Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services PMA Conference St John s April 23,2010 www.nlfireservices.com
Spare: Arms of Council Your responsibility. Must be included in the local government s finance framework.
Who we are Formed in 1964 by a group of NL Fire Chiefs Provincial Firefighters Association Over 200 Fire departments 6000 firefighters in membership voice of the fire service to the government we have a cooperative working relationship with FES-NL and the provincial government Proud to be affiliated with MNL- PMA
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Who we are Website 6000 firefighters in membership voice of the fire service to the government Proud to be affiliated with MNL
Fire Departments are: The key emergency service provided by a municipal council to its residents.
Spare: Arms of Council Your responsibility. Must be included in the local government s finance framework. Its not all about fires we do handle other emergencies.
Fire Departments are: Community organizations Essential organizations Typically the last volunteer organization to survive. The thermometer to the morale and the strength of a community and its spirit.
Fire Departments are: Arms of Council Your responsibility Must be included in the local government s finance framework.
Fire Departments are: NOT stand alone or autonomous organizations
WHO s RESPONSIBILTY The ultimate responsibility for fire protection and fire prevention rests with the Municipal Council or Local Service District governing committee. It is their responsibility to decide if they want to establish or continue fire protection.
Fire Departments-Dept of Council MUNICIPALITIES ACT give councils authority to create a fire dept. Section 183. A council may establish, operate and maintain a fire department composed entirely or partly of volunteer members or of paid employees, and acquire or provide a fire hall, fire alarm system, fire engines, hydrants and other apparatus and appliances for the purpose of fire fighting, fire prevention and responding to and providing emergency services for other emergencies that may be authorized by the minister, either inside or outside the municipality's boundaries.
Fire Department-LSD The MUNICIPALITIES ACT give Local Service districts authority under the LSD regulations to create a fire dept. Section 50. Under section 642 of the Act, the committee may (a) contract for fire protection (b) construct, acquire, establish, own and operate a fire hall, fire engines and other apparatus that is necessary for firefighting and fire.
Fire Chief Regulations NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR REGULATION 26/00 Fire Chief Regulations under the Municipalities Act, 1999 (Under the authority of section 415 of the Municipalities Act, 1999 Dated at St. John s, May 3, 2000.
FIRE CHIEF Definition In these regulations, "fire chief" means an officer in charge of a fire department of a municipality or local service district.
Duties of Fire Chief: Duties of fire chief 3. (1) A fire chief shall (a) recommend to the council or local service district committee the most suitable form and method of organization for the fire department and recommend rules and regulations for its control and management; (b) prepare and submit to the council or local service district committee itemized estimates of the financial needs of the fire department for supplies, equipment and personnel;
Duties of Fire Chief: (c) deploy fire department personnel for maximum effectiveness; (d) maintain a program of recruitment, selection and promotion of personnel; (e) supervise the evaluation of personnel and provide a comprehensive training program;
Duties of Fire Chief: (f) where a fire department is authorized by the minister to respond to emergencies other than fires, ensure that department personnel are trained in standard first aid and basic life support, and have completed the minimum standards for a first responder level certificate within 24 months from the authorization; (g) respond to and take command at fires or other emergencies, and direct firefighting and other emergency activities, either personally or through subordinate officers;
Duties of Fire Chief: (h) maintain a liaison with provincial firefighting and fire prevention authorities and promote public awareness of fire prevention techniques; (i) prepare reports on firefighting equipment and apparatus and inspect and prepare fire protection, fire prevention and life safety reports on buildings and areas; (j) recommend fire protection plans to the council or local service district committee; and
Duties of Fire Chief: (k) carry out other duties assigned by the manager or, where there is no manager, by the council or local service district committee. (2) The duties in subsection (1) may, in the absence or inability of the fire chief, be carried out by a person designated by the fire chief, manager, council or local service district.
Fire Protection Challenges Funding (operations, equipment, training) Recruitment and retention of firefighters. 911 Coverage Municipal Emergency Planning
Fire Protection Challenges Training Firefighting Training Emergency Response Training Administration Training Leadership Training neglected
Minimum Training Standards The provincial fire commissioner has developed criteria for minimum standards for firefighters in Newfoundland and Labrador. This criteria is an excellent tool to guide municipalities and local governments in their training requirements.
Minimum Standard Orientation Level Developed by the NL Fire service. Very basic minimum knowledge required to attend an emergency scene. A standard guide to providing adequate orientation to all responders, regardless of experience. OHS regulations
Challenges Bill C-45 "2.17.1 Every one who undertakes, or has the authority, to direct how another person does work or performs a task is under a legal duty to take reasonable steps to prevent bodily harm to that person, or any other person, arising from that work or task."
OHS Regulations Volunteer fire departments fall under the requirements of the provinces OHS regulations. Breathing Apparatus Heights Traffic etc
Minimum Standard Orientation Level Fire Commissioner requires this training completed as a mandatory requirement. Many misconceptions
6 Orientation Topics 1. Workplace Health, Safety & Compensation Commission (WHSCC) 2.Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)/Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)/Hazmat 3. Occupation Health and Safety (OH&S) 4.Incident Command System (ICS) 5. Safety on the Scene 6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Minimum Standards Defensive Level Guidlines Protects the surrounding structures. Does not enter structure to engage in interior fire attack. 2 day Basic course
Minimum Standards Offensive Level Guidlines Guidelines for training Interior fire attack and of rescue of trapped persons. NFPA 1001 Level 1
Train Your firefighters 3 ways to of motivating firefighters. Technology Training Tragedy
Train Your firefighters Council should decide what level of fire service the community desires and can afford. Training and Equipment should reflect that strategy.
Annual Training Conference At PMA 170 plus municipalities participated 163 municipalities present at MNL Conference Fire service conference only 70 municipalities. Some fire chiefs have pay their own way individually.
Fire School Spring and Fall Various locations in the province. Something for every level of firefighter. Matched training fund eligible. May 30-June 6 in Grand Falls-Windsor
Fire School Over 30 Courses Various locations in the province. Something for every level of firefighter. Matched training fund eligible.
Challenges Funding Fire Trucks Training Fire Hall and utilities Paging and communications Insurance List goes on.
Solutions Lobbying governments Invest in training Partner with other Regionalization
Thank You Discussion/Questions www.nlfireservices.com
Fire Chief Vince Mackenzie President, NLAFS Grand Falls Windsor Fire Department 709-489-0431 www.nlfireservices.com