Emergency & Fire Services Annual Report

Transcription

1 Emergency & Fire Services 2008 Annual Report

2 EMERGENCY & FIRE SERVICES OUR VISION We are DEDICATED to a FIRE SAFE COMMUNITY OUR MISSION To ensure we deliver SERVICE EXCELLENCE through public education, prevention, training and emergency response OUR VALUES Every member of Clarington Emergency & Fire Service upholds the tradition of a composite department and with their skill and knowledge RESPOND WITHOUT BOUNDARY

3 Table of Contents Message from Director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief 1 Organizational Structure Fire Station Locations 3 Response Types 4 Response Statisitics Fire Loss Statisitics Fire Cause Statisitics Major Fire List Significant Fires Fire Prevention & Public Education 13 Training & Professional Deveopment 16 Emergency & Fire Services 2008 Budget 17 Master Fire Plan 18 Service Medals 19 Acknowledgements / Announcements 20

4 Message from the Director of Emergency Services / Fire Chief Your Worship Mayor J. Abernethy and Members of Council the information contained in this report is a summary of the activities of Clarington Emergency and Fire Services for the year ending December 31, The number of incidents reported to the Ontario Fire Marshal s Office in 2008 was 3529, a reduction of 2.2% from The number of incidents over the past five years is up 23.5%. The number of Property Fires in is down 24% from 2007 and over the past five years down 2.6%. The decline in fires is a result of fewer Grass Fires. However the number of fires in all other property classifications has increased along with dollar loss totals. Clarington firefighters completed the second year of a three year training program titled Back to Basics. The Department s career firefighters have completed their Basic Rope Rescue training and now offer this technical rescue service. Through the Central East Pre-Hospital Care Program firefighters are continually updating their Emergency Medical Responder skills to meet the requirements of the North American Resuscitation Consortium Study (ROC). Over the next several months the Departments Training Committee will be developing an updated model for "Skill Center Training". In 2008 the delivery of Public Education programs was again paramount. Programs facilitated by Fire Prevention Staff reached over 17,000 citizens of all demographics. Inspections of basement apartments, industrial, commercial and assembly occupancies continue to be priorities of Inspection staff. The Master Fire Plan was updated and received by Council in October Staff will continue to develop strategies to address the challenges facing Clarington. In closing, I ask you to join the staff of Clarington Emergency & Fire Services in working together for a Fire Safe Community and remind you that working smoke alarms on every level of your home is the law. Thank you Gord Weir Director of Emergency Services / Fire Chief 1

5 2 Emergency & Fire Services Organizational Chart

6 Fire Station Locations The five fire stations are strategically located through out the Municipality Station Hwy 2 Bowmanville Station King Ave E. Newcastle Station Main St. Orono Station Trulls Rd. Courtice Station Concession Rd. 8 Enniskillen Station 5 Station 3 Station 4 Station 1 Station 2 3

7 Response Types Suppression Staff respond to a variety of calls. The calls are reported to Council under the following Response Type headings: PROPERTY FIRE CALLS: includes a response by this Department to Fires involving structures, vehicles or open areas; Combustions Explosions (no fire); Overpressure Rupture, Munition Explosion No Fire; Overpressure Rupture No Fire, (e.g. Steam boilers, hot water tanks, pressure vessels, etc.); Munition Explosion No Fire (e.g. bombs, dynamites, other explosives, etc.); whether or not they result in property losses, injuries or deaths. BURNING COMPLAINTS: Includes a response to investigate Authorized and Unauthorized Controlled Burning Complaints. FALSE FIRE CALLS: Includes a response by this Department to Pre-Fire Conditions Overheat and Pot on Stove; and calls perceived to be an emergency and are concluded to be Alarm Equipment Malfunction, Alarm Equipment Accidental, Human Malicious, Human Perceived Emergency, Human Accidental, and Other False Fire Call PUBLIC HAZARD CALLS: Includes a response by this Department to Gas Leak Natural Gas, Gas Leak Propane, Gas Leak Refrigeration, Gas Leak Miscellaneous, Spill Gasoline or Fuel, Spill Toxic Chemical, Spill Miscellaneous, Radio active Material Problem, Ruptured Water, Steam Pipe, Power Lines Down, Arcing, Bomb, Explosive Removal, Standby, Co (carbon monoxide) reporting, and Other Public Hazard. RESCUE CALLS: Includes a response by the Department to a Vehicle Extrication, Vehicle Accident, Building Collapse, Commercial/Industrial Accident, Home/Residential Accident, Persons Trapped in Elevator, Water Rescue, Water Ice Rescue, and Other Rescues. MEDICAL ASSIST CALLS: Include a response by this Department to a patient(s) suffering from Asphyxia, Respiratory Condition, Convulsions, Epileptic, Diabetic Seizure, Electric Shock, Traumatic Shock, Heart Attack, CPR, Stroke, Drug Related, Alcohol Related, Cuts, Abrasions, Fracture, Burns, Person Fainted, Nausea MISCELLANEOUS CALLS: Includes a response by this Department to Assist another Fire Department, Assist Police, Assist Other Agencies, Other Public Service, 911 Unknown Calls and Other Responses 4

8 Response Statistics A year end audit of calls has changed the call totals previously reported to Council through the Monthly Activity Reports, total calls in 2008 was The following chart illustrates the five year trend in the Total Number of Calls and Number of Unit Response. Incident Type Property Fires/Explosions Burning Complaints False Fire Calls Public Hazard Calls Rescue Calls Medical Calls Other Responses Total Number of Calls % Change -2.2% 8.3% -4.6% 21.9% -0.4% Number of Unit Responses % Change -4.8% 21.1% -7.0% 26.0% -3.4% The following graph illustrates the 2008 ratio of calls using the Incident Type headings 8% 3% 14% Burning Complaints False Fire Calls Public Hazard Calls Rescue Calls Medical Calls Other Responses 49% 14% 12% 5

9 Response Statistics To provide for adequate staffing on-scene of a given call, the Department s number of truck responses has increased over the past five years proportionately to the total number of calls. The following graph illustrates the five year trend in Total Number of Calls and Total Number of Unit Responses Total Number of Calls Total Number of Unit Responses The Pumper truck is the Department s primary response truck with at least one based in each station. Again in 2008, Pumper 1 based in Bowmanville was the busiest truck in the fleet responding to just less than 2000 calls. The SCAT truck also based in Station 1, was utilized more this year as a primary response truck to Medical Calls. The SCAT truck reduced the normal call volume of Pumper 1 by 492 calls. The following graph illustrates the ratio of Total Calls the Pumper Trucks responded to. 20% Pumper 1 Pumper 2 Pumper 3 Pumper 4 Pumper 5 Pump 11 2% 4% 3% 35% Pumper 44 Scat % 4% 8%

10 Response Statistics The chart below illustrates the average response time for the Department s Primary Trucks to calls in their respective response areas. The time is measured from the time the truck is dispatched to the time it arrives at its destination. Pump 1 Pump 2 Pump 3 Pump 4 Pump 5 Pump 11 Pump 44 SCAT In 2008 Dispatcher/Firefighters answered 5,941 telephone calls, dispatched crews to 3,529 incidents to which 6,036 vehicle responses were required. The following graph illustrates a relationship between Calls into Dispatch Total Number of Calls Dispatched Total Number of Unit Responses Calls Into Dispatch Total Number of Calls Dispatched Total Number of Unit Responses The graph below illustrates the five year trend in call volume by the month. Over the past three years August and December have become the busier months for calls January February March April May June July August September October November December 7

11 Fire Loss Statistics The estimated dollar loss is the cost of actual damage to property and property contents, including open area losses. This amount includes direct losses resulting from fire, explosion, smoke, water or other damages associated with firefighting operations. The number of property fires in , was the lowest seen in the past five years. However the value of fire losses totalled $10,162,900, figures never seen before in Clarington. The graph below illustrates that in 2008 the largest number of fires occurred in property classes that fall under Miscellaneous Structures Property followed by Vehicles and Group C Residential occupancies. No fires were recorded for Group B Institutional Occupancies. Year Dollar Loss 2008 $10,162, $3,226, $2,043, $2,884, $4,590,050 0% Group B - Institutional Occupancies 29% Group C - Residential Group D - Business & Personal Services Occupancies Group E Mercantile Group F Industrial Occupancies Miscellaneous Structures/Property Vehicles 26% 3% 5% 3% 34% This graph illustrates the five year trend of fires in property classes Group A Group B Group C Group D Group E Group F Misc. Vehicles 8

12 Fire Cause Statistics Determining fire cause is the foundation to reducing the loss of life and property as a result of fire. In 2008 no loss of life was as a result of fire. An Incident is the result of a set of conditions and a sequence of events that lead to the ignition of a material by an ignition source. This sequence of events is usually initiated by human acts (something which is done) or human omissions (something which has not been done). These acts or omissions are the cause of the fire because they trigger the events which lead to ignition of the fire. The chart below identifies possible fire causes, the number of incidents and the associated dollar loss. Fire Cause Number of Incidents Associated Dollar Loss Cause (Possible) Intentional Arson 11 $78,800 Vandalism 6 $2,600 Youth Vandalism (ages 12 17) 10 $2,500 Cause (Possible) Unintentional Used or Placed to Close to Combustibles 3 $245,500 Used for the Purpose not Intended 2 $330,000 Undetermined 51 $3,041,700 Unattended 1 $370,000 Other 24 $4,369,600 Mechanical Failure 7 $77,000 Maintenance Deficiency 1 $500 Installation Deficiency 1 $500 Improperly Discarded 4 $20,000 Improper Storage 1 $255,000 Improper Handling 2 $5,000 Electrical Failure 22 $1,341,200 Vehicle Accidents 2 $23,000 Fire Cause in a large number of fires (24), has been classified Other. This code refers to a misuse of ignition source/ignited materials that cannot be classified under other codes. Fire cause in an even larger number of fires (51), has been classified Undetermined. This code is used for incidents where there is no information to provide a basis for determining that the possible cause is either Intentional or Unintentional. 9

13 Major Fire List Listed below is a summary of major fires occurring in the Municipality of Clarington in For the purpose of this report major fires are identified as those where fire loss exceeds $50,000. January 19, :55 Attached Dwelling $300,000 February 5, :41 Trailer Combination $100,000 February 5, :54 Detached Dwelling $100,000 February 12, :32 General Business Office $500,000 March 9, :28 Restaurants $2,100,000 March 30, :20 Detached Dwelling $350,000 April 2, :49 Detached Dwelling $210,000 April 14, :25 Detached Dwelling $300,000 April 18, :04 Detached Dwelling $370,000 April 29, :32 Other Mercantile (Downtown Fire) $3,100,000 June 5, :41 Detached Dwelling $60,000 July 17, :03 Detached Garage $245,000 July 17, :34 Trailer Combination $255,000 July 21, :12 Large Truck $54,000 August 9, :11 Detached Dwelling $70,000 September 4, :31 Other Metal/Electrical/Miscellaneous Products $100,000 September 16, :13 Detached Dwelling $100,000 September 24, :40 Other Business or Personal Services $450,000 December 12, :00 Detached Dwelling $350,000 December 15, :30 Barber Shop, Hairdresser, Beauty Parlour (Spa) $300,000 December 19, :25 Detached Dwelling $85,000 December 22, :14 Detached Dwelling $100,000 10

14 Significant Fires Although any fire can be devastating to the property owner, tenants, and the community alike, the following is a recap of the significant fires that occurred in Just before 07:00hrs on January 19, 2008, 27 firefighters responded to extinguish this residential fire. Although residential fires are more common than not, the significance to this devastating fire is that smoke alarms did there job, occupants were alerted and no injuries occurred. Fire destroyed Waste Management s Offices in Clarington on February 12, Apparatus was dispatched at 22:33hrs. Thirty-one firefighters were required to bring the fire under control. No occupants were present at the time of the fire as the office was closed for the day. Fire loss was estimated at $500,000 and resulted in the complete demolition of the building. Fire in Boston Pizza occurred in the early morning hours of March 9, Apparatus was dispatched at 05:28hrs, 26 firefighters remained on scene until early afternoon. No occupants were present at the time of the fire as the restaurant was closed. Fire loss was estimated at $2,100,000 and resulted in the complete demolition and re-build of Boston Pizza.. 11

15 Significant Fires Fire broke out in Lange s Photography at 08:30hrs on April 29, 2008 and for the next several hours over 50 firefighters from Clarington and Oshawa Fire Services would battle high winds to bring this fire in the historic downtown under control. Although many businesses and families were devastated by the fire, no injuries were recorded. On September 24, 2008 fire caused significant damage to a Newtonville landmark. This mid-afternoon fire was spotted by an employee who quickly evacuated the store and called 911. In the early morning hours of December 12, 2008 fire reduced this home to rubble. The 31 firefighters had no chance of saving the home or its contents as the fire had fully engulfed the home on their arrival. This residential fire was devastating in that everything in the home was destroyed but, if it were not for the family having an alternate plan of escape, this fire could have claimed more than property. 12

16 Fire Prevention & Public Education The duties of Fire Prevention staff include inspections arising from complaints, requests, retrofits, or self initiated inspections in accordance with the Fire Prevention and Protection Act and department policy. New construction inspections and plans review of buildings under construction in matters respective of fire protection systems and life safety within buildings are conducted in accordance with the Building Code, Ontario Fire Code and applicable By-laws. Zero tolerance remains our motto for offenders of the Ontario Fire Code, safety legislation, Acts, Regulations and Municipal By-laws relative to fire and life safety and offenders will be charged. Staff issued a total of 10 charges in Public fire safety education is achieved through the distribution of fire and life safety information and public education programs in accordance with the Fire Prevention and Protection Act and department policy. The Departments residential smoke alarm awareness program titled Alarm for Life is ongoing. Providing suppression staff with technical support and training in fire prevention disciplines enhances the knowledge of responders, and provides for efficient and effective resolutions to emergency situations. The graph below illustrates that over 85% of staff s efforts is dedicated to providing a minimum level of life safety and property protection in Clarington. 1% 10% Fire Inspections Complaint Inspections Fire Safety Plans Review Fire Investigations Plans Review In-House Training Sessions Public Education Events 33% 41% 1% 3% 11% 13

17 Fire Prevention & Public Education Examining and investigating fire scenes and interviewing witnesses in an effort to determine cause and origin of fires and provide the foundation for public educational programs in Clarington is a key role of fire prevention staff. Of the 148 fires extinguished, fire cause was determined in 91 cases, 51 fires remain undetermined and 3 cases remain under investigation. Implementing effective public education programs in an effort to reduce the number of fires, lives and property affected by fire is paramount. In 2008 public education programs reached an estimated 17,000 residents and visitors to Clarington. Family Safety Day, Orono Fair, and Canada Day celebrations are typical public events staff attended. The graph below illustrates the public education programs that draw the larger audiences. Station Tours School Visits Fire Safety House Visits Public Events Safety Lectures Fire Extinguisher Demonstrations Fire Truck Visits Junior Firefighter Camp 42% 1% 1% 1% 4% 6% 9% 36% 14

18 Fire Prevention & Public Education Saturday, September 27, 2008 was Family Safety Day in Clarington. Although the weather conditions were less than ideal an estimated 3,500 visitors attended the event. This year s event to take place on Saturday, September 26, 2009 will again feature community minded safety organizations providing awareness to everyone on personal safety and emergency preparedness. Junior Firefighter Program Youth 10 years of age are given the opportunity to spend one week in junior firefighter camp. Students are provided skills in firefighting, personal safety, police and emergency medical services marked our 14 th year of the program. Fire Chief for a Day The 2008 Fire Chief for a Day contestant winner was 10 year old Jamie Adamson from Courtice North Public School. Congratulations Jamie. 15

19 Training & Professional Development Training & professional development of the Department s 48 career and 125 volunteer firefighters is the responsibility of the Training Officer. Developing personnel to the Ontario Fire Service Standards, industry best practices, Occupational Health & Safety Regulations, and the expectations of Council requires an extraordinary commitment. The Department will be assessing the current and long term requirements of this division and bring forward a plan that meets the needs of the Department. Division highlights in 2008 included: Firefighters completing the second year of a three year Back to Basics training program which has been focusing on skill sets of the Ontario Firefighter Curriculum. Through the Central East Pre-Hospital Care Program firefighters updated their Emergency Medical Responder skills to meet the requirements of the North American Resuscitation Consortium Study (ROC). Completed annual Water/Ice recertification; Participated in on-going maintenance training topics; The Introduction of a Confined Space Awareness program; The introduction of a Firefighter Survival training program; The introduction of a Safety Officer Program; The introduction of a Pump Operator/Apparatus Driver Training Program; The introduction of Rapid Intervention Team Paks; The introduction of a new Aerial truck and Pumper truck; Completion of the Basic Rope Rescue training; Firefighters re-qualifying to the skill sets of the Emergency Medical Responder program; and Ten new volunteer firefighters graduating from basic training. 16

20 Emergency & Fire Services 2008 Budget In 2008, Clarington Emergency & Fire Services operating budget totaled approximately $7,316,016. This graph illustrates the operating budgets over the past five years. Emergency & Fire Services Emergency & Fire Services 2008 Budget Allocation 2008 Operating Budget by Division 14.4% 9.5% 0.5% 1.1% 5.3% 1.6% 17.2% 6.0% Salaries & Benfits 85.6% Other Expenditures 59.0% Administration Suppression Communications Part-Time Stations Prevention Training Mechanical MEOC 17

21 Master Fire Plan The original Master Fire Plan was written in The Master Fire Plan was updated in 2008 providing a current overview of the following Divisions: Administration Training Maintenance Suppression Prevention and Education Communications and Dispatching Clarington Emergency & Fire Services operates under the permission and legislative requirements of the Province of Ontario. The most important legislative requirement is the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Part of the responsibility of the fire department is to ensure there is an ongoing assessment of its performance and needs. Emergency Services will reference the Master Fire Plan as strategies are developed to face the challenges of both existing and new development within Clarington. Funding for strategic initiatives will continue to be requested through the annual budget process. 18

22 Service Medals Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal The Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal, created on August 29, 1985, honours members of a recognized Canadian fire service who have completed 20 years of service, ten years of which have been served in the performance of duties involving potential risks, and were employed on or after the date of creation of the Medal. Exemplary service is characterized by good conduct, industry and efficiency. The Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal was awarded to the following in 2008 Volunteer Captain Scott Yeo Volunteer District Chief Jeff Langley Captain Don Chambers Captain Ron Klosinski Captain Gary Oliver Captain Ted Ruiter Ontario Fire Services Long Service Medal First awarded in 1971, The Ontario Fire Services Long Service Medal is an expression of appreciation and recognition of uniformed staff for 25 years of dedication and hard work within the Ontario fire service. At 30 years of service and every 5 years thereafter, a service bar may be requested and added to the medal s ribbon. Spouses of medal recipients receive a companion brooch. The dedication and commitment these firefighters have given to our Municipality is truly appreciated. 19

23 Acknowledgements / Announcements Clarington Emergency & Fire Service would like to acknowledge the following: Quarry Lake Golf Course, who open their gates for the Department to facilitate ice/water rescue training and annual fire pump testing. Ontario Power Generation, for their continued support of the Junior Firefighter Program and for the training and professional development of this department s frontline staff. Firefighter Richard Day graduated from the Company Officer Program Captain Gary Dusseldorp graduated from the Company Officer Program Ryan Ball, of Bowmanville who received a Fire Marshal s Public Fire Safety Action Award. Ryan s actions provided for the escape from Scarborough house fire in Ryan was Clarington s Fire Chief for the Day in After receiving his award Ryan posed for a number of pictures including one with Chief Weir and Patrick Burke, Ontario Fire Marshal Clarington Emergency & Fire Service welcomes the following members of our community into the volunteer rank and file: Derek McCron, Station 1 James Douma, Station 2 Mark Lathangue, Station 2 Patrick Racine, Station 4 Nigel Radley, Station 4 Mallory Ayer, Station 4 Christopher Grani, Station 5 Robert Page, Station 5 Samuel Graham, Station 5 20 Pasquale Mastrangelo, Station 5