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HomeMy WebLinkAboutESD-003-07 ~Jl1gton REPORT EMERGENCY AND FIRE SERVICES Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Report #: ESD-003 -07 File # 10.12.6 SP/1 - db ;;:l - 07 By-law # Date: March 26, 2007 Subject: Purchase of Containerized Training Facility Recommendations: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: THAT Report ESD-003 -07 is received; THAT the requirement for tendering in accordance with Purchasing By-Law 2006-127 be waived for this transaction; THAT Clarington Emergency and Fire Services enter into a joint venture with the City of Oshawa, Town of Whitby and Durham College for the purchase of a containerized training facility; and THAT $90,000 is drawn from the one time Provincial Grant for Municipal Fire Services monies which have been placed in the Fire Prevention Reserve Account. . Submitted by: ~- Reviewed bQ ~...:.. Q.0h.. Franklin Wu, Chief Administrative Officer ordon Weir, AMCT, CMM 111 Director of Emergency & Fire Services GW:sr CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF ClARINGTON 40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L 1C 3A6 T(905)623-3379 F (905)623-6506 REPORT NO.: ESD 003-07 PAGE 2 1. BACKGROUND 1.1 Fire Services in Durham Region have utilized the training facility on Colonel Sam Drive, Oshawa for over 30 years. The burn building was recently deemed unsafe by Oshawa City Engineering Staff and therefore has been closed for use. 1.2 Due to the nature of their work, firefighters have a requirement for live fire training in a realistic environment. Future construction at the current training facility is not recommended due to the proximity of protected wetlands and the contaminants developed during training evolutions. The existing facility can still be used for other training evolutions; however the burn tower is not to be used. 1.3 Over the past number of years Oshawa, Whitby, Clarington and Durham College have utilized the Colonel Sam Drive training facility regularly. The Fire Chiefs for Oshawa, Whitby, and the Pre Fire Service Coordinator for Durham College, have all expressed interest in the purchase of a propane fire training device. A joint purchase is appropriate as the unit is not used on a daily basis by any one organization and costs can be shared equally. 1.4 A number of years ago, Fire Services, together with other southern Durham Region municipalities completed a joint purchase of a flashover simulator unit and have had success with this type of purchasing and use process. This unit however is close to reaching its intended life span. The propane training unit will also provide the same conditions of a flashover allowing it to be used for this purpose. 2. COMMENTS 2.1 Oshawa currently has no funding plan for the replacement of the fire training facility and Clarington has no intention, at this time, of building their own training facility. 2.2 Although the incidences of fire continue to decrease, the need to train and maintain competency in a realistic environment increases. 2.3 The use of wood and other combustibles for training purposes provides safety concerns since the conditions cannot be completely controlled and unforeseen dangers such as back drafts can be encountered. The use of wood and other combustibles also create an environmental hazard both to the surrounding land and atmosphere. REPORT NO.: ESD 003-07 PAGE 3 2.4 Fire Services, together with the above potential partners, are proposing the purchase of a propane fire training device. The recommended location for the device is Fire Station 5, 1550 Harmony Rd. N., Oshawa, but if not suitable, Durham College or the Colonel Sam Drive training facility would be available. 2.5 A shipping container forms the basis for the training device. Entrances including a roof access and moveable walls are configured into the unit to provide a number of simulated residential applications. Kitchen and bedroom fire scenarios are created with the use of propane fuelled props. 2.6 The trainer in control of the exercise utilizes a “dead man switch” which controls the fuel supply. Gas sensors are installed throughout the unit which automatically shut off gas supply and turn on ventilation systems thus making this system extremely safe for firefighter training. A non-toxic smoke is used in the unit to replicate actual fire conditions. This smoke, although realistic, is vegetable based and not harmful to staff or those in the surrounding area. 3. CONCLUSION 3.1 In March, 2005 the Provincial Government provided a one time grant to Municipalities to be used for training and equipment. Clarington received $178,000 of which approximately $100,000 is still available. 3.2 The following companies have provided quotes for a fire training device: Kidde Fire Trainers $277,000 Draeger Canada Ltd. $281,565 Based on a presentation from both companies, references and value added services the Draeger unit was preferred by all partners. The total cost for the unit, propane installation, portable generator and delivery is approximately $340,000. 3.3 Clarington’s share, with four partners, would be approximately $90,000, which includes $5,000 for contingency. Although the unit is portable in that it is surface mounted on concrete pads, there are minor site preparation costs, which must be determined. 3.4 Each partner will be responsible for their respective training costs (i.e. propane and electrical use); the unit itself will be maintained through an annual maintenance fund. 3.5 The co-operative venture is an attractive option as it establishes a large support base of resources. It also shows willingness for the various departments to work together in the training and safety of our firefighters. 3.6 The Director of Finance has reviewed the funding requirements and concurs with the recommendations.