2016 Annual Report. Niagara Falls Fire Department. Fire Chief Jim Boutilier

Transcription

1 2016 Annual Report Niagara Falls Fire Department Fire Chief Jim Boutilier

2 INDEX 1 NIAGARA FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT Message from the Chief... 2 Mission, Vision, Values... 3 Fire Administration... 4 Organizational Structure... 5 Budget... 6 Buildings... 6 Staffing...7 Fleet... 8 Suppression... 9 Fire Prevention...10 Communications Division Training Division Emergency Management What was new in 2016?... 21

3 2 NIAGARA FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT Message from the Chief With Niagara Falls unique response area, we are faced with multiple challenges requiring different skills to cover the risks. Although one specialty response may not represent a unique situation, the various response types found in our city create a fire department that is uniquely Niagara Falls. Some of the challenges we face include; density issues created routinely by myriads of tourists and traffic more particularly in the peak tourist season, highways, international bridges and their associated traffic patterns, high-angle topography within the gorge, a high-rise city core area second only to Toronto, Falls rescues, high-angle canal issues with fast flowing waterways, highly urban and rural landscapes, etc. All of these factors present significant demands for the department, making it challenging for this organization, along with the significant responsibility to the residents, visitors and those employed by our city. The goal of the Niagara Falls Fire Department is to reduce the loss of life and property and the protection of the environment. One way in which this is achieved is through public fire and life safety education to the children and citizens of our community. Public fire and life safety education are very important parts of the overall activities of the fire department and the Fire Prevention Division. Our public education initiatives strive to teach every person who lives, learns, works and plays in our community, fire and life safety The Fire Department s response is currently being fulfilled by 22 on-duty fulltime firefighters and 82 volunteer firefighters, augmented by staff in our Communications, Training, Fire Prevention and Administration divisions. The following is a synopsis of the Niagara Falls Fire Department in We look forward to continuous improvement and a continued high level of service to our community. Jim Boutilier Fire Chief

4 3 NIAGARA FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT Mission, Vision, Values Mission: The Niagara Falls Fire Department is committed to safely protecting life, property and the environment through education, prevention and emergency response. Vision: Eliminate loss of life and property, injuries, and environmental damage from fire. Values: Leadership Teamwork Accountability Respect Everyone takes the lead One for all Do the right thing Give and you shall receive

5 4 NIAGARA FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Administration Fire Administration consists of the Fire Chief, Deputy Chief of Administration, Deputy Chief of Operations, Executive Secretary, Secretary 1 and Chaplain, operating out of the Stan Thomson Fire Administration Building on Morrison Street. The Chief is responsible for 238 career and volunteer staff. The support position of Chaplain was filled in 2013 after a long search to replace our previous Chaplain. Pastor Brad Peters was announced as the successful candidate from First Baptist Church in Niagara Falls. Since his appointment, Brad was ordained as a Reverend and has attended numerous fire department events.

6 5 NIAGARA FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT Organizational Structure

7 Budget 6 NIAGARA FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT The budget for the Fire Department is identified through Operating and Capital allocations approved by Council. Operating budget - $20,133,166 Capital budget - $730,000 The Fire Department worked throughout the year from a 2014 Agreement with the Niagara Falls Professional Fire Fighters Association. Buildings The Niagara Falls Fire Department operates from six (6) fire stations and one administration building. The City owns five of the six fire stations, with a portion of Fire Station 5 on Sodom Road being leased to the City by the Willoughby Volunteer Fire Department. The Engineering and design work for Fire Station 7 is well underway. The diesel fume extraction system has been installed at all six (6) fire stations. Fire Department Headquarters at 5809 Morrison Street underwent renovations in 2016 with the administration area receiving updates of new paint, carpet and furniture for the Administration staff.

8 Staffing 7 NIAGARA FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT There are 131 full-time employees operating from four divisions; Suppression, Fire Prevention, Training and Communications, and an approved complement of 104 volunteer firefighters. Three full-time stations are based in the urban area of the city and three volunteer stations are located in the suburban/rural area of the city. Full-time staffing is 29 staff on each of four shifts. If staffing is below 22 full-time firefighters on any shift, firefighters are hired to fill the positions. There were three (3) retirements in A full-time recruit class of nine (9) took place. Two recruit classes were conducted: a class of nine (9) full-time staff and nine (9) volunteer recruits who since graduated. The approved complement of 104 volunteer firefighters is divided between the three volunteer stations. Volunteer staffing numbers at the end of 2016 are reflective of recruitment and retention issues plaguing municipalities across the province. Staffing District Station 4 Chippawa Station 5 Willoughby Station 6 Crowland Approved Complement Staffing Dec. 31, When a responding district requires more resources than available, additional districts are called in to assist. For example, if a structure fire occurs in the Station 5 district, Station 6 and Pumper 2 are dispatched as well. Although this provides an alternative supply of staffing, there is a reduction of timely initial full response to the district as a result. Station 2 staff still responds into the Station 4 area 24 hours per day.

9 8 NIAGARA FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT Fleet The main apparatus includes 9 pumpers, 2 aerials, 2 heavy rescues, 2 light rescues, 1 rescue/hazmat unit, 1 tanker and one pumper/tanker. All vehicles are serviced by mechanics from the Municipal Works department who work with manufacturers and suppliers to ensure the fleet is appropriately serviced and maintained. Work was completed on acquiring a new pumper to replace a nonrepairable apparatus, at the recommendation of the City Mechanics.

10 9 NIAGARA FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT Suppression Fire suppression crews responded to 5,678 calls with a wide variety of response types as indicated below. Response Types Response Type Property Fires/Explosions SubTotal % Total Calls 2.94% Overpressure/Rupture/Explosion SubTotal % Total Calls 0.10% Pre-Fire Conditions - No Fire SubTotal % Total Calls 2.88% Burning (Controlled) SubTotal % Total Calls 4.01% False Fire Calls SubTotal % Total Calls 9.93% CO False Calls SubTotal % Total Calls 4.27% Public Hazard SubTotal % Total Calls 2.94% Rescue SubTotal % Total Calls 8.41% Medical/Resuscitator Calls Other Response Annual Response Totals SubTotal % Total Calls 45.26% SubTotal % Total Calls 19.21% Total Calls

11 10 NIAGARA FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire Prevention Public Education The Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 was proclaimed into law on October 29, 1997 and introduced a new framework for the provision of fire protection in Ontario. This includes specific roles for the province and municipalities. Within this framework, municipalities are responsible for funding and delivering services and the province is responsible for providing advice, guidance and support to municipalities. The vision of the FPPA is that every resident of Ontario will receive an appropriate level of fire protection. Fire Prevention Week: October 9 th - 15 th 2016 "Don t Wait - Check the Date: Replace Smoke Alarms Every Ten Years was the 2016 theme for Fire Prevention Week. The theme encouraged the public to check their smoke alarms manufacture date and replace any that exceed ten (10) years. The Fire Prevention Division hosted their annual kick-off open house at Station 1 on Saturday, September 24. Traditionally, the event is hosted on the first Saturday of Fire Prevention Week but, with historically undesirable weather, the event was moved forward two weeks. The event would not be successful without the support from the suppression division and volunteer departments. A barbeque was also held at the event to raise proceeds for Camp BUCKO and a total of $ was donated. Another contributing factor to the success of this event is the partnering with the local Home Depot store. This event coincided with "Home Depot Fire Safety Days which is an event promoted by the Fire Marshal s Public Fire Safety Council.

12 11 NIAGARA FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT The Fire Prevention Division also promoted Fire Prevention Week and fire safety messaging by attending locations throughout the city to distribute materials and speak to the public. The MacBain Centre, Public Library, Cineplex, Home Depot and Gale Centre were all venues that provided staff with space to set up displays during the week. Along with the Suppression Division, Fire Prevention staff attended all elementary schools in the city to conduct fire drills during this week. This is an important program that Niagara Falls Fire runs every Fire Prevention Week and helps to ensure that fire safety and preparedness is on the minds of staff and students in our local schools. Along with schools, fire drills were also conducted at the majority of city owned/operated buildings. They included City Hall, Service Centre, Gale Centre, and the Coronation Centre. Wake Up! Campaign May 2016 marked the fifth year that Niagara Falls Fire ran the Wake-Up Campaign. This program targets areas in the city where homes were built without required smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. Firefighters attended these neighbourhoods and visited door-to-door ensuring required detection was in place, installing where alarms were absent and providing fire safety literature to the occupants of the home. Some of these neighbourhoods have experienced fires and efforts are specifically concentrated in these areas to ensure that all residents have the necessary life safety devices in their homes. In 2016, members of the Niagara Falls Fire Department attended 1,275 homes and were able to enter 362. Of the homes entered, a total of 92 smoke alarms were installed, 37 carbon monoxide alarms installed, 49 combination smoke/co alarms installed and 80 batteries were replaced. Of the 375 homes entered, 134 or 37% were in full compliance with the requirements of the Ontario Fire Code for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. This program is well received by the public and some

13 12 NIAGARA FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT homeowners are very impressed the fire department provides this service. The success of this program can be measured in that in the five (5) years the program has been running, four (4) families were alerted to fires by alarms installed during the program. Hotel Engineers Presentations In order to promote and encourage open communication with hotel owners and operators in the city, the Fire Prevention Division hosted a fire safety presentation. The focus of the presentation was to establish a better understanding among property owners of the fire department s expectations of fire safety and the enforcement practices of the fire department. There was also emphasis on encouraging owners to contact the fire department with any questions or concerns they have regarding their properties. This presentation was well received with lots of positive feedback and requested to be held semi-annually. Motel Owners/Operators Presentations Motel owners/operators were also invited to Station 1 to attend a presentation by the Fire Prevention staff. The presentation focussed on the unique challenges that both the fire department and motel owners are facing with the transition from what were considered traditional motels for the traveling public to more permanent residential type occupancies. The owners were advised of their requirements for code compliance, where most deficiencies are found, as well as suggestions for improving fire safety beyond the minimum requirements of the code.

14 13 NIAGARA FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT Pre-Incident Planning Program In 2016, the Suppression Division, along with the Fire Prevention and Training Divisions, began the first phase of a pre-incident planning program. Fire Prevention staff identified properties in the city that would pose a significant challenge or risk to firefighter safety in the event of an incident. Through cooperation with the building owners/ operators, fire crews were able to attend each property and conduct pre-incident surveys where vital information about the buildings was collected. Crews then prepared drafts of pre-incident plans for the buildings. Phase two of the program will begin in 2017 where the plans will be formalized and implemented into emergency responses. Vacant Buildings As the result of a number of fires in vacant buildings throughout the city, the Fire Prevention Division began tracking vacant buildings to ensure they were secured against unauthorized entry, as required by the Ontario Fire Code. Owners were required to ensure that all reasonable attempts are made to protect these buildings from vagrants gaining access and using the properties for illegal/unsafe uses. If buildings are found to be unsecured, the owner is required to correct the violation immediately. The inventory of vacant buildings is reviewed throughout the year and the Fire Prevention Division relies on the assistance of other divisions to ensure the inventory is updated and accurate. At the end of 2016, there were 143 properties identified as being vacant. This program has reduced the number of fires in vacant buildings; however, in 2016, we still had fires in some buildings identified as being vacant. Vulnerable Occupancies The Fire Prevention Division continues to ensure that all 24 vulnerable occupancies (retirement, care, care and treatment homes) within the City of Niagara Falls are in compliance with the Ontario Fire Code. This is achieved through the required annual inspection required by the Ontario Fire Code as well as ensuring that staff is prepared to respond in a fire emergency by conducting annual evacuation drills. Fire Prevention staff is going to move forward with ongoing training and regular communication with administrators of the homes through presentations and electronic correspondence.

15 14 NIAGARA FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT Major inspections Inspection Type # of Inspections Complaints from public 95 Complaints from firefighters 160 Business licences 90 Liquor licences 14 Plans examinations 182 Final permit inspections 129 Request inspections 30 Hoarding 7 Freedom of Information 15 All care occupancies in the city were inspected Fire Investigations Fire and Explosions # of Investigations Under $50, Between $50,000 and $100,000 5 Greater than $100, Total 30 Other Activities Activity Type # of Occurrences Zoning Amendments 32 Site Plans 28 Special Occasion Permits 35 File Searches 34 Burn Permits 31 Fire Safety Plans Reviewed 61 Total 221 Legal Proceedings Type # of Proceedings Fire Safety Orders issued under the FFPA 183 Provincial Offences Act Part 3 Information 58

16 15 NIAGARA FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT Communications Division The Communications Division is staffed by a Captain of Communications, four (4) full-time dispatchers, and supplemented by 20 qualified firefighters as needed. Dispatch staff processed or monitored 93,021 radio transmissions for 5,678 emergency responses and other non-emergency communications. Dispatch staff also act as the telephone operator for the fire department. There were 32,969 phone calls originating from or calling to the fire department. Dispatchers have an important role for notification of the Emergency Management Team when required. The Communications Division coordinates radio system maintenance and coordination with contracted support technicians.

17 16 NIAGARA FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT Training Division The Training Division is staffed by a Chief Training Officer, a Captain of Training and a Training Officer. The average training for a full-time firefighter was 212 hours for this year. In order to maintain OFM certification, they must train a minimum of 130 hours plus specialty training per year. The average training for a volunteer firefighter was 80 hours for this year. In order to maintain OFM certification, they must train a minimum of 60 hours plus specialty training per year. The Training staff delivers and oversees training to the entire staff complement. Under their guidance, volunteer stations and full-time shift officers augment the delivery of routine training. Specialty training requires extensive technical expertise and is delivered through suppression staff who has achieved expert status. Delivery has been provided by many in-house instructors. Officers conducted the review of training assigned for the year to their respective staff. A List of Specialty Training Instructors: - Confine Space Instructors - Water/Ice Rescue Instructors - Rope Rescue Instructors - Haz-Mat Instructors - Air Techs - Medical Instructors - SCBA Trainers - Fit Testers - Gas Detection Instructors - Peer Fitness Evaluators - Pump Operations Instructors - Hazardous Materials Instructors - Elevator Instructors

18 17 NIAGARA FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT Confined Space The Niagara Falls Fire Department s full-time firefighters have been trained to the operations and technician level of confined space. In order to enhance this training, a deck was constructed around the tanker to make our training more realistic, as well as providing a much safer environment to train in. Platoons completed over 75 hours of theory and 265 hours of scenarios in 2016 to maintain their proficiency in this specialty. Water and Ice Rescue In 2016, our water rescue instructors continued their excellent work organizing a water rescue program utilizing new equipment. Over 80 hours of theory-based training and over 200 hours of practical training took place. Rope Rescue Training In 2016, each platoon completed their assigned quarterly rope training, with the platoons averaging over 350 hours of theory and practical training. Haz-Mat 2016 saw our department focus on hazardous materials response training. Across all six (6) stations, over 950 hours were credited to Hazmat Training. All staff was responsible to complete an on-line web based update of the WHIMIS program. Firefighter Survival With the assistance of our instructors in firefighter survival, we were able to complete the program for our department in Working on a threeyear cycle, in 2016 all full-time and volunteer firefighters completed the Day 3 component of the program will involve Day 1 evolutions. Driving Program Our staff was introduced to the NFPA 1002 Competency Course. This new driving course challenged drivers to operate at low speed through an obstacle course. This promotes safe and efficient driving while managing to keep response times as low as possible.

19 18 NIAGARA FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Our existing ISI units were replaced by the MSA G1 unit. Training took place with SCBA Committee members and allowed the new units to be in service in March of EPC/Medical In 2016, our instructors continued with this valuable program with the help of our medical committee. In 2016, we enhanced it by equipping our firefighters with the knowledge and equipment to respond to chemotherapy incidents. Shift Instructors We have been very fortunate to have several people pick up the torch and become Specialty Instructors. This endeavour has proven to be invaluable to our department. Promotion and Classification Examinations The following is a list of Reclassification and promotional exams that took place during 2016: Nine (9) staff completed their 1st Class Reclassification written test on July 21.The practical portion of the Reclassification exam took place during the months of July and August. Seven (7) staff completed their 2nd Class Reclassification exam written test on August 31. The practical exam took place during the month of September. Seven (7) staff completed their Platoon Chief Promotional Exams in October. On October 17, the written portion was completed and the practical exams took place on October 18. Career Recruit Class of 2016 Nine new recruits were hired February 1, The Lead Instructor for this class was Firefighter Justin Canestraro. Along with the Training Division and other specialty instructors, Firefighter Canestraro ensured that these recruits were prepared for their role of Probationary Firefighter with the Niagara Falls Fire Department.

20 19 NIAGARA FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT The 14 week recruit training program was completed and all candidates were assigned to Platoons effective May 8. All Nine (9) staff completed their Probationary Reclassification exam process on December 21, Volunteer Recruit Class 2016 There were nine (9) recruits hired in December The class training program prepared them to challenge the provincial examination for NFPA Firefighter 1, Hazmat Awareness and Hazmat Ops. This program was the responsibility of Captain Hicks. With support from Training Officer Inglis and many other Instructors from the volunteer stations, the recruits graduated from the program on April 4.

21 20 NIAGARA FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT Emergency Management Emergency Management Program The Fire Chief is the Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) and the Deputy Chiefs are the Alternates for the City of Niagara Falls. The CEMC is responsible for providing the forum for training, exercising and assembling the Emergency Management Team together in times of crisis. The training and exercise requirements in 2016 were conducted and a heat alert scenario was used. In December, our compliance package was submitted to the Chief of Emergency Management of Ontario, indicating that the City of Niagara Falls complied with all of the 15 annual requirements, as set out in the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Emergency Preparedness Week This year, Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) was held from May 1 to 7. The purpose of EP Week is to raise awareness and encourage residents to prepare themselves to stay in their homes for 72 hours in the event of a wide-scale emergency such as flooding, power outages, and tornados. The theme for 2016 was "Plan - Prepare - Be Aware and focused on encouraging residents to take it upon themselves to plan for emergency situations and be aware of the risks they can be exposed to. To promote emergency preparedness in Niagara Falls, members of the Fire Prevention Division attended locations throughout the city to distribute literature and speak with the public. The MacBain Centre, Public Library, Cineplex, Home Depot and Gale Centre were all venues that provided staff with space to set up displays during the week.

22 21 NIAGARA FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT What was new in 2016? In January, training began on our new MSA G1 self-contained breathing apparatus and was completed in July with all four (4) platoons and three (3) volunteer stations fully trained. This life saving piece of equipment is expected to keep our staff safe for the next 15 years. In April, our staff completed their training on the Zoll Pro Defibrillator. These new units are specifically designed for professional rescuers for use in any environment. In April 2016, the Niagara Falls Fire Department transitioned to using Firehouse Software as the reporting system for all department functions. With hard work, the transition to using the new system was completed and the divisions were able to begin adapting to and learning the new system. The focus in 2017 is getting a better understanding of all the functions of the software and implementing them into day-to-day operations. Chief Smith retired on May 31, 2016 after a career which spanned 28 years and included positions as Firefighter, Fire Prevention Officer, Director of Fire Prevention, Assistant Chief and Fire Chief from 2007 to On June 28, 2016, the Niagara Falls Fire Department, along with many other departments in the Region, issued a fire ban in the city. At that time, campgrounds were exempt from the ban. Due to prolonged heat and dryness, on July 4 th the ban was extended to include campgrounds. On August 16, 2016, the fire ban was lifted. Subsequently, the Fire Department has met with the campgrounds to come up with an agreeable solution to both parties should another extremely dry season happen in the future. Jo Zambito joined our team on October 3, 2016 as Deputy Chief of Operations. Jo came to us from the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake Fire and Emergency Services where he served as Deputy Fire Chief and brings experience from positions in Training, Fire Prevention and as a Building Inspector for the Town. There are on-going meetings with the architect/design team from Panici for the new Fire Station 7. The floor plan is set and we are currently involved in finalizing engineering requirements in terms of electrical and HVAC systems. Decisions have been made on the building s exterior finishes which can be described as contemporary in design.