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HomeMy WebLinkAboutESD-004-18Clarington Emergency Services Report If this information is required in an alternate accessible format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Report To: General Government Committee Date of Meeting: May 7, 2018 Report Number: ESD -004-18 Resolution: GG -230-18 File Number: By-law Number: Report Subject: Emergency and Fire Services 2017 Annual Report Recommendation: 1. That Report ESD -004-18 be received I R LD WLLQRI CIR U P Municipality of Clarington Report ESD -004-18 Report Overview Page 2 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 2017. 1. Background 1.1 Staff have prepared the 2017 Annual Report (Attachment 1) and would like to highlight some key items, for your information. 1.2 Fire Suppression staff responded to 3,675 calls in 2017, a decrease of 1.66% over 2016. 1.3 The department saw a decrease in the majority of each response type: Controlled Burning and Outdoor (No Loss Fires) being down in the 40% range. 1.4 We continue to focus on educating the public as to the regulations for open-air burning in Clarington_ 1.5 The addition of a Fire Inspector in 2016 allowed staff to perform more regular inspections under their assigned occupancy type, resulting in an increase of inspections by 57.18% over 2016. 2. Concurrence Not Applicable 3. Conclusion It is respectfully recommended that this Report be received for information. 4. Strategic Plan Application Not applicable. Jj" �` , ' Submitted by: Reviewed by: Gord Weir, Andrew C. Allison, B. Comm, LL.B Director of Emergency & Fire Services CAO Municipality of Clarington Page 3 Report ESD -004-18 Staff Contact: Gord Weir, Director of Emergency & Fire Services, 905-623-5126 ext. 2816 or gweir@clarington.net Attachments: Attachment 1 — Emergency and Fire Services — 2017 Annual Report There are no interested parties to be notified of Council's decision. no Annual Report 2017 Clarington Emergency and Fire Services a Enhancing Public Fire Safety is Priority #1 Message from the Director of Emergency Services / Fire Chief On behalf of Clarington Emergency and Fire Services (CEFS), I am - r pleased to present the 2017 Annual Report. This report provides an overview of the activities associated with the Department's Emergency Response, Fire Prevention, Training and Mechanical Divisions. 2017 presented big changes in the way we do business. Suppression staff were awarded the 24-hour shift, through arbitration of the Collective Agreement. As with any changes of this magnitude, a thorough review and update of the department's operating policies and guidelines, forms and reporting systems was required. Throughout the year, CEFS continued to improve in areas of training and response to serve evolving needs. We attended large-scale weather - driven events that challenged our resources and expertise. In January, Officers and crews dealt with a 100 -vehicle pileup, complicated by overzealous towing companies and a new highway accident television show filming in our area. In the spring, we experienced our first major flood response which tested our response capabilities and resulted in amendments to the Emergency Plan, training directives and supplies acquisition. We also experienced three incidents of arson involving explosive Molotov cocktails and began to carry naloxone on our trucks, an antidote for opioid overdose. We are also working diligently to improve our service through technology and foresight. 2017 presented the beginning stages of initiatives in the fields of mass notification, civilian volunteer organization and Fire Service personnel professionalism and certification. As Clarington continues to grow, develop and diversify, we center our efforts on responding to accelerating influences in an ever-changing environment. Our eyes are focused on emerging trends and threats driven by changing demographics, urban growth and natural disasters/weather patterns. We continue to focus on fire safety and prevention through education and prevention mechanisms because we believe it works. Thank you Mayor Foster, members of Council, municipal staff and most importantly, CEFS staff for their support, hard work and dedication in serving the Municipality of Clarington. �,4j� �_ - Gord Weir 2017 Highlights Amendment to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act will allow blue lights on all emergency vehicles 648 homes visited across Clarington for the Alarmed for Life Program Council adopted the new Clarington Flood Response Plan Total Responses 3,675 1.66% decrease over 2016 Approximately 3,800 people attended Family Safety Day with 67 community organizations participating Fire Losses are estimated at $4,244,699 a decrease of almost 32.07% Total Fire Responses 119 down 28.74% from 2016 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. MEN, Station 1 Station 2 Station 3 Bowmanville Newcastle Orono Val ON "I A.wl a Station 4 44 Courtice F � � 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 '-rsonnel 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 What Services Do We Provide? Our Vision We are dedicated to a fire safe community 1. Fire Safety Education a Our Mission To ensure we deliver service excellence through public education, prevention, training and emergency response I 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 x 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: f Alarmed For Life Program f Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week f Community Fire Safety Programs f Family Safety Day f Fire Prevention Week f Junior Firefighter Program f Portable Fire Extinguisher Training f The Arson Prevention Program for Children (TAPPC) 2. Fire Prevention, Inspection and Enforcement x Inspect commercial, residential, vulnerable occupancies and industrial mercantile for Fire Code compliance x Enforce the Fire Code and related fire safety standards 3. Emergency Response (Suppression) x Respond to emergencies including: f Fire, CO alarms, medical, accidents, natural disasters and public hazards 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 2017 the following recipients achieved the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal: f Pete Lomax, Platoon Chief — 30 year Federal Bar .. f Murray Dennis, Captain — 30 year Federal Bar f Paul O'Hare, Captain — 20 year Federal Medal f Rob Staples, Acting Captain — 20 year Federal Medal f Jason Hansen, Acting Captain — 20 year Federal Medal f Dan Pellerin, Firefighter — 20 year Federal Medal f Drew McOuat, Volunteer Captain — 20 year Federal Medal f Phil Green, 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 2017, the following recipients achieved the Ontario Fire Services Long Service Medal: Promotions jGord Weir, Fire Chief — 35 year Provincial Bar Fete Lomax, Platoon Chief — 30 year Provincial Bar Purray Dennis, Captain — 30 year Provincial Bar jGary Dusseldorp, Platoon Chief — 25 year Provincial Medal ]Ed Donnelly, Training Officer— 25 year Provincial Medal Parc Ladouceur, Acting Captain — 25 year Provincial Medal Foy Pfister, Volunteer Captain — 25 year Provincial Medal fonny Gibson, Volunteer Captain — 25 year Provincial Medal 4knthony Van Mil, Volunteer Firefighter — 25 year Provincial Medal Training Officer, Ken Ostler was promoted to Senior Training Officer. Volunteer firefighters Raymond Beenen, Kevin Scott and Stein Wolla were promoted to the rank of Captain. Volunteer firefighters Mark Lathangue, Jason Speight and Paul Vanderbruggen were promoted to the rank of Acting Captain. Departures Fulltime Staff Acting Platoon Chief Gary Oliver 29 Years of Service Mechanical Technician George Schroor 30 Years of Service Volunteer Staff with More than 10 Years of Service Captain (Station 2) Captain (Station 3) Don Wright Brent Pollock 31 Years of Service 27 Years of Service � RC -MINT _ �`,'• �oR�� ion V t. Captain (Station 4) Denis St Pierre 16 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. 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. Our safety lectures are tailored to each age group: Children receive information about Smoke Alarms, Stop Drop and Roll, Community Helpers and educational stories about fire safety. High school co-op students receive information about fire safety in the workplace, alarm systems, fire safety planning and the responsibilities of the employer. Fire Prevention staff also participate in The Arson Prevention Program for Children (TAPP-C). This is a collaborative program that involves fire service and mental health professionals working together to provide a program for youth who have played with fire or set fires, including playing with matches or lighters, burning paper or garbage, etc. Through this program staff teach fire safety knowledge and skills, improve home fire safety, and provide positive role models. & M# MQ am „ttyI�nk Ilk I XqCA r 17 4k `y� a II yy A vv"i nih2ruqu� y�C Fr���k' and fir. r �e is S . C mus. S{ y Sfudeni 5 /> �Gc Smear Co u l A total of 129 public education activities were performed in 2017. The table below provides a breakdown of the various public education activities we attended. Public Education Activity Volume Station Tours 27 School Visits 16 Fire Safety House Visits 3 Public Events 44 Safety Lectures 31 Extinguisher Training Events 8 Fire Truck Visits 0 TAPP-C Attendance 0 2017 Alarmed for Life Program Staff visited 648 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: x 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. x 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. x 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. Family Safety Day and Fire Prevention Week On September 30 we held our 17th annual Family Safety Day, alongside 67 organizations to share safety tips and educate the community. We calculate approximately 3,800 attended! Our message for Fire Prevention Week was "Every Second Counts, Plan 2 Ways Out" which we spread through the distribution of literature and reusable shopping bags. We focused on driving home the importance of creating and practicing a home escape plan. p Awk FIRE PREVENTION UM P*,. WEEK OCTOBER 8—f4,21701FT!'1 '' L�`�►L�� m�pe.mun.aee«.ug 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. New for this year: x Mini Firefighter Course; designed for children ages 3 to 6, provided some fire themed activities like rolling a hose, pulling a fire hose and rescuing the fire bear by completing a rescue drag. x A bee exhibit; provided information about various types of bees, the role they play in the growth of our food, the hive and the specific job that each bee performs as a member of the hive. x Aspen Springs Animal Hospital; provided pet safety information and an interactive exhibit allowing children to practice first aid on stuffed animals. x Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue; provided wildlife education to children and adults on how to co -exist with the species in our environment. This exhibit included information on the services they provide to wildlife that have been rescued. x Live burn; demonstrated how quickly fire can spread, the importance of smoke alarms and the impact having a sprinkler system in your home can have by containing the fire to one room. This event was another huge success thanks to the support of volunteers, staff and the many organizations that participated. lunior 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 and personal safety skills as well as team work abilities. 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 participated in teaching 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 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. The following occupancy types are inspected on a regular basis: xGroup A — Assembly Occupancies xGroup B — Care and Detention Occupancies xGroup C — Residential Occupancies Where Occupant Load Exceeds 10 xHigh Hazard Industrial Occupancies xMedium Hazard Industrial Occupancies xLow Hazard Industrial Occupancies A total of 536 inspections were conducted in 2017. The table below lists the total number of inspection services performed. - Inspection Service Volume Inspecti Inspections 536 Complaints Response 110 Burn Permits 191 Fire Safety Plans Reviews 92 General Plans Reviews 249 Site Visits 128 Fire Investigations 10 FPPA Part 3 Charges Laid 6 FPPA Part 1 Charges Laid 1 The addition of a Fire Inspector in 2016 allowed staff to perform more regular inspections under their assigned occupancy type, resulting in an increase of inspections by 57.18% over 2016. A media release was issued by the department in April reminding residents about the municipal by-law requiring a burn permit to set an open-air fire. This media release, along with other initiatives increased awareness that burn permits are only issued for the purpose of burning brush in rural areas of 10 acres or more; not for campfires or disposing of building materials/garbage. As a result, we issued 63% more burn permits. 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. The retirement of 3 suppression members and our mechanical technician in 2016/17 provided us an opportunity to promote Kyle Meaker, Mike Patrick, and Stephen Murray to fulltime firefighters from our volunteer ranks. Moe Recoskie joined us as our new Mechanical Technician with 17 years of experience with the Municipality. In addition, the department hired 11 new volunteer firefighters targeting our full complement of 25 volunteer firefighters for each of our five stations. Training 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: x Hazmat Response Training; this year three of our firefighters attended a week long training session on mission specific response and decontamination. This training allowed our firefighters to share their knowledge with the Training Officer and staff. x Electrical Emergencies; staff received an in-depth lecture on electrical safety, including how to identify voltage in hydro lines, different techniques for fighting hydro fires, safe limits of approach and spray tactics. The valuable information was provided by a guest speaker from Ontario Power Generation. x Sandbagging; severe weather events initiated training on the proper techniques to fill and deploy sandbags. Members reviewed videos, literature and performed hands-on training demonstrating safe work practices. The method by which the Training Division implements and records training is evolving. The Training Officers began learning the many features offered by Target Solutions training management application. This new resource provides enhanced tools to develop more efficient and productive training, as well as improved record keeping. Emergency Response Statistics In 2017, crews were dispatched to a total of 3,675 emergency incidents of which 119 (3.24%) were fires with an estimated dollar loss of $4,244,699. The following is a summary of emergency incidents by response type. 2017 Incident Breakdown ��W Response Type 201 9W Volume 2017 Volume ', C hange Volume 2017 % of Total .- Property Fires / Explosions 78 67 -14.10% 1.82% Outdoor (No Loss Fires) 89 52 -41.57% 1.41% Burning Controlled 119 69 -42.02% 1.88% CO False Calls 187 169 -9.62% 4.60% False Fire Calls 317 328 +3.47% 8.93% Medical/Resuscitator Call 2,029 1953 -3.74% 53.14% Other Response 246 344 +39.84% 9.36% Overpressure Rupture/Explosion (No Fire) 3 1 o -66.67 /a 0 0.03/o Pre Fire Conditions/No Fire 66 65 -1.51% 1.77% Public Hazard 146 173 +18.49% 4.71% Rescue 457 454 -0.66% 12.35% Call Volume by Geographical Area Geographical 1,726 Bowmanville and surrounding area Newcastle and surrounding area 669 Orono and surrounding area 239 Courtice and surrounding area 932 Enniskillen and surrounding area 109 Annual Totals - . L - MIFW I= - Call Volume 3,405 3,483 3,636 3,737 3,675 Civilian Injuries 5 2 3 5 1 Firefighter Injuries 0 4 1 0 0 Fatalities 0 0 1 0 0 Dollar Loss $2,995,046 1 $5,661,800 $4,563,251 $6,248,757 $4,244,699 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. ONTARIOruwt� .' ; • GENERATION - Darlington Nuclear •t . r .CA ' Connect With Us Iln@ClaringtonEFS I IV@clarchief I � 905-623-5126 u fire@clarington.net