April/July 2006 Volume 15 Issue 3
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, Ryan Betts, Gina Pontikas, Tony Pacheco, Jim Jessop, Joshy Kallungal, Bruce Weaver, Tom Marshall, Laura Lee, Brenda Stonehouse, Travis Moffatt, Richard Morris, Thom Evered, Brian P. Walsh, Doug Goodings, Bruce Montone and Robert Kirkpatrick.
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.
Deborah Newman
Deputy Minister
Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services
On June 21, I was pleased to attend the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council’s Fire Safety Awards in Toronto. This truly inspiring annual event was an opportunity for me to reflect on the important responsibilities we all have for improving fire safety in Ontario.
Since I became Deputy Minister last year, I have gained an added appreciation for the role of the Ontario Fire Service, not only in responding to fires and other emergencies, but also in educating Ontarians in the many ways they can contribute to their own and their communities’ safety. The Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council is a leader in advocating for fire safety, but it is the day-to-day work of fire services in their communities that carry the education messages to the public.
The ministry plays an important part as well, whether it’s through facilitating grants to fire services last year, which they were able to use for training and equipment, or the proclamation earlier this year of the new regulations requiring working smoke alarms on every storey of residential buildings, as well as outside all sleeping areas. These actions, along with changes to regulations governing hotel fire safety and ongoing support for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear, and Heavy Urban Search and Rescue units, represent a signifi cant commitment to fire safety in Ontario.
But, as the Awards reminded us, much of the credit for Ontario’s declining fire death rate must go to the men and women who advocate for fire safety, and, increasingly, to the children who learn – and act on – their fire safety lessons. This year’s group of award recipients was no exception, with tales of even very young children who not only knew what to do, but had the courage and persistence to make adults understand and act in ways that saved serious injuries or death. One of the most striking statistics that I learned from Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle is that most fire deaths occur before a fi re service arrives on the scene. That is no slight on the fire services, but just the reality that people are overcome and die from smoke inhalation, often before there is any external sign that triggers an alarm. This fact alone underlines the importance of working smoke alarms and public education campaigns that teach the importance of having an escape plan and knowing what to do when the alarm sounds.
In closing, I congratulate all members of the Office of the Fire Marshal, the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council, and the Ontario fire service for your dedication to public safety. We all know that even one preventable death by fire is one too many, but by continuing to work together, we can ensure Ontario’s enviable record for improving fire safety will continue.
Nineteen Ontario residents received Fire Safety Awards at the 2006 Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council’s award ceremony in Toronto on June 21.
“All who were honoured here today have gone above and beyond to prevent tragic fires, injuries and deaths in their communities,” said Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle. “Because of their efforts, Ontario is a safer place in which to live.”
Categories for awards included Action, Advocate, Partner and Fire Marshal’s Awards for Excellence in Fire Safety. Among the award recipients were three children and two teens whose quick actions helped to avert potentially life-threatening situations. One dog, a toy fox terrier, also received a fire safety medal. The names of the recipients are:
Action Awards
Parshawn Amini, age 7, Thornhill
Tricia Cummings, age 15, Cornwall
Jordan Dorans, age 13, Kitchener
Brianna Lloyd, age 5, Bradford
Gordie Weller, age 8, Welland
Advocate Awards
Roger Ashby, CHUM-FM, Toronto
Kathy Chippa, Ontario Early Years Centre-Nipissing, North Bay
Sylvia Hazenberg, Thames Valley District School Board, London
Partner Awards
CTV Ottawa
Elgin County Farm Safety Council, Belmont
7133 Home Depot Belleville
Kingston Frontenac Lennox and Addington Public Health, Kingston
Terry Kozelko, CTV Northern Ontario, Sudbury
Metroland-Durham Region Media Group, Oshawa This Week, Oshawa
Newswatch @ 5:50 CHEX TV, Peterborough
Shaw Cable, Sault Ste. Marie
Windsor Moose Lodge 1499, Windsor
Fire Marshal’s Awards for Excellence in Fire Safety
Dr. Joanna Henderson, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto
Deanna Pacheco, Keewatin Patricia District School Board, Dryden
Special Award
Tilly, toy fox terrier, Simcoe
From left at back are Doug Crawford, Deputy Fire Marshal; Bernard Moyle, Ontario Fire Marshal; Monte Kwinter, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services; and Jordan Dorans of Kitchener. From left in front are Tricia Cummings of Cornwall; Gordie Weller of Welland; the younger brother of Parshawn Amini (holding award), of Thornhill and Brianna Lloyd of Bradford.
Hotel and motel guests will be safer because of new Fire Code regulations announced by Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Monte Kwinter.
“We are on the side of Ontarians concerned about community safety,” Kwinter said. “That’s why we are updating and clarifying the fire and life safety requirements for older establishments, and consolidating all fire safety requirements for motels and hotels into one document, the Ontario Fire Code.”
“This is something the industry has been anticipating for some time, and we will continue to work with the industry to ensure a smooth transition to the new regulations,” he added.
Ontario Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle said, “This is a significant step forward in improving fire and life safety in motels and hotels. The new Fire Code amendments will come into effect January 1, 2007, and there will be a five-year staged implementation period to enable operators to meet the requirements.”
Kwinter said he was pleased with the cooperation and input provided by the industry, the Ontario fire service and the Office of the Fire Marshal that resulted in the new regulations.
Rod Seiling, president of the Greater Toronto Hotel Association, said, “Our industry has been waiting for these changes, and I commend the Minister and the McGuinty government for acting on this important initiative. I look forward to continuing to work with the Fire Marshal and my industry colleagues as we make our establishments even safer than they are already.”
The change to the Fire Code is the second significant move to improve fire safety this year. As of March 1, 2006, Ontario homes are required to have working smoke alarms on every storey, as well as outside all sleeping areas. This smoke alarm requirement applies to all single family, semi-detached and town homes, whether owner-occupied or rented and will be enforced by local fire departments.
These two Fire Code regulations will greatly contribute to the government’s priority of making Ontario’s communities safer, Kwinter added.
Procor, in partnership with the Canadian Chemicals Producers’ Association (CCPA), donated three tank cars of different configurations, to the Ontario Fire College in December 2005. The cars will be used for emergency responder training purposes, especially hazardous materials courses.
“We believe that it is important for emergency responders to be familiar with the construction and characteristics of various railcars so that they can effectively, efficiently and safely work towards mitigating that emergency in cooperation with rail officials,” said Bernard Moyle, Fire Marshal of Ontario.
In their December issue of On track!, Procor said “The donation is a strong fit with Procor’s interest in contributing to Transportation, Community Awareness & Emergency Response (TransCAER).”
From left are Larry Crang, OFM Program Specialist; Art Vesterfelt, CN; Ontario Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle; Ron Waye, Procor President; Iain McQuarrie, Procor and Fred McLennan, Principal, Ontario Fire College. In April, a special presentation was held to formally recognize the rail industry’s efforts to maximize fire safety in Ontario.
The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM), Emergency Management Ontario (EMO) and emergency response experts from Canada and abroad came together for a three-day seminar about future emergency response management for the province of Ontario in April.
“This seminar is vital in helping to make Ontario a safer place in the future,” said Bernard Moyle, Fire Marshal of Ontario. “Participants were provided with detailed first-hand knowledge of how others have handled major international emergencies and threats. It will be critical to use this information in laying the foundation for similar emergency response management in Ontario communities.”
During the seminar entitled Executive Leadership Matters in Complex Emergencies, two live demonstrations of Ontario’s inter-agency response capabilities to major urban emergencies were held. In a structural collapse scenario, a dog was used to find people buried under debris and emergency crews carried out specialized techniques to retrieve them. The second scenario, which highlighted the hazards associated with toxic chemicals, required emergency response personnel to retrieve an unknown liquid for analysis from a container found in a post office box.
“The seminar also provided the opportunity to discuss best practices and lessons learned from a variety of emergencies so we will be better prepared for any upcoming challenges in Ontario,” said Julian Fantino, Commissioner of Emergency Management Ontario.
Monte Kwinter, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, who addressed the seminar, said “This week’s seminar will significantly improve the skills and abilities of Ontario’s emergency management leaders and better prepare the province to respond effectively to an emergency.”
Hosted by the Ontario Fire College, the seminar was part of Ontario’s continuing efforts to enhance emergency preparedness and was in preparation for Emergency Preparedness Week, May 7-13, 2006.
An Ontario emergency response expert demonstrates how to retrieve an unknown liquid for analysis from a container found in a post office box at the Executive Leadership Matters in Complex Emergencies in Gravenhurst in April.
From June 5 to 8, the Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officers Association (OMFPOA) celebrated its 50th anniversary in Barrie. Billed as a training educational symposium, the celebration contained the common thread that has remained with the OMFPOA since its early beginnings: it was a gathering where like-minded people could come together to discuss issues of fire safety.
“This year, the symposium highlighted the partnership with Barrie Fire & Emergency Service,” said Eric Chant, President, OMFPOA. “They planned an agenda that had something for everyone. In particular, the tour of the Honda plant in Alliston, the fire prevention seminar and the pyrotechnics expert seminar were the most highly attended sessions.”
In addition to the educational training sessions each year, there was also an awards evening. This year three recipients received awards for their contributions to fire prevention in the province.
The recipient of the Jim Copeland Award was Jana Gillis, an instructor at the Ontario Fire College and Office of the Fire Marshal employee. It is awarded to an individual or company that shared Copeland’s vision to educate and disseminate public fire safety: either through partnership or fire prevention activities. Having had Copeland as a mentor, this was a special award for Gillis. Following in his footsteps, she has played an active role in fire prevention. Before coming to the College, Gillis worked at St. Catharines Fire Department for 30 years, and was a former President of the OMFPOA. She was given an individual plaque and her name will also be added to a plaque that is displayed at the Ontario Fire College.
The recipient of the Fire Chief of the Year was Kingsville Fire Department’s Robert Kissner Jr. As Fire Chief of the most southerly town in Ontario, Kissner has been actively involved in promoting fire prevention and fire safety in his community. As the only full-time figures in the fire department, Kissner and a fire prevention officer work with volunteer firefighters to raise awareness about fire safety in a community of approximately 20,000 residents that spans a distance of 241 square kilometres (150 square miles). Always going above and beyond to accomplish objectives, Kissner has always been able do more with less, including establishing a budget for volunteers to undertake fire prevention activities such as Fire Prevention Week, smoke alarm campaigns and fire extinguisher awareness.
The third award recipient was Marla Finn of Claremont, Ontario. She was awarded a $500 student bursary. Each year, the bursary is given to one student who has maintained a B average in his/her fire sciences education program. Finn, a student at Seneca College, has been able to maintain an A+!
During the symposium, Scott Richardson, who recently retired from Markham Fire Department, presented a book he had written to commemorate OMFPOA’s golden anniversary. The book contained pictures of past members and activities they had undertaken. Each of the almost 200 attending members at the symposium received a copy.
Next year the symposium will take place in Richmond Hill and it is already being organized. With a solid tradition of making Ontario safer from fire through prevention measures, OMFPOA has sewn itself tightly into the rich fabric of Ontario’s fire services and will endure for many years to come. If your fire department would like to host the 2008 symposium and be a part of this history, contact Eric Chant at 705-745-3283.
Jana Gillis shows off her special award at OFM headquarters. From left are Deputy Fire Marshal Doug Crawford, Ontario Fire College Instructor Jana Gillis, Ontario Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle and Ontario Fire College Principal Fred McLennan.
From left, Kingsville Fire Department Fire Chief Robert Kissner Jr. accepts his award from OMFPOA President Eric Chant.
OMFPOA President Eric Chant presents Marla Finn, a fire sciences student from Seneca College, with her award.
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: 416-325-3162 or email Carol.Gravelle@jus.gov.on.ca.
BY TONY RICCIUTO
THE REVIEW (NIAGARA FALLS)
A former crack house that was operating in Niagara Falls has now been shut down and the man who was renting the property will be going to jail for 15 days for violating fire code regulations.
The man failed to show up in Provincial Offences Court, but was convicted in absentia on three charges relating to smoke alarms.
The three offences took place last year on August 31, September 14 and October 20. The man was charged with failing to install smoke alarms and not ensuring that they were kept in proper working order in areas of the home where people were sleeping.
Jim Jessop, Fire Prevention Officer with the Niagara Falls Fire Department, said the home was inspected on three different occasions last year. Even though the man was a tenant, and not the actual owner of the property, he is held accountable under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act because he was in control of the property at the time of the offences.
Jessop said the home was known to the fire department and the Niagara Regional Police as a crack house.
When the fire inspection took place, a number of clients or guests were inside the residence. An area in the basement was being used for sleeping or “crashing.” There were no working smoke alarms in that area.
Jessop said a number of people appeared to be high and in an intoxicated state.
The man was spoken to at the time and informed of the Fire Code regulations that needed to be addressed. He was told there would be follow up visits by fire department officials who would be accompanied by police.
When the home was inspected again on Sept. 14, a smoke alarm had been installed in one area of the home but it did not function because the battery had been removed.
“Smoke sets them off and it probably became a nuisance,” Jessop told Justice of the Peace Meg Belcastro.
A number of photos were filed as evidence. They included the accused and some rooms inside the residence. There were also photos showing syringes and other drug paraphernalia.
“There were a number of people in the house and they were found in various states of alertness,” said Jessop, noting that’s a real concern in the event a fire should break out and there are no working smoke alarms.
Court was told the home is now vacant and the owner is attempting to rent it out again. The owner of the home had no knowledge that people were sleeping in the basement.
Crown prosecutor Nancy MacDonald asked for a $2,500 fine on the first charge, an additional $4,000 for the second offence, plus a short, sharp jail sentence on the third count.
MacDonald noted the fire department attended on three occasions and no steps were ever taken to correct the situation.
Belcastro fined the accused a total of $6,500 for the first two convictions plus an additional 15 days in jail on the third count.
Excerpted from the March 30, 2006 edition of The Review (Niagara Falls).
An owner of a residential duplex in Brantford has been charged with three Ontario Fire Code violations by the Brantford Fire Department. The violations include failing to install and maintain a working smoke alarm in a manner as to protect the front bedroom of the upper floor apartment; failing to have the house subjected to a general inspection by the Electrical Safety Authority; and failing to install and maintain working smoke alarms in a manner as to protect each of the two rear bedrooms of the main floor apartment.
The owner was found guilty on all three counts at a trial in absentia. He was fined a total of $5,640 on all three counts.
“On inspection eight months later, it was found that the owner had still not rectified the second violation,” said Jeff McCormick, Fire Prevention Officer with Brantford Fire. “He was charged again, was convicted at trial in absentia and this time, was sentenced to 10 days in jail.”
In October 2005, a school board pleaded guilty to failing to comply with an inspection order requiring the installation of smoke alarms in corridors. The LaSalle Fire Department issued the inspection order. A $5,000 fine was imposed.
BY JIM JESSOP
FIRE PREVENTION OFFICER
NIAGARA FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Niagara Falls Fire Department, in cooperation with the Niagara Regional Police (NRPD) and Niagara Regional Prosecutor Nancy MacDonald recently held the first multi-agency seminar in the Province to deal with all of the issues associated with Marijuana Grow Operations (MGOs) and Clandestine Labs. The following is a brief history behind this first provincial seminar.
The Niagara Falls Fire Department responded to a structure fire in 2003. The 9-1-1 call came in and the suppression crews responded to what they thought was a “normal” structure fire. Before the fire was successfully extinguished, one of Niagara’s firefighters became entangled and disoriented in a mess of wires, ventilation tubing and false walls in the basement. The fire also appeared to be spreading from the basement to the first floor with increased ease. The Incident Commander wisely recognized that this was not a “normal” structure fire and ordered all of the crews out of the building. During the subsequent investigation a MGO was discovered in the basement.
It is no secret that Fire Chief Patrick Burke has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to violations of the Ontario Fire Code that have an immediate impact on life safety. The Chief tasked the Fire Prevention Office with a mandate to see if there was any way that the Fire Department could assist the Niagara Regional Police in dealing with this public safety threat.
The Fire Prevention Office began this project with discussions with Niagara Regional Prosecutor Nancy MacDonald, the Niagara Falls Building Department, the Street Crime Unit in the City of Niagara Falls and the NRPD Morality Unit. Also, Chief Burke sent a Fire Prevention Officer (FPO) and a Training Officer to meet with City of Calgary Fire Department officials to learn from the success that the Calgary Fire Department had in joining forces with the Calgary Police force in dealing with MGOs and clandestine labs in their municipality.
The following model was developed and was officially implemented in the City of Niagara Falls in 2004.
The NRPD will notify the Fire Prevention Office when a search warrant is close to being executed on a suspected illicit drug lab. The Fire Prevention Office then has the address inputted into the dispatch criteria to alert the suppression crews to the possibility of extra hazards if they are dispatched to the address prior to the execution of the warrant. This information is held in the strictest of confidence. The only members of the fire department who are privy to the address prior to the execution of the warrant are the Fire Chief, FPO and the Communications Officer.
The FPO is then notified by the NRPD a few hours prior to the execution of the search warrant. The FPO then discusses the situation with the Hazardous Materials Coordinator to determine if the Hazardous Materials Team is required to stand by to assist the NRPD with the execution of the warrant.
The FPO is outfitted with a complete set of PPE and gas monitoring equipment to assist the NRPD following the “clearing” of the building. The FPO enters the building upon the request of the NRPD to assess and mitigate any fire hazards and conduct a complete inspection of the building to ensure compliance with the Ontario Fire Code. As a matter of practice the FPO orders the hydro, gas and water to the building disconnected following the execution of the warrant.
The FPO then commences the enforcement process against the registered owner and any occupants arrested inside the building by the NRPD. The violations that have been successfully prosecuted include the following:
2.1.2.2 Activities that create a hazard... 2.4.6.1 Temporary electrical wiring... 2.6.1.7 Failing to maintain heating and ventilation systems... 2.4.1.3 Combustible Material in a service room or space...
The FPO forwards his findings to the Niagara Falls Chief Building Official (CBO) the following day and then, under the direction of the CBO, issues the following Orders under the Ontario Building Code Act:
1)Order Prohibiting Occupancy 2)Unsafe Building Order
The building cannot be re-occupied until the requirements of the Unsafe Building Order are completed. The registered owner of the property is required to comply with the Orders. The City of Niagara Falls Legal Department registers both Orders on title within five business days. The owner is responsible to remediate the property and the cost of this remediation has exceeded $60,000 on a 366 square metre (1,200 square foot) house.
The Niagara Falls Fire Department currently has over 60 individuals being prosecuted for violations of the Ontario Fire Code. Niagara Regional Prosecutor Nancy MacDonald has registered the first convictions in the country at two separate trials with defence lawyers against a registered owner of a rental unit home and a “gardener” found inside a home. In the first trial , the registered owner was convicted on two charges under the Ontario Fire Protection and Prevention Act and fined $15,000. The owner was charged with failing to ensure hazardous activities are not carried out in a building and failing to ensure temporary electrical wiring did not present a fire hazard.
In the second case, a “gardener” was arrested in a house by police during execution of a warrant. At the trial, the gardener was convicted on four charges under the Ontario Fire Protection and Prevention Act and fined $41,250. The gardener was charged with failing to ensure hazardous acitivities were not carried out in the building, failing to ensure temporary electrical wiring did not present a fire hazard, failing to maintain heating and ventilation systems so they did not present a fire hazard and failing to ensure combustible materials, other than those for which the room or space is designed are permitted, in service rooms or service spaces.
As heard by the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Monte Kwinter, Deputy Fire Marshal Doug Crawford and Director of Drug Operations for the RCMP Paul Nadeau at the recent seminar in Niagara Falls, these type of illicit drug operations are no longer just a “law enforcement” problem. MGOs and clandestine labs are the biggest public safety threat facing communities and firefighters in Canada today. The fire service must step up to the plate and assist law enforcement in whatever means necessary to help eliminate this public safety threat from our communities.
The full wording used on the Information and the requirements of the Unsafe Building Order can be obtained through FPO Jim Jessop. For further information about the specifics of prosecuting individuals for violations of the Ontario Fire Code, plan to attend the FPO Seminar at the Ontario Fire College this fall. If information or advice is required prior to the FPO Seminar contact FPO Jim Jessop at 905-658-2781.
Marijuana grow operation
A company that owns an old building complex in Brantford was fined $1,500 in February for violating the Ontario Fire Code. A plea of guilty to the charge of failing to maintain a fire sprinkler system as required was entered at trial in absentia on behalf of the company by the defence lawyer.
Court heard that one of the building’s tenants is a producer of paints, adhesives and lubricants. This company could store on site several thousand litres and kilograms of corrosive and flammable materials.
Although the paint producer had a working sprinkler system, its space in the complex was surrounded on three sides by a large, unheated warehouse, containing a large amount of baled paper products. It was this warehouse area that lacked a working sprinkler system, court heard.
The fire department became aware of the situation in early 2004 when firefighters responded to a report of a smoking tow motor in the warehouse space.
A series of inspections were completed and reports and letters sent to the company that owned the old building complex through March, April, May, July, August and October 2004. Throughout this time period, there had been no work on a sprinkler system. As of February 28, the sprinkler system still did not work, court heard.
On the company’s behalf, court heard that “best efforts” had not been made to bring the building up to modern-day standards. Having spent $140,000 to upgrade the building’s sprinkler system, it still did not operate. In addition, court was told the company had hired a new “expert” to try to bring the property into compliance but, that in the meantime, the tenants on the property were given notices of eviction and much of the material on site had been moved to a fire safe warehouse.
Excerpted from the March 1, 2006 edition of The Expositor (Brantford).
Due to a good working relationship with the judicial system, Collingwood Fire Department has recently experienced a number of successful convictions as they relate to the Ontario Fire Code.
On January 20, 2006 the owner of a multi-unit residential building with a main floor restaurant plead guilty to one Fire Code violation of failing to maintain fire separations. A $6,000 fine was imposed.
A couple of months later, on March 20, the owner of a multi-unit residential building was charged with failing to maintain smoke alarms in operating condition. The court issued a fine of $6,250.
On the same day, another owner of a single family residential building was charged with failing to maintain smoke alarms in operating condition. Again, the court issued a fine of $5,000 plus 15 per cent victim surcharge totalling $6,250.
Fire Chief Sandy Cunningham stated “It is unfortunate that prosecutions must take place to achieve compliance. The Collingwood Fire Department works closely with owners to achieve a minimum level of fire and life safety.”
All residences in Ontario must have working smoke alarms. And one Barrie housing corporation is reaching into its pocket to show it gets the message.
The unnamed not-for-profit housing corporation was fined $2,500, after pleading guilty in February to failure to keep its smoke alarms in good working order.
Investigation by Barrie Fire and Emergency Services revealed a tenant removed the alarms after complaining they were not working properly, and although the property owners knew the smoke alarms were missing, they did not replace them for more than six months.
The tenant was also charged with disabling the alarms on purpose.
Excerpted from the March 1, 2006 edition of the Barrie Advance.
BY DENNIS SMITH
BURLINGTON POST
Two Burlington nightclubs were convicted in April of Ontario Fire Code violations.
The first was fined $20,000, plus a victim’s surcharge of $5,000, for failure to maintain and provide inspection and maintenance records while the other nightclub was fined $15,000, plus a victim’s surcharge of $3,750, for an overcrowding violation.
Individuals representing both nightclubs were also fined and both establishments have had previous convictions for the same offences.
Ben Rotsma, Public Education Officer with Burlington Fire Department said local authorities are working together to prevent tragedies like the 2003 Rhode Island nightclub fire that killed 100.
“We’ve had a program of night-time visits for a number of years. The Rhode Island fire is why we initiated the program in the first place,” said Rotsma. “So far we’ve been fortunate in preventing any injuries or tragedies and we’re going to continue.”
He said education is provided first, then charges are laid if there is non-compliance.
Excerpted from the April 19, 2006 edition of the Burlington Post.
The Grade 7/8 class from Sir John Moore School in Corunna won the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council Keeping Our Kids Safe contest recently. The class was treated to a $100 pizza party as well as Sparky goodie bags with pens, pencils, highlighters, fridge magnets and fire safety pamphlets, for each student.
From left is student Lauren Romphf with St. Clair Township Deputy Fire Chief Tom Boon, who is presenting a cheque to Holly Moore, Grade 7/8 teacher and Sir John Moore Principal, Jan Neal Stewart.
Working smoke alarm makes a call
In early March, a fire began in the master bedroom of a home. Fortunately the smoke of the fire was detected by a smoke alarm that was connected to a central monitoring station. The monitoring station called Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services who responded to the scene within five minutes. Quickly, suppression crews knocked down the fire and contained it to the area of origin.
The working smoke alarm connected to the central monitoring station is credited with alerting fire crews immediately, and because of the fast response, limited the damage to $2,000. It is estimated that the damage could have exceeded $100,000 if the fire had not been detected as quickly as it was. The home is normally occupied by three adults.
Smoke alarms know what to do
In June, an electric pedestal fan was operating when it overheated and subsequently caught fire. Two smoke alarms activated, waking up the two occupants and their two pets. Immediately, they evacuated their mobile home and called 9-1-1. Fortunately early detection and warning by the smoke alarms prevented loss of life and loss of the home. Thanks to the smoke alarms, Essa Township Fire Department was able to quickly knock down the fire, which was confined to the fan and an area of floor where the fan was sitting.
Smoke alarm gives early warning
In May, a female tenant was awakened by a smoke alarm in her apartment just before 2:30 a.m. On further investigation, the tenant discovered the couch in the unit’s living room was on fire. Shortly after, the building’s fire alarm system alerted the other tenants in the 82-unit building to the fire. The majority of tenants in the building were seniors.
Although the fire destroyed the unit, the others were left unscathed and everyone made it out the building safely, reported Belleville Fire Department.
Smoke alarm warns of danger
In mid April, occupants of a home thought they could hear a popping, buzzing sound coming from the basement. Then they heard the smoke alarm in the basement. On further investigation, the homeowner found the basement full of smoke. Kawartha Lakes Fire Department reported that two adults, two children and one dog were able to safely escape, thanks to the working smoke alarm. It was later found that the smoke occurred due to an extension cord that had been connected to a freezer. The cord had overheated and begun to melt.
Smoke alarm gives cat third chance at life
Thanks to a working smoke alarm, an elderly woman and her 19-year-old cat were able to escape when a fire erupted in the laundry closet in their home.
In this incident, a smoke alarm on the main floor alerted the woman to a fire. After checking the basement and main floor, she noticed smoke coming from the laundry closet, beside the kitchen. Unable to exit through the side door of the kitchen due to smoke, she managed to get out through the front of the home.
Fire crews from the City of Kawartha Lakes Fenelon-Falls Division arrived on the scene quickly and contained the blaze to the kitchen.
Amazingly, this was the second time that the cat would survive a house fire during its lengthy life. This story also proves how important two exits from the home can be in an effective home fire escape plan.
Teen escapes due to activated smoke alarm
In early April, a female teenager was awakened by a smoke alarm. Leamington Fire Department reported that a fire occurred in a clothes dryer as she slept and began to fill the house with smoke. The teenager was able to safely escape through smokey conditions.
Escape to the sound of smoke alarms
Three working smoke alarms and a CO detector helped a family and their pets escape from their burning home on March 12.
The Kawartha Lakes family of six and their two pets were awakened after the alarms activated because of smoke billowing from a blocked oil furnace chimney.
The alarms were activated at 2:46 a.m.
More smoke alarm ‘saves’ in Welland
Two newlyweds considered their smoke alarm a nuisance. Annoyed by repeated wails triggered by his wife’s cooking, the husband decided to deactivate the hand-sized device in the living room of the couple’s tiny one-bedroom, storefront apartment.
While the husband tried to smack it off the wall, he told reporters he remembered thinking that they were never going to have fire and that they would be careful. Fortunately, at the time, neither of the pair could find anything long enough to reach the high, wall-mounted unit.
Later, the smoke alarm ended up saving their lives.
Shortly after, a covered pot of cooking oil was left on the stove for perhaps no more than seven minutes while both were out of the room. The hard-wired smoke alarm in the living room sounded and was followed by the alarm in their bedroom.
Later the wife admitted to reporters that if the smoke alarms hadn’t gone off, neither would have escaped.
Welland Fire Prevention Officer Tom Nenadovich says too often people disable alarms that are activated by particulates in cooking odours or steam from hot showers. They remove batteries or the units completely.
If nuisance alarms are a problem, residents should try relocating the smoke alarm, or purchasing one with a “hush” feature that allows residents to temporarily silence the alarm without disabling it. Smoke alarms should also be replaced every ten years to ensure they continue to perform effectively.
Excerpted from an editorial in the March 13, 2006 edition of The Tribune (Welland).
Q.1 What is the proper method of safely extinguishing a campfire?
A.1 Douse the campfire with water and then stir the ashes with a stick or shovel to allow the water to soak in better and cool the ashes and the ground. If you circled your campfire with rocks, move them aside to make sure there are no hot coals hiding under them. After checking for hot coals, douse the campfire with water again to make sure it is completely out.
Q.2 How much of Ontario’s forested lands are destroyed by fire on an annual basis?
A.2 On average, approximately 200,000 hectares of forested land destroyed by wildfire each year in Ontario. One hectare is 10,000 m² or approximately 2.5 acres.
Q.3 How far away from trees and brush should your campfire be?
A.3 Your campfire should be at least 3 metres away from logs, stumps or trees and overhanging branches.
Q.4 What is a safe distance to maintain between your campfire and buildings?
A.4 Make sure your campfire is at least 15 metres away from any buildings.
Q.5 Is it illegal to smoke while walking in the woods?
A.5 According to the Forest Fires Prevention Act, no person shall smoke while walking or working in a forest or woodland during the fire season. If you are hiking or working in the forest, you must stop and choose a spot that is free from anything that could catch fire before smoking. Put cigarette butts out by dousing them with water or crushing them out thoroughly in bare mineral soil (sand or gravel) or on bare rock.
For more information on safe campfires and forest fire safety, visit the Ministry of Natural Resources website atwww.affm.mnr.gov.on.ca or follow the “Wildfire Prevention Week” link from the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) website at www.ofm.gov.on.ca
BY SHELAH BROOKS
TRIBUNE (WELLAND)
A kitchen fire at an apartment building in Port Colborne sent two people to hospital suffering from minor smoke inhalation and nearly took the life of a family cat, one evening in March.
At about 10:30 p.m., apartment residents heard the building’s fire alarm and headed out into the cold night.
“The fire was caused by cooking left unattended,” said Fire Prevention Officer Mike Bendia. “Hot oil from french fries had spilt onto the burner of the stove and ignited.”
Bendia said the fire spread rapidly throughout the kitchen and sent smoke billowing throughout the building.
“The smoke alarm in the apartment alerted the occupants to the problem and they then pulled the main fire alarm, which alerted the other occupants of the building to the problem,” said Bendia.
The two elderly people living in the apartment were taken to hospital suffering from minor smoke inhalation.
“They were very fortunate they weren’t asleep at the time of the incident,” said Bendia. “The fire took off very quickly.”
While in the apartment, the family cat was found by firefighters, but was unresponsive.
“The lady was very upset about whether the cat was going to make it or not,” said Bendia. “But we gave the cat oxygen and it came around.”
After about an hour, residents of the building were allowed back into their apartments.
Damage to the building and the contents are estimated between $75,000 and $100,000.
“The fire was contained to apartment three,” said Bendia, adding there’s a lot of smoke damage in other parts of the building.
When it comes to cooking, Bendia said it’s never a good idea to leave the stove unattended, even if only for a couple minutes.
“For this one here, the person was gone only five minutes total,” said Bendia. “It doesn’t take very long.”
Excerpted from the March 22, 2006 edition of the Tribune (Welland).
Bracebridge Fire Department has traditionally provided fire safety messages to the public on their vehicle as it travels through beautiful “Cottage Country in Muskoka.” This year there are three important fire safety messages displayed on the Fire Prevention vehicle. They are: “Don’t Stall, Call 911”, “Candles with Care”, and “It’s The Law” for smoke alarms. Bracebridge Fire Prevention Officers Richard Playfair and Ranjit Sidhu display the importance of the messages and serve as a reminder to the community of good fire safety practices.
A fire in a workshop on a farm is being blamed on an ill-considered decision to heat a container of paint.
When firefighters were called to the farm, they found a small fire in an inner room of an implement shed and promptly put it out. “The owner was trying to paint a fence but found the paint was too thick,” said Fire Chief Dave Geil of the Wellesley Township Fire Department. The owner then tried to briefly warm it on the stove used to heat the room, Fire Chief Geil said.
The owner momentarily stepped out of the room and, when he turned back around, found the place on fire, officials said.
The paint pail was plastic and may have melted on the stove or the paint may have been heated to the point where it caught fire, Fire Chief Geil said.
The owner initially tried to put out the flames himself with a fire extinguisher, calling the fire department when he was unsuccessful. Damage was estimated at $15,000.
Excerpted from the March 22, 2006 edition of The Record (Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo).
BY JOSHY KALLUNGAL, P. ENG
OFM FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER
Joshy Kallungal, P. Eng
This case study outlines how a provincial regulation was successfully developed and implemented to achieve the objective of reducing the number of fires, injuries and fatalities from flammable and combustible liquids within a relatively short period of time.
Background
The Province of Ontario enacted the Ontario Fire Code (OFC), a provincial regulation, in November 1981. The OFC was based on the model 1980 National Fire Code of Canada (NFCC). Based on the comments and concerns expressed by the industry sector and various Ontario provincial ministries, Part 4 of the regulation (storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids) was held in reserve when the OFC was enacted in November 1981.
An advisory committee, consisting of industry and government stakeholders who would be affected by the Fire Code regulations dealing with flammable and combustible liquids, was established in 1982 to address concerns raised through the public consultation process. Initially, it was felt that tweaking the draft published in the 1980 Ontario Gazette would suffice. It soon became apparent, however, that there were significant gaps and inconsistencies in the draft regulation and that a detailed review would be necessary.
Development Process
The advisory committee considered the state-of-the-art requirements found in NFPA-30 (Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code), other internationally recognized codes and standards, and industry practices of the time period. After extensive deliberations and consultation with stakeholders, a draft proposal was developed and circulated in February 1989 to industry stakeholders and the fire service with the intent of having them use it as a guideline to address fire safety issues related to the storage, handling and use of flammable and combustible liquids. Use of this draft as a guideline was also expected to generate feedback.
The 1989 draft was also sent to the standing committee of the NFCC for their consideration into the national model code. A significant number of proposed provisions and concepts contained in the 1989 Ontario draft document were adopted by the NFCC standing committee for inclusion in the 1990 and 1995 editions of the NFCC.
In 1990, the OFM conducted a study to determine the impact of implementing the 1989 draft version of Part 4 of the OFC. The study was completed in 1992 and provided credible data on estimates of the potential life safety and economic impact and benefits of the legislation.
In 1995, in response to a coroner’s jury recommendation (into the death of Sean Kells) and a resolution of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (95-03), the Ontario Fire Marshal, Bernard Moyle, established an implementation committee to incorporate Part 4 of the NFCC (1995) (which by then included many of the provisions in the 1989 Ontario draft document) into the OFC. The implementation committee, made up of representatives from government ministries and external stakeholders, was given a mandate to modify the NFCC (1995) base document to address any unique circumstances applicable in Ontario and to suggest an implementation strategy, including a realistic compliance schedule for various requirements. The committee submitted its final report to the Ontario Fire Marshal on July 10, 1996. The implementation committee, which also included industry representatives, acknowledged the impact costs and was unanimous in their support for these fire safety provisions and the implementation strategy.
The legislation was drafted and enacted on November 21, 1997 as a regulation under the new Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997.
Results
Since its enactment in 1997, the fire losses directly associated with flammable and combustible liquids have fallen significantly including:
Analysis
There were several contributing factors that resulted in these significant enhancements in public fire safety. The development of Part 4 regulations involved all key stakeholders in the province, who were able to bring their perspective to the table. While economic impact was a consideration, public fire safety focus was paramount in the decision making process.
The draft regulations were piloted from 1990 and feedback from users was incorporated as appropriate. In addition, the results of the Impact Study conducted in 1992 provided additional insight into major implementation issues that could be expected. Most of the significant Ontario proposed changes were adopted at the national level in the NFCC. This process further facilitated the harmonization of the regulation across Canada and greatly assisted those industries that had operations across the nation. Unanimous support was achieved from all stakeholders in recommending the adoption of Part 4 into the Ontario Fire Code.
Due to the complexity and broad scope of application a phased compliance time frame was established based on anticipated life safety impacts. The legislation provided nine months from the time of enactment to become effective. This provided the necessary lead-time for all users to get trained and audit their facilities to move towards compliance. The phased in compliance period permitted them to prioritize the work based on the level of life safety impact.
Most stakeholder members on the implementation committee took ownership of the legislation and disseminated relevant information to their members. The OFM developed an extensive training package including a commentary and audit guide. Seventeen members of the fire service and five private consultants were provided with a five-day intensive train the trainer program. These members came from across the province and would then be able to deliver a three-day information session to the users of the OFC. During their first one or two sessions, OFM staff assisted the trainers. After the trainers were able to organize and deliver training to users their respective regions, the program became very successful and effectively touched every region of the province.
Many fire departments took an aggressive approach toward notifying their industrial community via advertisements, notices and other materials on their new obligations. OFM staff responded swiftly to both written and telephone inquiries and frequently asked questions and responses were posted on the OFM website.
In 1999, about two years after the regulation was enacted, it became apparent that a few of the requirements were causing significant compliance concerns. The Part 4 implementation committee was reconvened to address the issues that surfaced during this phase of the implementation. Amendments were made in 2001 to the regulations to address the concerns, thus facilitating greater compliance to achieve a desired level of fire safety.
Conclusion
This case study has demonstrated the public safety benefits that came to fruition through the involvement of a number of different stakeholders. As a result of this involvement, OFM research indicates significant reductions in the number of fires, injuries and fatalities from flammable and combustible liquids in Ontario. Another beneficial result has been the large, economic benefit of reduced downtime and reduced property losses to Ontario’s industrial organizations. Overall, Part 4 has allowed Ontario’s industry to compete in a safer manner in the international arena, thereby making Ontario a safer place to live and work.
BY BRUCE WEAVER
OFM FIRE PROTECTION SPECIALIST
Many people use electricity without giving it a second thought. In many instances due to the availability of inexpensive extension cords, power bars, multi-plug outlet adaptors, etc., people use them with little regard to safety. These devices can create a fire hazard where they are used in a manner for which they were not originally designed.
Fire Code Article 2.4.6.1. states: “Temporary electrical wiring shall not be used where it presents a fire hazard.” This requirement is intended to serve two purposes. First, it is intended to influence activities of persons installing temporary wiring, to use caution, ensuring they do not create a fire hazard. Secondly, it offers an enforcement tool helpful for encouraging or requiring corrective action where temporary wiring that presents a fire hazard has been identified during an inspection. Often simply disconnecting and removing the hazardous temporary wiring will eliminate the hazard.
Fire officials must recognize that the Fire Code limits the application of this requirement. For example the requirement contained in this article can only be applied where temporary wiring that constitutes a fire hazard is found indoors or outdoors (in the vicinity of buildings as limited by Article 2.1.1.1.). The requirement does not apply to individual dwelling units. This is limited by Sentence 2.1.1.2(2)and Article 2.1.1.3. of the Fire Code.
Potentially, there are many instances of temporary electrical wiring hazards that could be avoided or readily corrected by a person when they are aware of the Fire Code requirement in this area. To assist the fire service and others in recognizing temporary wiring that presents a fire hazard, the following information has been compiled.
Temporary wiring consisting of extension cords and flexible cords may present a fire hazard where they:
In addition, extension cords or flexible cords may present a fire hazard where they are inappropriately wired directly to:
The Ontario Electrical safety Code Rule 4-010, also states that flexible cords shall not be used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of structures.
Always keep in mind that all electrical appliances including extension cords, power bars, two and six-plug adapters must bear recognized approval markings to ensure they meet the electrical safety requirements for Ontario. Information on approval markings and other safety information relating to electrical wiring can be found at Electrical Safety Authority website at www.esasafe.com and the Electrical Safety website found at www.elecsafe.info.
Prior to March, ULC reviewed its current Certification program practices and requirements in the Second Edition of the Standard for Smoke Alarms.
Effective January 1, 2007 ULC will require that the Standard’s French and English Marking requirements of Section 5, be included on all smoke alarms for continued use of the ULC certification mark.
Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada is reviewing all currently listed product(s) to verify compliance with the Marking requirements of this Edition of the Standard.
Any questions concerning the new requirements should be directed to Normand Breton, Chief Engineer, at 416-757-3611 ext. 61238 or Normand.Breton@ca.ul.com.
BY TOM MARSHALL
PUBLIC EDUCATION OFFICER
SARNIA FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE
Most seniors have working smoke alarms in their homes yet few know they need to be replaced after 10 years, according to a small and informal survey conducted by the Sarnia Fire and Rescue Service.
The survey of 57 local seniors showed that while 100 per cent of seniors have working smoke alarms in their homes, only 14 per cent were aware that devices older than 10 years needed replacing. Fortunately, however, the seniors were overly cautious when asked that question, with 77 per cent assuming alarms needed to be replaced every five years.
Sarnia Fire and Rescue Service Public Education Officer Tom Marshall said the results show that this high-risk group are finally sitting up and taking notice when it comes to fire prevention.
“For several years now we have been concentrating on educating Sarnia seniors on the need for working smoke alarms in the home and other relevant fire safety information,” he said.
“It was great to discover that all of the seniors we surveyed at a local recreation centre had at least one working smoke alarm in their home.”
“Having accomplished this, we will now be boosting our public education activities to ensure the general public of Sarnia are now aware of the most recent changes to the Fire Code requiring smoke alarms on every storey of the home.”
Sarnia residents aged between 50 and 75 completed the multiple-choice survey, with most showing a sound knowledge of smoke alarm maintenance and regulations.
Of the 57 respondents, 41 were aware that it was provincial law to have working smoke alarms in every home.
When it came to maintenance, 79 per cent of the seniors knew alarm batteries needed to be changed annually, 61 per cent knew alarms need to be tested monthly and 75 per cent stated that they knew how to test alarms.
Education initiatives conducted by fire departments at a local level throughout Ontario have complemented the OFM’s Older and Wiser program, launched in 1997. Older and Wiser was developed in response to fire-related fatalities among the older demographic. In fact in the six months proceeding the July launch of the program, 35 per cent of the 84 fire victims in the province were aged over 65.
Candle fires continue to be a serious concern in Ontario. Of the 23 candle-related fires that have occured this year, two candle fires, in particular, caused extensive damage to buildings in January.
In Cornwall, an apartment fire broke out at 2:30 a.m. in early January.
“The fire was extinguished and contained to the living room area of one unit,” said Senior Fire Prevention Officer Mike Bickerstaffe, Cornwall Fire Department.
“The smoke and heat damage was significant. The fire was deemed accidental and the ignition source was a candle. The building was ventilated to clear the smoke in the hallways.”
The fire resulted in damage estimated at more than $50,000.
Later in the same month, an unattended candle was the cause of a house fire in North Bay.
Randy Vezina, Fire Prevention Officer for North Bay Fire Department, estimated damages at $130,000 after the blaze broke out when a candle was left burning on a computer desk in the house. He said the fire was called in by a neighbour at about 1:00 a.m.
Vezina said the occupants of the home, a husband and wife, safely escaped the fire. The couple’s dog died in the blaze.
Research shows 40 per cent of candle-related fires begin in the bedroom, while 30 per cent start in the living room.
With files from January 10, 2006 edition of the Standard-Freeholder (Cornwall) and the January 19, 2006 edition of the North Bay Nugget.
On April 21, the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council hosted their Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Toronto. The informative meeting provided all members of the Council with an update about past and current initiatives including the recent smoke alarm regulation, statistical update, partnership with the Ontario Native Fire Fighters Society and Council partnerships and sponsorship.
The meeting also provided the opportunity to discuss Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) programs and activities such as the 2006 Fire Safety Awards ceremony, upcoming Public Educators’ Conference, in addition to the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, TAPP-C and Ad Hoc Committee on stovetop fires and other initiatives. There was also an informative presentation given about safety education and virtual reality by GestureTek Inc.
At the meeting, Brian Burditt, Territorial Director, World Services for the Salvation Army presented a plaque to Ontario Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle. The plaque was presented in appreciation of the donation made by the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council, on behalf of the Ontario fire service, to the tsunami relief efforts in southern Asia. Al Speed stands beside Mr. Moyle and Doug Crawford, Deputy Fire Marshal stands to Burditt’s left.
The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) Annual Meeting and Seminar was held from May 6 to 10 in Toronto. Entitled Leadership and the Changing World of the Fire Services, the meeting hosted a number of informative speakers including Dennis Ruben, Fire Chief, Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. James Young, Special Advisor to the Minister, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness for the Government of Canada, Larry Hess, Fire Chief, St Tammany Fire Protection District No 1, Slidell, Louisiana, Monte Kwinter, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, John Tory, Leader of the Ontario PC Party and Howard Hampton, Leader of the Ontario NDP.
A variety of topics were discussed, with many having emergency preparedness management as their focus. Some of the topics discussed included Master Fire Planning, Leadership in Changing Times, Terrorism in Canada, Hurricane Katrina and World Disasters and Pandemics.
Ontario Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle addresses the audience at the OAFC Annual Meeting and Seminar. His presentation was entitled Who Will Lead? Whose Voice Will be Heard?
Deputy Fire Marshal Doug Crawford speaks to the audience about master fire planning.
BY LAURA LEE
FIRE CHIEF, HAWK JUNCTION
Laura Lee, Fire Chief, Hawk Junction
I had just completed my basic fire prevention and inspection course and one of the instructors with the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office mentioned fire safety programs for specific audiences, such as Learn Not To Burn®, Risk Watch® and Remembering When. I contacted the NFPA Center for High-Risk Outreach and requested a copy of the Remembering When program.
I previewed the material and could see that it would be fun to use. Everything was very user friendly. Now I needed to come up with a fun way to present the program – a Ladies’ Tea!
Being in a small rural area, using outside agencies is just not an option for me, so most of our activities require the help of community members. High school students who needed community service hours to graduate agreed to serve the tea. I advertised around town that I needed donated sandwiches and desserts for a ladies’ tea for the “mature females.” I printed personalized invitations, hand delivered them to each person on the guest list and offered shuttle service to and from the event. When the ladies came in, they were pleasantly surprised at the transformation of our local community centre. There were lace tablecloths, floral centerpieces and fine china at each table. The ladies chatted as they ate and sipped tea or coffee.
Once the ladies had settled in and had time to catch up on the local news, I outlined my afternoon’s presentation and used some of the trivia questions as an icebreaker. I had borrowed our district’s fire safety house/hazard house, which is a doll-sized cross section of a house depicting a variety of hazards in each room. I found this to be an effective visual aid to complement the Remembering When program. We “walked” through the house using Remembering When lesson plan number 1, “As Time Goes By.” We identified hazards and found solutions to them by either removing the hazard or changing the behavior. Throughout the afternoon I used additional trivia questions to keep things fun. I also used props and door prizes I had gotten through donations from area businesses. My key messages were about smoke alarm awareness, cooking safety and space heater safety. I also demonstrated variations of “Stop, Drop and Roll.” Surprisingly, 15 of the 16 women had never heard of “Stop, Drop and Roll” and none had ever seen it performed.
The ladies enjoyed the afternoon. They learned a few new things and were reminded of their own behaviours that could potentially put them in danger. I found my first presentation targeted to the older adults to be very gratifying. I considered it a huge success.
In addition to her role as Fire Chief, Chief Lee is also the Coordinator for the Northern Public Fire Safety Network.
Excerpted from the Summer 2005 edition of Our Times, a newsletter of Remembering When: A Fire and Fall Prevention Program for Older Adults.
After 9/11, initiatives were created to anticipate and manage natural, technological and human caused events in our communities. Along with a major overhaul of Ontario’s Emergency Management Act, provincial response teams were established to respond to CBRN threats and mass-casualty emergencies. Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo have been designated as a Level 2 Response Team.The team response is to the NFPA 472 Operations Level.
This photo of some of the team members was taken at the Executive Leadership Matters in Complex Emergencies meeting in Gravenhurst in early April. The HazMat trailer is the latest piece of equipment to accompany the team through the province.
BY BEV GILBERT
OFM MANAGER, PUBLIC EDUCATION AND MEDIA RELATIONS
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in collaboration with the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) and the Alberta Fire Commissioner’s Office, will be implementing the program First Nations Remembering When in three Canadian First Nations’ territories.
Remembering When is a fire and fall prevention program for older adults and includes a smoke alarm installation component. First Nations members have been trained on the eight fire prevention behaviours and eight fall prevention behaviours from the Remembering When program. In addition, they have been trained on where and how to install smoke alarms.
In the upcoming months, these First Nations trainers will be visiting homes in their communities to sit down with the occupants and discuss how to prevent fires and falls in the home. In addition, they will be installing smoke alarms with 10-year lithium batteries and “hush” features on every storey of the homes and outside all sleeping areas. They will also be providing each home with a nightlight to prevent falls or a flashlight for homes that experience power failures. NFPA is providing 500 smoke alarms and nightlights for all three First Nations’ territories.
NFPA and OFM staff provided training on April 11th to First Nations members from Kasheschewan, Moose Factory Island, Fort Albany, Rama, Georgina, and Christian Island. Also participating were members from the Yellowhead Tribal Council from Edmonton, Alberta.
The smoke alarm installations and fire and fall prevention education were scheduled to begin in May with a completion date of November 2006.
Bev Gilbert, OFM Manager, Public Education and Media Relations demonstrated the importance of wearing sensible anti-slip shoes to prevent falls to Ontario Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle.
Representatives from NFPA, OFM and the Alberta Fire Commissioner’s Office take a break from their discussion about the implementation of the First Nations Remembering When program.
In this photo, the partnership for this program between all stakeholders is evident. At left, Sharon Gamache (NFPA) stands with Allan Manitowabi, Ontario Native Fire Fighters Society; Judy Comoletti (NFPA) and Ontario Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle.
In April, the Toronto Fire Services Special Operations Section in partnership with Roadway Rescue hosted a seminar on emergency responder safety involving alternate fueled vehicles.
“Hybrid vehicle electrical lines carry as much as 300 to 600 volts with each manufacturer being different,” said Captain Mark Bardgett, Toronto Fire Services Program Coordinator. “In some cars, lines run the inboard length or transmission tunnel of the floor. In others, they run along the sides. Manufacturers are keeping them in obvious areas that firefighters need to see, and they’re labelling them a high-visibility orange.”
Representatives from Honda, Toyota, General Motors and Ford were on hand to speak with participants from the Ontario fire service about their respective alternate-fueled vehicles.
Technology issues encountered in vehicles of today can be quite daunting and intimidating without background information for the emergency responder on the street. Different types of safety systems, battery locations, vehicle component materials and motive power were but a few of the “hot” topics that were discussed. Also presented was metal/material movement and tool evolutions that work and those that do not, on today’s modern vehicles.
With Ford, Honda, Toyota, and other automakers creating hybrids from existing auto lines, these vehicles will continue to be an important issue for firefighters who require information on how to recognize a hybrid from a regular gasoline-powered vehicle.
With many similarities, there are some very subtle differences between the regular and hybrid vehicles.
Hybrids with electronic motors are utilizing high visibility orange cables as an industry standard to identify high voltage lines.
For the first time in history, two co-op students from Sweden visited Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services on a six-week internship.
“Having only hosted fire science students from our sister community in Michigan, we weren’t sure what to expect,” says Dan Fraser, Fire Prevention Officer, Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services. “It was a very positive experience. Speaking English fairly well and being very personable, they became very popular with the Sault residents. We found that they were in high demand to visit and meet with people throughout the city and surrounding area.”
Shortly after Sault Ste. Marie was internationally designated as a Safe Community by the World Health Organization (WHO), Moa Sundstrom, of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, who visited Sault Ste. Marie in the fall of 2004 as part of the designation process, asked if the community would be willing to host Swedish students enrolled in post-secondary health services programs. The answer was “Yes” and early this year, Sundstrom coordinated the co-op placement, equivalent to a North American Fire Sciences program, known in Sweden as “Learn by Working.”
The “Learn by Working” program mandated the students to research, work and write a 20 to 25 page report in Swedish comparing Sault Ste. Marie programs and the overall Canadian experience, to a community of similar comparison in Sweden. A summary of this report was given in English to Sault Ste. Marie at the end of the placement.
The components that the students analyzed for this report included Sault Ste. Marie safety issues, the operation of various safety-related committees within the community, community demographics and emergency management services. The students were given the opportunity to work respective weeks in each role with fire suppression crews, emergency medical services, and fire prevention.
“For their comparison report, they attended community meetings including volunteer firefighter meetings, community committee meetings, an Industrial Accident Prevention Association safety conference and a social networking event hosted by the Mayor,” continues Fraser. “On the weekends, the pair visited co-workers’ residences, and were invited on various excursions including cottages north of Sault Ste. Marie in Pancake Bay, and east to St. Joseph Island for a two-day canoeing trip. Travelling throughout the province, the pair also made a visit to Niagara Falls.”
To obtain a Safe Community designation, a community must complete an application that details their safety efforts for children, seniors and the workplace, in addition to including a report with data calculations about injuries and fatalities. Communities must also demonstrate how they have made efforts to assist communities in other international countries become safer. For this component of the application, Sault Ste. Marie was able to share the Risk Watch program with County Louth in Ireland to enable the injury prevention program to be successfully adapted abroad.
On their return to Sweden, the students were required to submit their comparison reports detailing their experiences and apply for employment in Sweden. Perhaps the most beneficial part of this co-op experience for these co-op students is the professionalism displayed by Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services and the hospitality generously offered by Sault Ste. Marie citizens. Professionally, it is sure to be an experience that will be remembered and serve as a strong foundation for their future careers in emergency management services.
From left to right are Rocco Celetti, Sault Ste. Marie Fire Prevention Officer, Jonathan Enbert, Swedish student, Richard Moberg, Swedish student, Dan Fraser, Sault Ste. Marie Fire Prevention Officer and Paul Antonello, Sault Ste. Marie Fire Prevention Officer.
BY BRENDA STONEHOUSE
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
CITY OF KAWARTHA LAKES
Another successful Kawartha Lakes Fire Protection Trade Show was held at the Victoria Park Armoury in Lindsay in late February. Booth space was sold out again this year with 40 vendors from across Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba filling the building with the latest in emergency equipment and tools of the trade. Something for everyone was available; from information on the new City of Kawartha Lakes burning by-law and their working fire trucks, to the different types of HazMat equipment available.
One of the ambulances recently purchased by the City of Kawartha Lakes was also on display with a slide show about its features and how it will be used in the area. Instruction and information was given on the new defibrillators that will soon be present in all 21 Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue halls. Proceeds from the 2004 trade show were donated to this life-saving project.
Throughout the trade show visitors were reminded of the new smoke alarm requirement that all Ontario homes must have a working smoke alarm on every storey, and outside all sleeping areas. Visitors also had the opportunity to pick up fire prevention information and place their names in several draws to win such prizes as jackets or a digital camera.
The proceeds from this year’s show, along with a donation from the Kawartha Lakes Firefighters’ Association, totalling $968, was presented to the Kawartha Lakes Food Source.
For information on the 2007 Kawartha Lakes Fire Protection Trade Show please contact John Blackmore at 705-454-8577.
The Fire Fighters’ Association of Ontario (FFAO) was pleased to be a vendor at this year’s show. Photo courtesy of Brenda Stonehouse, City of Kawartha Lakes.
The inner workings of a fire hydrant at one of the 40 booths at the 2006 show. Photo courtesy of Brenda Stonehouse, City of Kawartha Lakes.
A fire that heavily damaged a home in Stirling-Rawdon Township, could have had a very different outcome had it not been for the forward-thinking of Stirling-Rawdon Township Fire Chief Woodbeck.
At the request of the homeowner, Chief Woodbeck completed a fire safety home inspection about a year and a half ago. At times, the home was used by Pathways to Independence as a drop-off centre. Before Chief Woodbeck could give the homeowner a letter of compliance, he requested that two additional smoke alarms be installed in the sleeping area of the home. At that time the Ontario Fire Code had not been amended to require the home to have working smoke alarms on every storey. Fortunately, Chief Woodbeck was able to convince the owner to install the additional smoke alarms.
Although the investigation into how the fire occurred is still ongoing, the homeowner advised Chief Woodbeck at the scene that the installation of the additional smoke alarms had saved the lives of the family of five living in the home.
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 Fire Officer’s Desk Reference edited by John Buckman III. International Association of Fire Chiefs. (2005)
Extreme Event Mitigation In Buildings: Analysis and Design by Brian Meacham and Matthew Johann. National Fire Protection Association. (2006)
Fire and The Older Adult. Department of Homeland Security US Fire Administration. (2006)
Firefighter’s Handbook of Hazardous Materials by Charles Baker. (2006)
Guidelines For Safe Handling of Powders and Bulk Solids American Institute of Chemical Engineers. (2005)
Preventing Injuries and Deaths of Fire Fighters Due To Truss System Failures (NIOSH ALERT) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2005)
New Videos and DVDs
So You Want To Be A Firefighter, Part 1 (2005)
Discusses some of the typical duties and requirements of a firefighter and the benefits of being a member of the fire service. It looks at the different types of organizations, personnel and equipment. Covers the various types of educational opportunities that are available and the different career paths that maybe pursued.
So You Want To Be A Firefighter, Part 2 (2005)
Concluding episode demonstrates some of the basic skills required to be a firefighter. Personal protective equipment, SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus), ladders and hose practices are demonstrated.
What you are is where you were when...again! (2005)
Presents a framework for understanding and working with a diverse group of people. Dr. Morris Massey looks at generational values and beliefs that our behaviours are driven by our value system. Includes a comprehensive guide.
Wrath of God: fire under the big top (2002)
Looks at the great circus fire of 1944 known as the “Greatest Show on Earth”. One hundred and sixty-eight people were killed and more than five hundred and fifty injured. This tragedy put an end to the era of the circus big top but also led to major fire safety improvements in America.
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.
BY TRAVIS MOFFATT
A/PREVENTION INFORMATION TECHNICIAN
WEST FIRE REGION, PLANNING & INFORMATION UNIT, MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Aviation Forest Fire Management program is enhancing public safety with the use of satellite technology. Under the Emergency Management Act of Ontario the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is responsible for hazard identification and risk assessment related to the province’s natural resources.
Through a new innovative and progressive project, high resolution satellite imagery is being used to facilitate effective planning of emergency response operations in Northwestern Ontario.
Unlike more densely populated and smaller geographic areas, Northwestern Ontario stretches over several hundred thousand square kilometres and includes vast tracts of forest, large and small urban municipalities, numerous remote communities, as well as high value forest allocations and tourist installations. The composition of the landscape and variability of human values necessitates a high level of knowledge when it comes to planning effective forest fire management and emergency response. By dramatically improving knowledge databases and information accessibility threats to public safety, losses can be mitigated.
The utilization of high-resolution satellite imagery allows for dramatic improvements in planning capabilities including the establishment of exact locations of structures, roads, trails and access routes into remote communities and municipalities in the far north and west of the Province. Providing a marked increase in the accuracy and detail of information, satellite imagery is enabling the Forest Fire Management Program to increase its planning capacity, which in turn will improve response capabilities and increase the level of protection for enhanced public safety. Overall, the high resolution satellite imagery leads to better preparation for emergencies and the prevention of wildfire losses by providing fire managers with the ability to accurately assess the resource and suppression requirements that would be necessary if an emergency situation were to develop within a specific community or municipality.
Innovative thinkers in the Forest Fire Management Program are always looking for new tools to better protect human life, communities and industry from wildfires. Since this new technology has become available, it has gradually become more cost effective: further aiding in the realization of how it could be adapted to increase fire management planning. The product currently being used is Quickbird Satellite 61cm panchromatic and 2.4 metre multispectral imagery, which is the technical jargon for describing imagery that is photographed from space and of a high enough resolution quality to clearly identify individual vehicles on highways and roads. As a digital image, the photograph can be manipulated on a computer, in comparison to previous technologies that relied on hard copy high resolution photographs. In particular, the digital format photograph allows it to be overlaid into existing Geographic Information System databases. This means the imagery is easily incorporated into current datasets and mapping products.
The Aviation Forest Fire Management program continues to be active in developing partnerships with municipalities and other emergency management organizations including Emergency Management Ontario. These beneficial partnerships extend knowledge and promote information sharing. Fire departments wishing to obtain more information about how this high-tech tool can assist them in developing their own community protection plans and emergency planning, should contact their Fire Management Headquarters for more information.
Image of Red Lake in the 61 cm panchromatic format. The dark roof building centre left is the elementary school and the floatplanes are visible in Howey Bay in Northern Ontario. The photo is courtesy of the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Each year, Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery recipients say that they were “just doing their job” when they describe their selfless efforts to put the safety and life of others ahead of their own. In part, it is this emergency responder mindset that contributes to why applications for this prestigious award are not submitted.
The Office of the Fire Marshal believes that all acts of courage need to be recognized for what they truly are; selfless decisions to undertake dangerous actions, sometimes under the most adverse conditions, that can have the potential to impact the lives and safety of victims. And the lives and safety of other firefighters.
The Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery was established in 1976 to recognize firefighters in Ontario whose actions exemplify bravery above and beyond the call of duty.
Medal recipients are selected by an independent Advisory Council whose members are appointed by the Premier of Ontario. Members of the independent Advisory Council are representatives of the general public, volunteer and full-time fire services, the Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services and the Office of the Fire Marshal. In order for the independent Advisory Council to review a nomination it must be endorsed by the nominee’s fire chief and the incident must have occurred within 12 months of the date of submission. Under special circumstances, 24 months will be accepted. Overall, nominating a firefighter is a way to acknowledge any such acts of bravery that take place in a community.
A similar process exists to select recipients of the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery. The two prestigious medals are presented by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in a special ceremony held annually at Queen’s Park.
It is also worthy to note that no distinction between volunteer and full-time firefighters is made regarding recipients for this prestigious medal. Also no distinction is made between actions taken by an on-duty firefighter or that of an off-duty firefighter who may, through happenstance, perform a heroic act. It is acknowledged by the independent Advisory Council that firefighters are never really off duty and are prepared to utilize, at a moment’s notice, all of their training and preparation.
Members of the fire service understand that life is fragile and precious. Firefighters experience this first-hand whenever they respond to emergencies, arriving at scenes such as a structure fire, a motor vehicle collision, a medical emergency or a technical rescue incident. This is why it is so important for exemplary acts of bravery, where firefighters selflessly put the safety and lives of others ahead of their own, to be recognized by their peers and the Government of Ontario.
More information on past recipients, and the process for nominating potential recipients, may be found on the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration website at www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/english/citdiv/honours/fire/fire.htm.
A glimpse of the Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery
Ontario medal for firefighter bravery
The overall design of the Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery is a cross, one of the traditional symbols of valour, and incorporates a crown, a circle of maple leaves, the Ontario trillium and symbolic flames. It is gold-plated sterling silver with red and white enamel. The colours of the ribbon are red and gold. Each recipient also receives a framed certificate, a miniature of the medal and an undress ribbon.
BY RICHARD MORRIS
CO-CHAIR, FIRE MARSHAL’S PUBLIC FIRE SAFETY COUNCIL
Richard Morris
Occasionally there are watershed moments in the lives and careers of talented hard-working individuals. Moments when suddenly they see with absolute clarity a ‘concept’ – the possibility of developing a new product – or using a technology in a manner not before considered. How much more rewarding that feeling of excitement would be, if that technology can be applied to the saving of lives in fire situations.
Such a defining moment occurred in 1941 to a young Swiss scientist named Dr. Ernst Meili. At the time, Dr. Meili was engaged in research work, developing a technique to prevent underground miners from the dangers of toxic and combustible gases. He began experimenting with an ionization chamber, and during this work, he observed that the chamber was capable of not only detecting, but also counting invisible, microscopic particles present in combustion products including smoke. Recognizing the potential benefits of this discovery, his greatest challenge was now to develop an electronic mechanism to initiate and control the process.
With tremendous determination, ingenuity, vision and remarkable skills, Dr. Meili eventually was able to develop a unique cold-cathode tube that could amplify the extremely tiny electrical current produced when the invisible ‘products of combustion’ entered the sensing chamber. This invention eventually led to the development of the world’s first smoke alarm – becoming one of the greatest life-saving inventions of the past century. It eventually gave birth to not only the ionization detector that we use worldwide in Fire Alarm Systems – but also led to the development of single-station, household, smoke alarms that have saved untold lives over the years.
But it was not an easy path!
As with most inventions, the prototype was years away from being ready for production. In fact, it was the beginning of years and years of painstaking research and development, endless trials, disappointments, frustrations and delays. The early non-technical tasks included the structuring of a company (which he named Cerberus), hiring staff, arranging financing, and obtaining a dependable supply of the necessary radioactive material (radium) – which certainly was a problem during the Second World War. (The war also had other effects – the staff had to spend 50 per cent of their time on compulsory military service.) Technically, the ionization detection device had to be re-configured so that the radiation intensity functioned at an acceptable level. Then the team had to overcome the effects of environmental conditions (including humidity, high altitudes and dust) that they found had an extreme effect on the detection device.
Both an outstanding diplomat and an astute businessman, Dr. Meili prudently negotiated long-term supply contracts, entered into very favourable financial partnerships and pioneered his early warning smoke detection concept into a world leader in smoke detection and alarm systems.
Effective partnerships with local community groups are the key for Cornwall Fire Services to heighten awareness about the new smoke alarm requirements.
In November 2005, Cornwall Fire Services partnered with the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) to undertake their Home Safe Home program in November 2005. Each year, the Home Safe Home program is initiated by Cornwall firefighters who are assigned to specific neighbourhoods to deliver information packages, offering a free home safety check the following week. The check is not intended to be an inspection of Fire Code violations, rather its purpose is to increase the awareness of everyday hazards that may cause fires in homes. The goal of the program is to reduce the number of fires and resulting deaths in residential buildings in Cornwall.
“Our partnership with the EOHU was formed primarily to provide home safety checks to hard-to-reach groups,” said Cornwall Fire Services Fire Chief Vic Leroux. “This partnership will assist us in helping residents become compliant with the Fire Code.”
The program works like this. For those whose homes are inspected and are found without smoke alarms, the owner is provided with a smoke alarm for 24 hours. If the owner has not installed a working smoke alarm in that time, the owner will be fined under the new smoke alarm requirement in the Fire Code.
In connection with the Home Safe Home program, the fire department launched Working Smoke Alarms: It’s the Law and issued 500 free smoke alarms at malls and fire stations in February. On March 1, 2006, the new Fire Code regulations were publicized in local newspapers and on the radio to heighten awareness to community residents. Fire Chief Leroux was also interviewed on Cable 11 TV to speak about the new requirements.
In April, the fire department began to see the fruits of its labours. On April 14, the first Fire Code smoke alarm violation fines were reported in the local newspaper. The fines were associated with an apartment landlord failing to have a smoke alarm in the basement and a tenant removing the smoke alarm.
Later in the month, smoke alarms helped a babysitter and three young children escape an early morning fire.
“Without a doubt, the smoke alarm saved the children’s lives,” said Mike Bickerstaffe, Senior Fire Prevention Officer. “As per the new law, there was a smoke alarm on every storey of the home. The accidental fire was caused when a lamp ignited combustible materials.”
In May, the fire department once again initiated the Home Safe Home program for Cornwall residents. And once again, through an effective partnership with the local media, the program was reported in the newspaper to heighten residents’ awareness.
More recently, Cornwall Fire Services partnered with the local Children’s Aid Society to provide the Home Safe Home program to caregivers’ homes. It is just another element of how effective partnerships are helping to make Cornwall a safer community.
Each year members of the Dryden Fire Service, retired and active, contract delivery of the municipal telephone directories to approximately 10,000 homes and businesses in Dryden. This year, when the Working Smoke Alarms: It’s the Law! postcards and directories arrived at the same time for distribution, the firefighters put them together. It was great way to get the message into every home and apartment in Dryden.
Pictured in the foreground is Clayton Schell, one of a dozen retired firefighters, who contributed his time to the fire service delivery team. In the background is high school co-op student Lewis Singleton who helped insert a smoke alarm postcard with the team into each telephone directory.
Peterborough Fire Department’s smoke alarm inspection and education program has gotten underway for the year. And this year they have added a twist.
“The focus of the program this year is on education, specifically the importance of having a working smoke alarm on every storey and that it is the law ” says Maureen Crowley, Public Educator with the fire department. “After March 1, we’ve been surprised how many people who had smoke alarms outside sleeping areas told us they did not know that this had been a Fire Code requirement before. As a result, we’ve had a lot of questions about the new requirements because of the Working Smoke Alarms: It’s the Law! campaign in March.”
From May to September, the fire department will visit 2,400 randomly selected homes to ensure residents are in compliance with the latest smoke alarm requirements in the Fire Code. Platoons are assigned to inspect specific homes in various regions across the city. In cases where residents are not in compliance, a working smoke alarm is loaned to the resident. It must be returned within 48 hours with a signed waiver that another smoke alarm has been purchased and installed. If residents do not comply with this procedure they are fined. The firefighters inspecting the homes for working smoke alarms provide valuable life safety information to the occupants, ensuring that they are advised on the importance of have a working smoke alarms in their homes.
Last year firefighters found 23 per cent of Peterborough homes inspected did not have a working smoke alarm.
“It’s the responsibility of the property owner to be in compliance the Ontario Fire Code,” continues Crowley.
In addition to going door-to-door, Peterborough and County Fire Departments have worked with the media to publicize the message about the latest smoke alarm requirements to the City and County of Peterborough. To evaluate the program, the fire department will conduct a survey of how many people were in compliance with the previous smoke alarm requirement in comparison to the latest requirement. They will also record the number of batteries given away and the number of times a loaner smoke alarm was used.
Conducted over a lengthy time span, Peterborough’s smoke alarm inspection and education program is enhancing fire safety in the city. By visiting specific homes they are providing an important message: it’s the law for homes to have working smoke alarms on every storey.
BY THOM EVERED
CHIEF FIRE PREVENTION OFFICER, AJAX FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
When a revised residential smoke alarm by-law was implemented to require working smoke alarms on every storey of Ajax homes in 1994, Ajax Fire and Emergency Services also launched a residential home inspection program called the Safe at Home program. Launched well in advance of the latest blitzes to ensure compliance with the latest smoke alarm requirements in the Ontario Fire Code, the program has helped Ajax Fire and Emergency Services take an aggressive approach toward ensuring greater public safety among residents in Ajax.
The Ajax Safe at Home Program operates from May to September and requests for home inspections are taken throughout the year. Targeting the oldest sections of the community first, Ajax firefighters have been able to visit thousands of homes in the last several years, conducting home inspections, leaving safety literature and installing smoke alarms and/or batteries.
To offset the costs of purchasing smoke alarms and batteries, Ajax Fire and Emergency Services created partnerships with their local Royal Canadian Legion and their local Canadian Tire Store. Since 2001, Branch 322 of the Royal Canadian Legion has been assisting the fire service with funding for smoke alarms and batteries, and the local Canadian Tire Store has been selling these items to the fire service at cost.
With the new smoke alarm legislation in place, Ajax has been very aggressive in promoting the legislation throughout the community, utilizing their local media through television, radio and the print media.
“Our goal has also ways been to make Ajax the safest community in Ontario,” said Thom Evered, Ajax Fire and Emergency Services’ Chief Fire Prevention Officer.
When North Bay Fire and Emergency Services launched their public education campaign to inform residents that it is the law to have working smoke alarms on every storey of their homes, they wanted to get their message out, literally.
Since March 1, 2006, North Bay Fire and Emergency Services have posted Working Smoke Alarms: It’s the Law! decals on city vehicles and established public education displays with the materials in local shopping malls and police stations all to educate residents about the importance of working smoke alarms. This campaign was launched outside a local shopping centre with the unveiling of a 9.1 metre (30’) banner. This signage is combined with their Residential Fire Safety Awareness Program, a door-to-door campaign, aimed at educating residents about the Ontario Fire Code requirement and the importance of having a working smoke alarm on every storey.
“In the six weeks since we began this year’s Residential Fire Safety Awareness Program, we have been getting some very encouraging results,” said Fire Chief Ted McCullough, North Bay Fire and Emergency Services. “With a focus on Working Smoke Alarms on Every Storey, our in-service crews visit residents in the evening and have been able to gain entry into 70 per cent of the residences they have approached. Right now we have a compliance rate of 98 per cent and we’ve not had to issue a ticket to a single homeowner. Neither have we been denied entrance while operating the program.”
When residents are home, fire crews ask to hear residents’ smoke alarms and provide them with a smoke alarm postcard. If no one is home, crews affix door knob hangers printed with important fire safety messages.
“We are approximately 10 to 15 per cent of the way through the program. July and August will be the busiest months for us,” continued Chief McCullough.
“A short time ago North Bay Fire and Emergency Services undertook an awareness blitz to educate landlords and residents about the recent changes to the Ontario Fire Code,” said Sheri Korn, Public Education/Fire Prevention Officer for North Bay Fire and Emergency Services. “Previously we had always taken the non-confrontational route with enforcement but now where there is really no excuse with respect to retrofit compliance and a working smoke alarm, we lay charges.”
Through a variety of methods, North Bay is educating residents that it’s the law for homes to have working smoke alarms on every storey. Based on positive feedback about the program, it’s a message that is being heard, loud and clear.
Achieving smoke alarm compliance in a large area with a small population might be considered a difficult task. Not for Prince Township Volunteer Fire Department.
Located near Sault Ste. Marie, the township has approximately 450 homes and cottages. It is the small population that is working to the advantage of the fire department.
“Everyone knows everyone,” says Don Mousseau, Prince Township’s fire prevention officer. “And because it’s a small community, last year and this year we have been able to visit every home in the township to ensure everyone has working smoke alarms. Going out in pairs to each one of the homes and cottages, we ask residents about whether they have working smoke alarms and how many. We also provide residents with a home safety hazards information sheet.”
In addition, the fire department is also working with their area newsletter to educate residents about fire safety, given there is not a community newspaper. In May, Mousseau organized an information meeting for residents. He has also used materials from the Working Smoke Alarms: It’s the Law! kit to heighten awareness by handing out the materials from the kit and hanging the banner outside the municipal office.
“We are emphasizing it is the homeowners’ responsibility to have working smoke alarms on every storey of their homes,” adds Mousseau. “We can loan them a smoke alarm until they buy one. However, if they don’t install a smoke alarm in a specific time frame, they will be fined.”
Given that there are three councillors who work as volunteer firefighters, the town council is very supportive of full compliance in the township.
In this community where everyone knows everyone, Prince Township Volunteer Fire Department is ensuring everyone also knows about smoke alarms. Their approach seems to be working given in the last five years, there have been only three problems with two residents refusing to comply with the smoke alarm requirements in the Fire Code.
BY BRIAN P. WALSH, CET, CBCO
CHIEF FIRE PREVENTION OFFICER, MISSISSAUGA FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES
On May 11, 2006, Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services hosted an awards and recognition ceremony for the department at the Mississauga Civic Centre.
Special guests who attended the ceremony included Ontario Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle, Manager of Academic Programming at the Ontario Fire College Ed Godden, and Executive Coordinator, Certification Council Chair Doug Goodings and City Manager and CAO, Janice Baker.
The event was arranged to recognize the commitment and dedication of a number of fire department personnel and acknowledge their resulting accreditations.
Staff recognition presentations included, 24 Fire Prevention Officer certification diplomas, 3 Company Officer certification Diplomas, 30 Fire Chief certificates of Recognition for Building Code Official qualification under Bill 124 and acknowledgement of a number of Associate Instructor staff.
A special surprise cake presentation was made to Inspector Kevin Gallant. He was recognized for issuing the first Certificate of Offence as it applies to the new smoke alarm provisions of the Fire Code. Mississauga Fire recently introduced the use of Part 1 tickets.
Students at the May 24, 2006 Fire Cause Determination course at the Ontario Fire College got to enhance their practical skills by using a sifter to analyze evidence. This picture is courtesy of Ivan Hansen, Acting Captain, Oakville Fire Department.
Mark Biggins and Tim MacLeod are the first two members of Welland Fire and Emergency Services to ever earn the distinction as certified “career” firefighters. In March, they were certified by Ontario Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle for meeting provincial professional firefighter standards first introduced in 1998.
The voluntary certification program requires firefighters to complete three large training modules that deal with a broad range of subjects, including knot-tying, firefighting, medical response and public relations. When those units are completed both firefighters had to write three, 150-minute exams and demonstrate they had the required on-the-job training and practical experience to pass. The men also took part in specialized units on pumper truck operation and ice rescues, at the Ontario Fire College.
Both men are three-and-a-half year veterans of the Ontario fire service.
BY KAREN BEST
THE DUNNVILLE CHRONICLE
Al Muirhead’s gaze is clear and steady when he looks you in the eye and says he wants to be there soon enough to help you.
“Al’s business is a stone’s throw away from the fire hall,” states a nomination letter for Volunteer of Year written by Howard Bassindale. “So when the siren sounds he will shut down his business and be the first to respond.”
Since 1979, he has served as a volunteer firefighter in Selkirk. Currently Chairman of the hall’s firefighters’ association, he worked up the ranks and has been captain for 20 years. His dedication to community service in many capacities is unflagging.
In November 2005, Muirhead’s genuine interest in the community was recognized with a Haldimand County 2005 Volunteer of the Year award.
It’s an honour to receive and I’m very pleased to accept it,” he says of the award. “It’s recognition to pay back those who do a lot of work in the community but you always feel there is someone who does more work than you.”
Like many experienced volunteers, Muirhead is a successful fundraiser. He collected donations for an $80,000 cistern at the fire hall and for a $45,000 jaws of life. “We’re volunteers and yet we are doing a lot of fundraising,” he notes. It takes a lot of time to mount a campaign, he points out.
For some 20 years, Muirhead has focused on extinguishing fires. As a fire prevention officer and a member of the Haldimand Risk Watch committee, he teaches people about the importance of working smoke alarms and home fire escape plans. When children take this information home, parents usually act on prevention measures, he finds.
A member of the Haldimand County fire prevention committee, Muirhead is also a member of the North Shore Fire Safety Education Committee. For the last 25 years, Muirhead was Chair of the Selkirk Community Centre board. He and other members successfully raised funds and secured grants for an elevator, refurbished dance floor and new slate roof. He continues to contribute to centre activities.
Muirhead can easily explain his quarter-century involvement with the hall. “You get out of the community what you put back in,” he says. “The community has always been good to me.”
Al Muirhead
Excerpted from the February 1, 2006 edition of The Dunnville Chronicle.
BY BRUCE MONTONE
DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF
OTTAWA FIRE SERVICES
In 2005, the Ontario government, through the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, developed a $30 million one-time grant program to assist municipal fire services with the delivery of training programs. On March 22, 2005, it was announced the City of Ottawa would receive an unconditional one-time grant of $400,000.
The grant is currently being used to fufill three primary goals of the Ottawa Fire Service. They include:
In keeping with their goals, most recently, Ottawa Fire Services purchased a liquid petroleum gas training simulator for suppression firefighters. The simulator contains several modules/props that together, provide realistic opportunities to develop skills for common fire situations resembling actual conditions in a home. Fire is created using a water bath technology and liquid petroleum gas (propane) in addition to non-toxic, theatrical smoke. Constructed out of stainless steel, the unit has a long life expectancy. It is a great way for a firefighter to practice his/her suppression techniques.
The unit is unique because it incorporates a series of doors, stairs, windows and hatches to allow realistic practice. With two installed fire simulators and a rollover effect, firefighters can choose to train in a simulated bedroom fire or a kitchen fire. Both simulations offer the ability for instructors to change the props in each room on demand.
The specific feature in particular, that led Ottawa Fire Services to purchase the liquid petroleum gas training simulator was the inclusion of a remote control pendant. It allows the instructor to enter the simulation fire with the firefighter and easily assess a firefighter’s skill development. The fire can also be controlled by the instructor to either be extinguished or become more intense, depending on the skill of the firefighter. In addition to these features, the simulator can become partially portable. This flexibility allows Ottawa Fire Services to train in rural and urban areas of Ottawa.
A large group have helped to support and assist in making this important training unit a reality. They include Virgina Mott from Purchasing Services, Training Division Chief Chris Roche and Acting Division Chief Mike Sullivan and all the staff of the Training Division at Ottawa Fire Service, Kent Armstrong of Draegar Canada, George Aslanian and Bob Giguere from FTS Draegar Safety, OFS training/consultation committees for their indulgence and willingness to try something new and lastly the many firefighters who have begun to use this unit. Their feedback on using this unit will be used to further improve Ottawa Fire Services’ training programs for all fire service staff as Ottawa endeavours to provide community residents with the best-trained staff anywhere.
In this photo, an Ottawa Fire Services crew tests the capabilities of the new liquid petroleum gas training simulator.
BY BEV GILBERT
OFM MANAGER, PUBLIC EDUCATION & MEDIA RELATIONS
Relevant and consistent fire safety messages are critical to public education campaigns in the Ontario fire service. That’s why, a few years ago when I was invited to sit on the Educational Messages Advisory Committee of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), I jumped at the chance. With the aim of providing expert advice to NFPA public education staff on fire and life safety education messages, the committee meets only once every year to review current educational messages and to determine if these messages are still appropriate and relevant. The focus of the meeting I attended was, “Does the message need to be revised or is there more research needed to validate the message?” As a result of the meeting, I wanted to share with you some of the changes to key messages that occurred.
While the majority of the fire safety messages we use will remain the same, some messages have been changed to reflect simpler and easier ways to teach them to young children. Other messages were changed in an effort to save time and make more sense when faced with a fire situation. Although all of the up-to-date messages are listed on the NFPA website (www.nfpa.org) under Special Projects in the Public Education Section, I have listed a few of the adjusted messages for your information and included the rationale behind the changes below.
If you must escape through smoke, “Get low and go under the smoke to safety.”
This revised message replaces the “crawl low under smoke to safety” message. Data indicated that many children were delaying their evacuation because they were doing exactly what they were taught. If they saw smoke, the children got down and crawled on their hands and knees. They would have been able to get out much faster if they could just “Get low and go under the smoke to safety.” This is also much easier for older adults to perform as well. What must be stressed is that if the smoke layer is really low, everyone must be taught to stay out of the smoke and that may actually mean crawling.
If the alarm has sounded and you are leaving your room or apartment “Feel the Door Procedure.”
Before opening a door, feel the door. If it’s hot, use your second way out.
This replaces the complicated message that indicated a person should feel the door with the back of the hand. There is no substantial evidence that the back of the hand is any more likely to feel heat better than the palm and fingers of the hand and it makes the message much simpler. The key is to not have people opening doors quickly if there is a fire on the other side.
While escape ladders do provide a second way out, they sometimes do not fit the windows they are intended for and they can be difficult for children and older adults to use. They should only be used as a last chance escape route. The message is “Consider getting escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second and third floors. Make sure the escape ladder fits the window. Use only if all other exits are blocked. Practice opening the ladder and dropping it out the window, but not using it.”
Click on www.nfpa.org to review the many other messages that have been changed or adjusted. Relevant and consistent fire safety messages can make a difference in your community. If you have any questions to comments, please contact me at 4126-325-3178 or Bev.Gilbert@jus.gov.on.ca.
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An NFPA graphic demonstrates how to “Get low and go under the smoke to safety."
Jason VanSlack began as an educational consultant on May 29 in the Academic Unit of the Academic Standards and Evaluation Section. In Jason’s previous roles, he has developed curricula and taught at Confederation College, Sault College and Sir Sandford Fleming College.
Lonnie Schubert was the successful candidate in the competition for a fire investigator. Lonnie was with the Edmonton Police Services for several years and began with Fire Investigation Services’ Team A on June 14.
Sherry Smith was the successful candidate who joined the Ontario Fire College as a cleaner on May 23. Sherry came from Huronia Regional Centre.
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
March 2006: 8 fatal fires resulting in 8 fire deaths
Age Group 0-15: Male - 0, Female - 0, Total - 0
Age Group 16-64: Male - 4, Female - 3, Total - 7
Age Group 65 and over: Male - 1, Female - 0, Total - 1
Total: Male - 5, Female - 3, Total - 8
Fire Cause - Accidental 3, Undetermined 0, Under Investigation 5, Incendiary 0
Time of Day - 0001-0800 - 4, 0801-1600 - 3, 1601-1800 - 0, 1801-0000 - 1
Locations of fatal fires: Brockville (1); Burlington (1); Centre Wellington (1); Kitchener (1); London (1); Mississauga (1); St.Thomas (1) and Zorra (1).
April 2006: 10 fatal fires resulting in 12 fire deaths
Age Group 0-15: Male - 3, Female - 0, Total - 3
Age Group 16-64: Male - 5, Female - 1, Total - 6
Age Group 65 and over: Male - 2, Female - 1, Total - 3
Total: Male - 10, Female - 2, Total - 12
Fire Cause - Accidental 4, Undetermined 2, Under Investigation 2, Incendiary 2
Time of Day - 0001-0800 - 1, 0801-1600 - 3, 1601-1800 - 0, 1801-0000 - 6
Locations of fatal fires: Bradford West Gwillimbury (1); Cambridge (1); Hamilton (2); Otonabee-South Monaghan (1); Ottawa(1); Plymton-Wyoming (1); Toronto (1); Woodstock (1) and Zorra (1).
May 2006: 11 fatal fires resulting in 11 fire deaths
Age Group 0-15: Male - 1, Female - 1, Total - 2
Age Group 16-64: Male - 3, Female - 2, Total - 5
Age Group 65 and over: Male - 1, Female - 3, Total - 4
Total: Male - 5, Female - 6, Total - 11
Fire Cause - Accidental 4, Undetermined 2, Under Investigation 4, Incendiary 1
Time of Day - 0001-0800 - 5, 0801-1600 - 3, 1601-1800 - 1, 1801-0000 - 2
Locations of fatal fires: Brampton (1); Essex (1); Hamilton (1); London (1); Ottawa (2); Smiths Falls (1); South Stormont (1); St. Catharines (2) and Toronto (1).
Gordon (Gord) MacCannell is the 2006 Mississauga Firefighter of the Year. Having started his fire career as a volunteer for the Mount Forest Fire Department in 1970, he joined Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services in 1997. During his 35 year career he has risen through the ranks to the position of District Chief.
District Chief MacCannell’s career has been a shining example of dedication to public service, and his loyalty to the men and women who serve him. He has consistently recognized issues of importance and opportunities to improve the fire service, often volunteering his time and energy to enhancing the safety of residents and his fellow firefighters. He is a founding member of the Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services Honour Guard, one of the very first Two Way Communication committee members, and the founding member of the Mississauga Fire Pipes and Drums. For these accomplishments MacCannell was recognized with the City’s CAFÉ Award for Leadership in February 2004. MacCannell is also a recipient of the Federal Medal for Exemplary Service, and the Province of Ontario Medal for Long Service as a firefighter.
MacCannell is a leader both on and off the job. On December 25, 2004 an automobile collision took place on Heart Lake Road in the Town of Caledon. One of the vehicles, containing a seriously injured female occupant, was also on fire as MacCannell came upon the incident on his way home from work. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, MacCannell passed a fire extinguisher he kept in his vehicle to a bystander and then crawled into the vehicle to tend to the victim until paramedics and rescue personnel arrived.
Although MacCannell believes he was just doing what he was trained to do in this situation, his actions were a testament to his dedication to the Ontario fire service. In October 2006, MacCannell will be retiring from Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services.
As an accomplished and valued member of his community, MacCannell has made a significant contribution to making Ontario safe.
District Chief Gordon MacCannell
Grade 8 classes in Trent Hills competed in a contest sponsored by the Hastings Fire Department in April. The contest entailed the students making a video about fire safety. Each year, Hastings Fire facilitates a number of fire safety programs for younger students in local schools. This year Hastings Fire thought it would be a good idea to get older students involved, as they were of age where they may be babysitting and helping with cooking.
The rules of the contest directed students to create a 10 to 15 minute video that would incorporate a variety of fire safety rules and recommendations such as Stop, Drop and Roll, safe use of candles, cooking hazards, information on fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, using 9-1-1, proper storage of flammables, and getting out and staying out of a building during a fire. The classes could present their video by using a video camera or a PowerPoint presentation on the computer.
In the end, everyone enjoyed participating in the contest and learned some important fire safety information too. The first prize of a digital camera and pizza for the class went to Mr. Genge’s class at Hastings PS. Second prize of $200 was awarded to Mrs. Anderson’s class at Percy Centennial.
At left, Gord Harrison of the Hastings Fire Department and Fire Chief Bill Kelly present teacher David Genge with the school’s new digicam, as the class celebrates with pizza and pop. Photo is courtesy of Brian Schuette.
Britain is in the grip of an arson epidemic with firefighters being targeted by booby traps designed to cause injury or death.
In one incident hypodermic needles were concealed by a fire hydrant, in another a carpet was placed over a hole in the floor of a derelict house before it was set ablaze.
Fire Chief Bob Taylor said: “The problem is getting worse. It has always gone on but these attacks are getting more malicious and more ingenious in the planning. It is not spur of the moment.”
Last year about 81.5 per cent of all incidents attended by South Yorkshire Fire Service were classed as arson attacks and it is a craze that is spreading across the country with the number of fires started deliberately skyrocketing by 135 per cent in the past 10 years.
The grim statistics come just weeks after a Sheffield family died in a blaze believed to have been started by arsonists outside their home.
Tony Brightmore, 68, his wife Pat, 65, and their blind son Steven, 35, died when a blazing wheelie bin trapped them in their home. Three juveniles were arrested and released on bail after questioning.
Fire Chief Taylor, who works with the South Yorkshire arson intervention team, blames the rise of arson on antisocial behaviour. “It is startling that there are so many arson attacks but it is a problem reflected across the country not just in South Yorkshire,” he said.
He added that the fire service runs a number of awareness campaigns in youth clubs and schools.
Fire Chief Taylor recalled other shocking incidents where firefighters had been shot at and lured into dead-end roads where they had been pelted with stones.
In another attempt to harm firefighters, arsonists put a cylinder in a burning car so that when the rescuers arrived to put out the blaze it would explode. Watch manager Mick Mason, whose crew went to the burning building which arsonists had booby trapped in Shefield by removing floorboards, said: “We go to work to protect people, not to have traps laid for us by people with a disregard for our safety. It has got to stop before it is too late.”
He warned that if firefighters had not used proper search procedures when entering the house a firefighter could have plunged through the hole and been seriously injured.
“Their experience came into play when they arrived at the house. They felt that something wasn’t quite right and did a thorough search of the property, discovering the trap that had been carefully laid for them.”
Excerpted from the February 28, 2006 edition of the International Express.
August 3-6-Fire Fighter’s Association of Ontario Convention-Essex, ON
August 24-Algoma, Sault Ste. Marie, Manitoulin, Nipissing, North Bay, Sudbury Investiture Awards-Sudbury, ON
September 14-16-FireCon-Thunder Bay, ON
September 14-Kenora, Rainy River, Thunder Bay Investiture Awards, Thunder Bay,ON
October 1-Firefighters’ Memorial Day-Gravenhurst, ON
October 8-14-Fire Prevention Week-Ontario
October 19-Hamilton-Wentworth, Haldimand-Norfolk, Niagara Investiture Awards-Niagara Falls, ON
November 15-17-Public Educators’ Conference-Cambridge, ON
The objective of Climbing the Ladder is to keep you informed and up to date on issues related to education and training within the Ontario fire service, and to adequately address your questions and concerns. If there is a particular issue you want covered, send the topic to the Editor of The Messenger and it will be passed on to the appropriate person in the OFM Academic Standards and Evaluation section.
BY DOUG GOODINGS
EXECUTIVE COORDINATOR
ACADEMIC STANDARDS & EVALUATION (AS&E)
In February 2006, the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM), Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) and various partners held a joint review session on the proposed changes to the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA’s) 472 Hazardous Materials Standard. Many concerns were raised at this joint working group and as a result, a draft of proposed changes was submitted to NFPA for review. Based on these proposals, Rose Barg, OFM and Andrew Kostiuk, Toronto Fire Services were invited to attend the NFPA 472 committee meeting in Arizona. They were able to present to the committee the concerns raised by the working group and also to make recommendations to the committee.
Their recommendations initiated new changes which will be forthcoming when the new NFPA 472 standard takes effect in January 2007.
Speaking of standards, the new revised NFPA 1001 standard is now available for review and comments. Once the OFM AS&E section has reviewed the proposed changes, all stakeholders and partners will be advised of the potential impact of the new standard. The new standard is planned to come into effect for January 2007.
As of the end of November 2005, the OFM has received the following new accreditations:
IFSAC NFPA 472-Hazardous Materials Technician OFM Fire Protection Adviser Program Fire Prevention Officer Certification Program
PROBOARD NFPA 472-Hazardous Materials Operation NFPA 472-Hazardous Materials Technician
Fire service certification update
Firefighter Certification Program Departments enrolled-190 -Firefighters enrolled-15,498 Total certified career firefighters-1,738 -Total certified firefighters-616
Fire Prevention Officer Certification Program Departments enrolled-85 -Fire Prevention Officers enrolled-481 Total certified Fire Prevention Officers-161
Company Officer Certification Program Departments enrolled-74 -Company Officers enrolled-1,181 Total certified Company Officers-29
Training Officer Certification Program Departments enrolled-42 -Training Officers enrolled-129
Public Fire & Life Safety Educator’s Certification Total certified Public Fire & Life Safety Educators-140 Statistics as of May 30, 2006.
BY ROBERT KIRKPATRICK
CAPTAIN,
MISSISSAUGA FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES
Although many provinces and municipal groups have paid homage to the firefighters who have died in the line of duty, there has never been a Canadian Firefighters Memorial, a truly national, Canadian Memorial.
Beginning in 1997, a group of committed individuals from the Ottawa-Gatineau region decided to make the Foundation and Memorial a reality. Working with the Council of Canadian Fire Marshals and Fire Commissioners, the National Capitol Commission, the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, the City of Ottawa, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (U.S.) and firefighters from every part of Canada, goals were set, activities begun and the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation was officially born in May 2003.
This registered, non-profit, charitable organization is made up of members of the Canadian Fire Service and other interested citizens dedicated to honouring Canada’s fallen firefighters.
The Foundation’s main goal of establishing the Canadian Firefighters Memorial is well underway. The Foundation has had early success with the introduction, through M.P. Peter Julian (NDP- Burnaby), and passing of private members Bill M-153; “to support the proposed Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation mandate for the construction of a monument in a prominent position in the National Capital containing the names of all Canadian firefighters who have died in the line of duty”. Granted a prime location for the memorial from the National Capitol Commission across the street from the new War Museum in the LeBreton Flats area of Ottawa, the Foundation has also hired well-known Public Art Manager Karen Mills from Toronto to conduct a national design competition.
Each year, the annual firefighters memorial ceremony is held on the second Sunday in September in the Nation’s capitol. The ceremony enables the Canadian fire service to acknowledge the sacrifices made in communities across Canada every year and make a formal presentation to the families. On September 10, 2006 the honourary host will be Service de Sécurité Incendie de Montréal when those killed in the line of duty in 2005 will be honoured.
Fundraising for the $3 million project is currently underway. All contributions are welcomed and tax-deductible (Charity #88214 6509 RR0001) and can be made via the Foundation’s website at www.cfff.ca. From a wildland water-bomber pilot in B.C. to a volunteer firefighter in Newfoundland the Foundation is dedicated to making sure they will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
In a very rare case, the Peace Tower flag is lowered to half-mast for the 2005 annual Firefighters Memorial Ceremony. Hundreds of firefighters gather in front of a large Canadian flag suspended between aerial ladders from Ottawa and Gatineau to honour nine Canadian firefighters killed in the line of duty in 2004.
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