alarms, there are still issues that could be addressed by manufacturers and installers that would help address the problem of nuisance alarms. The focus group identified numerous features that could be modified or standardized, including type (ionization or photo-electric); hush buttons; tone; and tamper-resistance. The focus group’s suggestions will be forwarded to smoke alarm standards’ committees for consideration.
Legislation: There is ample evidence to suggest that one smoke alarm in a home is not enough. For optimal protection, there must be at least one on every level. This has been the fire service’s recommendation for several years now and the group was in agreement that Fire Code requirements should support this.
Public Education: Despite all of our efforts, many people are still not aware that having working smoke alarms in their homes is the law. Therefore, the group strongly believed that an intensive public education campaign should be undertaken to ensure that everyone is aware of their responsibilities. The group also believed that the public needs to be informed about the cause of, and solutions to, nuisance alarms.
Enforcement: While there is still reluctance among many fire departments to issue tickets or lay charges to homeowners/tenants, more and more departments are recognizing the benefits of enforcing the law. In future issues of The Messenger, we will be profiling some of these departments and their approaches to smoke alarm enforcement.
Next Steps
The OFM will be undertaking a media campaign this December entitled Smoke Alarms: It’s the Law! The campaign will include the release of new television, print and radio PSAs that will increase awareness about homeowner/tenant responsibilities regarding smoke alarms. A province-wide campaign is also planned for next spring that will involve every fire department in Ontario.
A smoke alarm on every level of every home: can we do it?
Mark Wallace from Caledon Fire Department and Gary Laframboise from Oakville Fire Department discuss smoke alarm issues at the focus group meeting.
Attendees at the focus group included Monique Barrett from Barrie Fire & Emergency Service and Jack Collins from Toronto Fire Services.
Bruce Montone from Ottawa Fire Services listens as the OFM’s Trevor Bain takes part in the focus group discussion.
Dave Goodyear, ULC Subcommittee Chair (Smoke Alarms Standards) at the focus group.
In August, the life of a Welland resident was saved after he awoke suddenly to the sound of his smoke alarm. When he got out of bed, he found a fire in the middle of his apartment’s living room where a cooling fan had been. He quickly pulled the plug on the fan and exited the apartment unit. As he proceeded to the building exit, he pulled the fire alarm.
In an interview with the Welland Tribune, Welland firefighter Mike McNaughton said: "If the smoke alarm didn’t go off, he’d be dead. This fire could have spread. If he had not pulled the fire alarm, more lives could have been lost."
Working smoke alarms are necessities to life and continue to prove their value time and again in avoiding tragedy. The Welland Fire Department continues to work with community landlords to check their residents’ smoke alarm batteries more frequently. This case may give landlords further incentive to protect their residents from fire.
On September 9, the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council meeting was held at the Ontario Fire College in Gravenhurst.
In addition to Council business, many interesting presentation topics were presented on including the Council’s distribution centre, smoke alarm issues and strategies, qualifications for residential sprinkler installers, TAPP-C, and stovetop fires.
In May, the Council formed a partnership with the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs in which the Council donated $15,000 to promote fire safety in the province.
Cathy Townsend talks about the Council’s distribution centre.
Bernard Moyle, Fire Marshal of Ontario speaks at the Council meeting.
Christine Mak talks about enhancements to the Council Website.
In mid-September, FireCon 2005 was held in Thunder Bay and hosted by Emergency North Training. Highlights of FireCon 2005 included the Public Educators certificate presentations and the family presentation dedication ceremony where the families of Fire Chief Ralph James Fulford and Fire Chief Edward Gilles Joseph Belanger accepted awards on their behalf.
Bernard Moyle congratulates Tom Dawes, Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue Service, on his certificate.
Bernard Moyle with graduates Bill Hammond and Cynthia Hammond.
Ontario Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle stands with Gail Fulford and her family at FireCon 2005.
Ontario Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle stands with Rosealee Belanger and her family at FireCon 2005.
At a recent Volunteer Module A course at the Ontario Fire College, coordinator George Sesto and instructors Mickey Stackpole and Paul Hunter came across one father-son and one mother-son firefighting duo!
In the photo are father and son firefighting team Donald and Jarrett Miles (in the same gear) from Grey Highlands Fire Department. The team lives in Flesherton and hopes to use their newly enhanced skills in their community of more than 5,000 households.
The mother and son firefighting team (in front) are from the Township of Georgian Bay Fire Department. Mom, Heli-Mai Beale, and son, Arthur Parratt, also look forward to putting their enhanced knowledge to the test in their hometown of Waubaushene.
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
Fire Safety In Assembly Occupancies: NFPA Ready Reference by National Fire Protection Association. (2004)
Fire Protection of Storage Facilities by Jane I. Lataille. National Fire Protection Association. (2004)
First 90 Days: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders At All Levels by Michael Watkins. Harvard Business. (2003)
Forensic Structural Engineering Handbook edited by Robert T. Ratay. (2000)
The Investigation of Motor Vehicle Fires by Lee S. Cole. (2001)
Intentional Fires and Arson by John Hall. National Fire Protection Association (2005)
Mental Aspects of Performance for Firefighters and Fire Officers: M.A.P. by Dennis Compton and Gary Mack. (2004)
Preparing for Fire Service Testing by Henry Morse. (2004)
New Videos and DVDs
Fire’s Fury (2005)
This program is presented in a docudrama style and is a personal account of one family’s close call with fire. As the story unfolds, a dramatic recreation provides an eye-opening look at how rapidly smoke and flames can spread, reaching life threatening proportions in just seconds. A leader’s guide is included. Program is recommended for Grades 6 and up.
Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarms (2005)
Program describes the basic operation of fire alarm systems and their components. Demonstrates the principal tests that are required. Describes the signals to watch out for and the necessity of scheduling and record-keeping to ensure that all inspections and tests are performed. A guide for presenters is also included.
Sparky says: Join my fire safety club! (2005)
This is a lively animated program that teaches children to use their senses of sight, touch, smell and hearing to stay fire safe. Provides demonstrations of life-saving skills related to burns, matches and lighters, home escape plans, smoke alarms, fire escape tips and more. Includes a guide for presenters. This program is suitable for children in Kindergarten to Grade 2.
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.
Ryan Betts was the successful candidate for the position of Program Specialist in the Public Education and Media Relations section. He has relocated to Sudbury from Gravenhurst where he was an instructor at the Ontario Fire College.
Marie Falk’s retirement date was in late August but she stayed a while longer to train her successor. She officially left the OFM in September, after 22 years. Congratulations Marie!
Heather Wadden assumed the position of acting awards coordinator, effective September 26.
Gina Pontikas left the OFM in September to begin her maternity leave. Congratulations to Gina on the birth of her daughter Emma Grace!
Kathy Paidock returned to her position as information coordinator in the Public Educations and Media Relations section on October 3 after a long-term secondment.
Taryn Lloyd has joined the OFM on a temporary contract as public education and media relations assistant.
Tammy Phillips joined the OFM Academic Standards section on July 25 as test bank operator. Tammy has been with the Ontario Public Service since 1995 holding positions such as corrections officer, and most recently, as assistant human resources consultant.
Suzanne Boothby has joined the OFM Fire Safety Standards section as Project Manager for up to six months. Previously, Suzanne was with the Assistant Deputy’s Office as an Executive Assistant.
Michelle Butt resigned as administrative assistant with OFM Fire Investigations in August.
James Bennett joined OFM Fire Investigations as fire protection engineer on October 3. He came to the OFM from Rochon Engineering.
Eerik Randsula began a contract position at the OFM on September 26. He will be working with Armen Kassabian and assisting others in the Fire Investigations section.
Greg Way is currently the acting chief of emergency management and response in the OFM Field Fire Protection Services section until the end of December.
Olaf Lamerz has been working in the position as acting operations manager in Thunder Bay since August 2.
Herb Clements was the successful candidate in the fire protection specialist job competition. Herb will relocate from Chatham to the Midhurst office. He was a fire protection advisor for the southwest region.
Wayne Bennett will be acting operations manager for the northeast region until the end of December.
Melanie Arsenault began in the OFM Field Fire Protection section as program specialist, in the Strategic Development unit.
In late September, Office of the Fire Marshal employees were honoured with recognition awards to recognize their long-standing contributions and commitment to the OFM and the fire service of Ontario.
The seventeen employees who were recognized with their respective years of service include Amina Deenmohamed (10), Ed Gulbinas (10), Karen Bauman (10), Rowda Abubeker (15), Bev Gilbert (15), Miles Mailvaganam (15), Effie D’Souza (15), Anne Miller (15), Bernard Moyle (15), Kim Bailey (15), Susan Clarke (15), Dawn Heath (15), Angela John (20), Janice Johnstone (20), Doug Crawford (20), Bernie Silvestri (20) and Chris Haist (25).
Congratulations!
Here are some of the many recipients of the OFM Employee Recognition Awards. Standing in the back row from the left are Bev Gilbert, Doug Crawford, Bernard Moyle, Glenn Murray (Assistant Deputy Minister), Ed Gulbinas, Bernie Silvestri and Chris Haist. In the front from left are Miles Mailvaganam, Anne Miller, Effie D’Souza, Angela John, Amina Deenmohamed and Karen Bauman.
BY TOM BOON
Deputy Fire Chief/Coordinator of Fire Prevention & Public Education St. Clair Township
Fire Department
The St. Clair Township fire department prides itself on being proactive in the community to increase awareness about fire protection and prevention. In April 2005, Mary Lambert joined them and gave a "Sing Out Fire Safety" performance at two elementary schools.
It all began in Fire Prevention Week 2004. To coincide with the important week, the students and teachers of the seven elementary schools in the region are provided with pamphlets, fridge magnets, escape planning grids, pencils and rulers, as awareness-building handouts. The fire department also distributes a contest form to be returned to the fire department, when completed. The contest form encourages everyone to participate in Fire Prevention Week and varies from colouring contests for lower grades, word searches and word scrambles for mid grades, and a poster-drawing contest for the higher grades.
When all the contest forms have been returned by the pre-determined date, the fire department judges them and awards prizes for the best participant from each grade level in each school. In addition to the individual prizes, there is a best overall class prize and a best overall school in the Township prize. The best overall school prize receives a framed, limited edition print, "The Protector," to hang in their school entrance for the upcoming year. A plaque is also created for the frame of the print to indicate the school name and year of award winning.
With the support of industrial manufacturer donations, the Fire Prevention Week winners for best overall school in 2004, Sacred Heart School from Port Lambton, and best overall school in 2003, Mooretown/Courtright School in Mooretown, were treated to Mary Lambert and her "Sing Out Fire Safety" performance at their respective schools!
The one-hour performance at each school focused on fire prevention measures to students from Junior Kindergarten through to Grade 5, through song and student participation. To assist with the performance, the St. Clair Township fire department called on some of Lambton College’s Fire Science students.
Stretching over 400 sq. miles, the Township of St. Clair has a population of approximately 17,000. In the heart of the Canada’s chemical valley industries, the municipality is home to over half of Canada’s chemical manufacturers. The fire department consists of a full-time Fire Chief, full-time Deputy Fire Chief, 175 volunteer firefighters and six fire stations. The department keeps busy with ongoing ‘Open Houses’ at fire stations, annual Firefighters Field Days, which has been ongoing for 26 years, fire station tours and fire prevention lessons at the seven elementary schools. All of the area schools are involved in Risk Watch and have been supplied all resource binders, complete with resource kits. Through the Lambton County Fire Prevention Officers Association, the fire department has access to a Fire Safety Trailer, Hazard House, Sparky Suit and public awareness materials. The fire department is also a member of the Lambton County TAPP-C Coalition and the Lambton County Risk Watch Coalition.
While still under construction, the Township of St. Clair fire department website can be visited at www.lambtonfireservices.com.
Township of St. Clair Deputy Fire Chief Tom Boon, Mary Lambert and audience members have fun "Singing Out Fire Safety" at Sacred Heart Elementary School in Port Lambton.
Mary Lambert "Sings Out Fire Safety" with Lambton College Fire Science students and Township of St. Clair Deputy Fire Chief Tom Boon.
There is little doubt residential fire sprinkler systems can be very effective. Experience in other jurisdictions that have adopted mandatory residential sprinklers has shown a reduction in fire losses.
The question being asked lately is should fire sprinkler systems be a mandatory requirement for new homes?
Fire SAFE Ontario says "Yes."
Fire SAFE Ontario is a not-for-profit coalition of groups representing fire professionals, consumers and the sprinkler industry who are lobbying the Ontario government to pass legislation to require the mandatory installation of residential fire sprinkler systems in all new houses, apartments and condominiums.
The Ontario Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition is an ad hoc group established through the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council. The members are advocates of promoting fire prevention and public education to improve fire safety in Ontario. They too have been active in promoting the value of residential fire sprinklers.
"There are many advantages of fire sprinkler systems," says Doug Crawford, Deputy Fire Marshal and Acting Chair of the Ontario Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition. "To name a few, fire sprinkler systems working in connection with working smoke alarms can provide an early and direct response to a fire. Depending on the fire, a residential fire sprinkler system can activate in as little as one minute, or less, and use much less water than fire department hoses. They are designed to contain or extinguish fires before the fire department can arrive."
The Coalition’s initiatives include collaborating, researching and providing strategic direction to promote residential fire sprinkler systems as a primary force in fire safety. In conjunction with these activities, the Coalition continues to focus on educating five sectors on the benefits of residential sprinklers including; homebuilders, consumers, government, the insurance industry and the public.
This is their mandate and it has recently been reaffirmed by the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council.
One disadvantage cited by some is that of residential fire sprinkler systems costing one to one and a half per cent of the total cost of building a new home. But residential fire sprinkler advocates say this is a small price to pay to keep one’s family safe.
Fire SAFE took the question of residential sprinklers to Ontarians and asked them what they thought about fire sprinkler systems as a mandatory requirement for new homes. The Coalition also asked about fire safety and fire safety features used within residential dwellings, and who they would choose as a potential spokesperson for the issue of fire safety and residential fire sprinkler systems.
"A questionnaire was developed by Pollara, a public opinion polling agency to be conducted via a telephone survey with a representative sample of 1,206 adult Ontarians, 18 years of age and older in July 2005," said Al Speed, Director of Fire SAFE Ontario.
Here is a brief summary of the results recently presented by Speed:
"From the Pollara public opinion poll, the majority of Ontarians agree fire sprinkler systems should be mandatory. However, the other element in this issue is the credentials of fire sprinkler installers," said Speed.
Late last year the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) was contacted by a home-owner regarding the failure of a sprinkler system they had installed in their new home approximately five years ago. Upon investigation, the OFM concluded that both the design and installation was not appropriate. The OFM had information that other residential fire sprinkler systems installed in homes and cottages in the Rice Lake, Stony Lake and surrounding areas may not have been installed correctly. Due to the potential risks and impacts of faulty systems that may have been installed, the OFM advertised in local newspapers to warn residents with fire sprinkler systems to have them inspected by a sprinkler contractor.
Another critical element of residential fire sprinklers is that the sprinkler sector must have the capacity to meet increased demand; whether the installations come as the result of voluntary decisions or mandatory requirements. The capacity in the sector includes a broad range of those involved in sprinkler installations, such as designers, installers, suppliers and enforcement officials.
Depending on who one asks, the debate continues on whether fire sprinkler systems should be a mandatory requirement for new homes. Fire SAFE believes that the public is on side with this initiative. What they have identified in their poll is that the public needs more information on this subject. When given the facts, an overwhelming majority of Ontarians believe that this is a good idea. Public confidence in residential fire sprinklers will increase when a certification process is in place for installers. Increased awareness coupled with a certification process may further ease adoption of this initiative.
Al Speed speaks at the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council meeting in September about Ontario perceptions of fire safety and residential fire sprinkler systems.
Ontario Deputy Fire Marshal Doug Crawford gives the Council an Ontario Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition update.
In the May/September edition of The Ontario Fire Service Messenger, the Firefighters’ Memorial Day service was hosted by the Ontario Fire College, not the Fire Fighter’s Association of Ontario, as indicated in the Fire Service Calendar. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.
November 16-18-Feel the Warmth: 13th Annual Fire and Life Safety Educators' Conference-Simcoe, ON
November 28-December 2-Fire Prevention Officer Seminar - Back to Basics-Gravenhurst, ON
December 5-8-Executive Development Seminar, "Survive Today, Thrive Tomorrow"-Gravenhurst, ON
The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) honoured two Ontario Fire Chiefs in Richmond, British Columbia in September for their outstanding contributions to the betterment of their community and of the fire service industry in Canada. The Award is supported and sponsored by CGI Insurance Services annually. At its Fire Rescue Canada 2005 Training and Educational Symposium, Fire Chief Donald Warden of the Wasaga Beach Fire Department and Fire Chief David Guilbault of the Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service were presented with the Award of Excellence from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs.
Fire Chief Donald Warden received the prestigious honour of Fire Chief of the Year in the full time Fire Chief category. Chief Warden has been instrumental in the success of the CAFC programs and has served in the capacity of President, Vice President and Treasurer of the association. Most noted is his national contribution to the safety and well being of Canadian citizens in his service to the CAFC Government Relations Committee where he assisted in the promotion of legislation at a national level in safety related programs. As Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Services for the residents of Wasaga Beach, Chief Warden is responsible for the management of the departments and the well being of the residents in this community. Chief Warden was also mandated to develop policies and procedures in all three facets of his position for presentation to the Municipal Council to ensure that informed decisions on public safety in Wasaga Beach are made.
Fire Chief David Guilbault was recognized for his outstanding contribution to the fire service as Fire Chief of the Year in the Volunteer Fire Chief capacity for the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs. Chief Guilbault has been recognized for his services to the community of Kawartha Lakes and to the Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service. His enhanced fire prevention programs, and establishment of a Joint Health and Safety Committee covering all aspects of fire service to meet obligations under legislation, were recognized. As well, his contributions to public education in his community fire service and establishment of a city wide emergency plan was applauded.
Excerpted from a Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs news release issued in September.
Fire Chief Donald Warden
Fire Chief David Guilbault
Fighting fires with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) in northern Ontario is very different than fighting structural fires. Whether it’s the completely unpredictable environment where fires begin or the time spent in the forest away from families and modern technology, firefighting with the MNR is an experience unlike any other.
Each fire season, the MNR in Sudbury hires 45 Fire Rangers to fight forest fires. To apply for the position, applicants must complete and pass a five-day basic firefighting course and standard first aid training. Once completed, applicants must pass a rigorous physical readiness evaluation. Only the most qualified applicants will be asked to work with the MNR Fire Rangers service. Having accepted the position, Fire Rangers train in actual forest fire situations for two months. This experience prepares them for what they will be encountering for the rest of the fire season.
"The biggest challenge of fighting forest fires is operating in an uncontrolled environment, where every time you go out, the people, location and circumstances are different," says Ted Shannon, MNR Fire Management Supervisor in Sudbury for Forest Fire Management. "It’s a position where you always have to be able to come up with a new game plan. The position is challenging because it’s unpredictable. However, it’s because of this unpredictability that fighting fires with the MNR gets in your blood."
Fighting fires with the MNR is never a dull moment. Divided into 15 crews of three people each, everyone must always be ready to tackle the next unpredictable forest fire. When they are called to a forest fire, MNR Fire Rangers usually begin their day jumping from a helicopter skid into a muddy bog or swamp. Once landed, the MNR Fire Rangers begin to lay hose over sometimes rugged, hilly and treed terrain from the nearest water source. It is only then they can begin to fight a forest fire.
With the necessity of being self-sufficient, crews are sometimes in the forest for up to 19 days at a time, depending on the seriousness of a fire. If the fire is particularly large, more crews can be called in to assist. Much of the time they are in the forest, MNR Fire Rangers must work in sweltering heat, through black flies, dangerous flames and possible falling trees. At the end of a 14-16 hour workday, they hunker down into a bush camp in sleeping bags and tents.
"Fighting fires with the MNR is a dirty job that takes a lot of patience, and mental capacity, especially to handle the black flies and rain," says Jody McHardy, Crew Leader with MNR Forest Fire Management. "As a crew leader, you always have to be wary of your crew’s safety especially in a fire situation and be able to investigate while on the fire line."
"The experiences from this job will be life-long stories," continues McHardy. "In many cases you are put into locales where no people have been before. It’s a job that I would encourage anyone who is interested in natural resources to think seriously about applying to."
Of the 45 Fire Rangers this year, 75% are returnees. The majority are aged 25-35 and one quarter are women. Many recruits are post-secondary students with natural resources backgrounds. Whatever the reason for applying to the MNR to fight forest fires, it can truly be a short-term experience with long-term gain.
To find out more about the MNR Fire Ranger program or to apply, visit www.mnr.gov.on.ca and select ‘Ontario’s Forests’ from the MNR Sites menu.
The beginning of a typical forest fire in northern Ontario. MNR Fire Rangers must always be ready to use new strategies to suppress and control these types of forest fires. Photo courtesy of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
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