Emergency Services Report

Transcription

1 Emergency Services Report If this information is required in an alternate accessible format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at ext Report To: General Government Committee Date of Meeting: September 5, 2017 Report Number: ESD Resolution: GG File Number: Report Subject: By-law Number: Emergency and Fire Services 2016 Annual Report Recommendations: 1. That Report ESD be received for information.

2 Municipality of Clarington Report ESD Page 2 Report Overview The Emergency and Fire Services Department is responsible for delivering fire suppression and emergency response, fire prevention and public education programs in accordance with the Fire Protection and Prevention Act. Attachment 1 of this Report provides Council with an overview of the activities associated with the Department s Suppression and Fire Prevention Divisions for Background Staff have prepared the 2016 Annual Report (Attachment 1) and would like to highlight some key items, for your information. 1.1 Fire Suppression and Emergency Response Fire Suppression staff responded to 3,737 calls in 2016, an increase of 2.78% over The majority of our responses were Medical/Resuscitator calls at 54.29% however, Outdoor (No Loss) Fires saw the largest increase from 2015 to 2016 at 41.26%. Illegal burning was the cause of 35.96% of the Outdoor (No Loss) Fire incidents. Bowmanville and Orono experienced the highest call volume for illegal burns. We hope to see a decrease in the number of illegal burn incidents for 2017 as a result of a media release reminding residents about the Open-Air Burning By-law and the requirements needed to qualify for a burn permit. In addition, we saw a 16.13% decrease in the number of Property Fires/Explosions with fire loss however, it resulted in an increase of approximately $1,685,506 in terms of property value loss. 1.2 Fire Prevention We expanded our Fire Prevention team with the addition of Fire Prevention Inspector, Derek Fraser. This addition allows for each inspector to perform more regular inspections under their assigned occupancy types. The following occupancy types are divided among the 4 inspectors: Group A Assembly Occupancies Group B Care and Detention Occupancies Group C Residential Occupancies Where Occupant Load Exceeds 10 Group D Business and Personal Service

3 Municipality of Clarington Report ESD Page 3 Group E Mercantile Group F High Hazard Industrial Occupancies Medium Hazard Industrial Occupancies Low Hazard Industrial Occupancies Prevention staff are in the process of being cross-trained to enhance their knowledge on all occupancies within the municipality, thus increasing the efficiency of our inspection services. 2. Concurrence Not Applicable 3. Conclusion It is respectfully recommended that this Report be received for information. 4. Strategic Plan Application Not applicable. Submitted by: Reviewed by: Gord Weir, Director of Emergency & Fire Services Andrew C. Allison, B. Comm, LL.B CAO Staff Contact: Gord Weir, Director of Emergency & Fire Services, ext or gweir@clarington.net Attachments: Attachment 1 - Emergency and Fire Services 2016 Annual Report There are no interested parties to be notified of Council's decision. GW/pm

4 Annual Report 2016 Clarington Emergency and Fire Services Enhancing Public Fire Safety is Priority #1

5 Message from the Director of Emergency Services / Fire Chief On behalf of Clarington Emergency and Fire Services (CEFS), I am pleased to present the 2016 Annual Report. This report provides an overview of the activities associated with the Department s Emergency Response and Fire Prevention Division. Throughout the year, CEFS continued to pursue opportunities to improve overall performance. Examples include investments in equipment such as the purchase of a new Pumper for Station 1, installation of CriSys response screens at Station 3 and 5 and the hiring of one additional Fire Inspector. Staff also trained for preparedness on conspicuous properties such as the decommissioned Goodyear plant, the Durham York Energy Centre and the Port Hope Area Initiative at Port Granby. As Clarington continues to grow, develop and diversify, we will continue to monitor ongoing challenges and work hard to capitalize on future opportunities brought significant achievements. CEFS staff with 5 or more years of service were processed through the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management (OFMEM) grandfathering certification as Firefighter, Officer, Instructor or a combination thereof. This certification was issued to 121 staff based on their years of experience and training. Our vision for the future is to continue to increase fire safety and fire prevention through education and prevention mechanisms and to provide high quality, efficient and effective emergency response. We have begun investigating the use of laptops on our Pumpers and a new self-contained breathing apparatus face piece that includes a thermal imaging camera to improve the capabilities of our suppression staff. In addition, we are reviewing the purchase of tablets for Fire Prevention inspectors to assist them in providing a more efficient service. None of our achievements are possible without the support of the Mayor, members of Council, Municipal Staff and the hard work and dedication of CEFS staff serving the Municipality of Clarington. Gord Weir

6 2016 Highlights

7 Who We Are and What We Do Clarington has five accredited fire stations that are located in specific areas within the Municipality to provide the best emergency response and coverage of a large geographic area. CEFS is the only composite fire service in the southern area of Durham Region. Station 1 Bowmanville Station 2 Newcastle Station 3 Orono Station 4 Courtice Station 5 Enniskillen Our greatest asset is our personnel; a group of highly trained, dedicated individuals who pride themselves on customer service excellence. Division Number of Personnel Director/Fire Chief 1 Deputy Fire Chiefs 2 Administrative Assistant 1 Clerks 2 Suppression - Fulltime 56 Mechanical Maintenance 1 Training 2 Fire Prevention 5 Suppression - Volunteers 125 Total Personnel 195

8 What Services Do We Provide? 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 and Fire Services upholds the tradition of a composite Department and with their skill and knowledge respond without boundary 1. Fire Safety Education Educate the public on fire/life safety through our public education programs, hall tours, safety lectures and fire safety training. Our public education programs include: Alarmed For Life Program Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week Community Fire Safety Programs Family Safety Day Fire Prevention Week Junior Firefighter Program Portable Fire Extinguisher Training The Arson Prevention Program for Children (TAPPC) 2. Fire Prevention, Inspection and Enforcement Inspect commercial, residential, vulnerable occupancies and industrial mercantile for Fire Code compliance Enforce the Fire Code and related fire safety standards 3. Emergency Response (Suppression) Respond to emergencies including: Fire, CO alarms, medical, accidents, natural disasters and public hazards

9 Celebrating Success Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal The Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal program, 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. In 2016 the following recipients achieved the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal: Stewart Richardson, Firefighter 20 year Federal Medal Mike McKelvie, Volunteer Captain 20 year Federal Medal Richard Osborne, Volunteer Firefighter 20 year Federal Medal 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. In 2016, the following recipients achieved the Ontario Fire Services Long Service Medal: Jeff Dawson, Captain 25 year Provincial Medal Richard Day, Acting Captain 25 year Provincial Medal Norm Tillson, Volunteer Captain - 35 Year Provincial Bar Steve Chad, Volunteer District Chief 25 year Provincial Medal Promotions Senior Training Officer, Tim Calhoun was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief. Volunteer firefighters Mike McKelvie and Jamie Davidson were promoted to the rank of Captain.

10 Departures Deputy Fire Chief Mark Berney 31 Years of Service Captain Don Chambers 27 Years of Service Acting Captain Carl Coatham 27 Years of Service Volunteer Firefighter Richard Griffin 31 Years of Service 100 s of fires, 1,000 s of emergency calls, so many lives saved and everlasting memories. Thank you for your dedication and services to the Municipality of Clarington.

11 Fire Prevention Fire Prevention staff perform a variety of functions in accordance with the FPPA and policies of the Department with one goal in mind; creating a fire safe community. These functions are implemented through public education programs and fire inspections. Fire Safety Education We strive to educate the public about fire safety through various education programs, hall tours and community events as well as provide safety lectures and fire safety training to families, community groups, schools, clubs and businesses in Clarington. A total of 163 public education activities were performed in 2016, an increase of 23.48% from The table below provides a breakdown of the various public education activities we attended. Public Education Activity Volume Station Tours 26 School Visits 20 Fire Safety House Visits 4 Public Events 44 Safety Lectures 42 Extinguisher Training Events 10 Fire Truck Visits 4 TAPP-C Attendance (The Arson Prevention Program for Children) Alarmed for Life Program Staff visited 519 homes across Clarington for the Alarmed for Life Program. This is a community-based program that is conducted during the months of June to October with the focus on three core components: Smoke Alarms; educate residents on the importance of working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms are critical for life safety and are required on all levels of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Alarms must be replaced within the time specified in the manufacturer s instructions. Carbon Monoxide Detectors; must be located outside all sleeping areas if you have an attached garage, a fireplace and/or a fuel fired appliance such as natural gas and oil. Home Escape Plan; communicating the importance of having a home escape plan with recommendations of practicing the plan with 2 ways out to a predetermined spot.

12 Pre-Planning and Familiarization Program The goal of the Pre-Planning and Familiarization Program is to enhance firefighter safety and the safety of citizens during an emergency response by providing firefighters with knowledge of buildings in the community. This knowledge enables suppression crews to pre-plan their actions in the event of an emergency. The Senior Fire Prevention Officer administers the program prioritizing crew s pre-planning of the following building types: Residential and Commercial buildings Industrial Buildings with high fire loading Group D Buildings (Business and Personal Services Occupancies) Group E Buildings (Mercantile Occupancies) A total of 75 businesses, including the decommissioned Goodyear plant and the Durham York Energy Centre were visited between the months of May and October. Family Safety Day and Fire Prevention Week On September 24 we held our 16 th annual Family Safety Day, alongside various organizations to share safety tips and educate the community. The focus was reminding residents about the importance of checking the expiration date on existing CO and smoke alarms. The message for 2016 s Fire Prevention Week was Don t Wait Check the Date, Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years. This message was provided through the distribution of literature and reusable shopping bags to approximately 3,500 attendees.

13 Among the interactive exhibits by Emergency and Fire Services, safety agencies, local businesses and organizations, there were lots of activities, demonstrations and information for all ages, including presentations from some of the groups attending. A total of 65 organizations participated in Family Safety Day, an increase of 14% from Junior Firefighter Program On July 3, CEFS and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) welcomed the first group of boys and girls to participate in the 23rd annual Junior Firefighter Program. This program runs for 5 weeks during the months of July and August and teaches 200 children, ages 10 and 11 the importance of fire safety, the role of a firefighter and what actions to take in the presence of an emergency. The children learn some great fire safety and personal safety skills as well as team work skills. Community emergency responders such as the Region of Durham Paramedic Services and Durham Regional Police came to speak to them about their jobs. Staff from OPG s Wesleyville Fire and Rescue Training Academy also came to the fire hall to teach the junior firefighters about fire extinguishers and spraying water from a fire hose. Each day the children are provided assignments to reinforce the key learnings of the day with the hopes that our fire safety messages prompt discussion and teach all members of the household. As one parent expressed it was the catalyst for a lot of excellent fire safety conversations. Thanks to the generous donations and support from Ontario Power Generation, our community and local businesses, the program continues to be a great success. Fire Inspections In 2016, CEFS expanded our Fire Prevention team and welcomed Fire Prevention Inspector, Derek Fraser. Our team of inspectors perform inspections and fire investigations following a complaint, request, retrofit, or when self-initiated in accordance with the Fire Protection and Prevention Act (FPPA) and policies of the department.

14 The following occupancy types are inspected on a regular basis: Group A Assembly Occupancies Group B Care and Detention Occupancies Group C Residential Occupancies Where Occupant Load Exceeds 10 High Hazard Industrial Occupancies Medium Hazard Industrial Occupancies Low Hazard Industrial Occupancies A total of 341 inspections were conducted in The table below lists the total number of inspection services performed. Inspection Service Volume Inspections 341 Complaints Response 141 Burn Permits 117 Fire Safety Plans Reviews 73 General Plans Reviews 224 Site Visits 85 Fire Investigations 14 FPPA Part 3 Charges Laid 7 FPPA Part 1 Charges Laid 1

15 Fire Suppression Clarington s fire suppression staff consists of 56 fulltime and 125 volunteer firefighters who deliver fire suppression services in both an offensive and defensive mode, including search and rescue operations, forcible entry, ventilation, protecting exposures, salvage and overhaul as appropriate. Suppression staff also provide pre-hospital care through medical acts such as defibrillation, standard first aid and cardio pulmonary resuscitation. In 2016, 13 new volunteer recruits were hired toward maintaining a compliment of 25 volunteer firefighters for each of our five stations. Every year staff perform vital training necessary to meet the legislative requirements of the Ontario Fire Prevention and Protection Act (FPPA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Ontario (OHSA). The Senior Training Officer develops and implements the training program for each year. Annual training, includes but is not limited to, fire suppression both offensive and defensive, vehicle extrication, pre-hospital care, rope rescue, water/ice rescue and hazardous material. Training expanded in the following areas: Rehabilitation Trailer; reviewed the importance of a rehab trailer, when and how it should be used and familiarization of where to locate equipment. It is designed to create a controlled space for firefighters at the scene of an incident or during training to: Break from strenuous activity to help stabilize vital signs Rehydrate and replace lost fluids/plasma volume Restore core temperature through active cooling or warming Receive medical monitoring and treatment Provide relief from extreme climatic conditions (heat, cold, wind, rain) Refuel: calories and electrolytes Live Fire Training Wesleyville; each year suppression staff attend live fire training with staff from Ontario Power Generation at Wesleyville. This mandated training allows staff to train on new skills and technology in fire suppression activities as well provides the opportunity to train on communication and coordination with OPG staff in the event of a fire or other incident at the nuclear generating station. CP Rail Crude by Rail; this year two of our Captains attended a Crude by Rail course with Canadian Pacific Rail on train derailment. This mission specific training allowed our Captains to share their knowledge with the Training Officer and staff.

16 Hybrid and Electric Vehicles; as technology continues to evolve, more hybrid and electric vehicles are being driven. Staff are trained to be aware of common safety concerns in vehicle stabilization procedures when attending an incident that involves at hybrid or electric vehicle. Firefighter Survival Prop; a firefighter survival prop was built to train suppression staff on self-rescue techniques in the event of entrapment during an incident. Our Training Division staff regularly take in depth courses in various specialties and vocations that supply them with the necessary materials and skills to share with our Department and enhance suppression capabilities.

17 Emergency Response Statistics In 2016, crews were dispatched to a total of 3,737 emergency incidents of which 167 (4.67%) were fires with an estimated dollar loss of $6,248,757. The following is a summary of emergency incidents by response type Incident Breakdown Response Type 2015 Volume 2016 Volume % Change Volume 2016 % of Total Incidents Property Fires / Explosions % 2.09% Outdoor (No Loss Fires) % 2.38% Burning Controlled % 3.18% CO False Calls % 5.01% False Fire Calls % 8.48% Medical/Resuscitator Call 1,925 2, % 54.29% Other Response % 6.58% Overpressure Rupture/Explosion (No Fire) % 0.08% Pre Fire Conditions/No Fire % 1.77% Public Hazard % 3.91% Rescue % 12.23% Call Volume by Geographical Area Geographical Area Call Volume Bowmanville and surrounding area 1780 Newcastle and surrounding area 625 Orono and surrounding area 222 Courtice and surrounding area 964 Enniskillen and surrounding area 146 Annual Totals Event Type Call Volume 3,411 3,405 3,483 3,636 3,737 Civilian Injuries Firefighter Injuries Fatalities Dollar Loss $3,685,813 $2,995,046 $5,661,800 $4,563,251 $6,248,757

18 Acknowledgments Clarington Emergency and Fire Services would like to acknowledge all agencies, businesses and organizations that have collaborated with us this past year. We are grateful for your support. Our goals are ambitious and your contributions make it all possible. We are thankful for the continued support of: Ontario Power Generation because of your partnership with us, we are able to provide residents with Family Safety Day and our Junior Firefighter program and continued training and professional development for our front line staff. Durham Regional Police - for your efforts in providing community safety and continued support of our firefighters during emergency situations and participation in our Junior Firefighter Program. Region of Durham Paramedic Services - for working together with us on scene and helping educate residents by participating in our Junior Firefighter Program and Family Safety Day. Red Cross - for providing temporary arrangements to our residents who are displaced during an emergency. Tim Horton s of Clarington and Salvation Army for providing food and beverages to our residents and firefighters during emergencies.

19 Connect