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Home My WebLink AboutESD-007-10Clar~~;~On R E P ~ RT Leading the Way EMERGENCY & FIRE SERVICES Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINSTRATION COMMITTEE Date: May 17, 2010 Report #: ESD-007-10 Resolution#: G PA -31q-/U File #: By-law #: Subject: EMERGENCY AND FIRE SERVICES - 2009 ANNUAL REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: THAT Report ESD-007-10 be received for information. Submitted by: ~~~~ ~ Reviewed by: ordon Weir, AMCT, CMM111 Director Emergency &Fire Services GW'jm L..J l~~ 1 Franklin Wu, Chief Administrative Officer CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON 40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L1C 3A6 T 905-623-3379 F 905-623-6506 REPORT NO: ESD-007-10 Page 2 1.0 COMMENT 1.1 Staff has prepared the 2009 Annual Report (Attachment #1) and would like to highlight three key items, for your information: (a) The Department experienced a 6.2% reduction in total calls, however, it is worth noting that even though call volume decreased, there was a 20% increase in fires. Forty (40%) per cent of fire calls were zero dollar loss fires; substantially lower than 2008. Twenty-three (23%) per cent of total calls were vehicle-type fires; a trend that will be monitored closely. (b) Our Fire and Public Education Programs continue to be very successful. Programs such as our Junior Firefighter Program, Fire Chief For The Day, TAPP C, Racing Against Drugs and numerous other programs continue to be well attended. (c) Our Junior Firefighter Program celebrated its 15th year in existence. As demand for the program continued to grow, staff were able to increase participation from 160 to 200 without impact to the current budget dollars associated with the program. Staff is certainly to be credited to be able to offer the same level of program, with the limited resources provided. Attachment #1: Clarington Emergency and Fire Services 2009 Annual Report " - ' ~" ~- ~ • :~~ .+ •, ~... ~: .~,i • ~_' ~ leading the Vi'ay ~ Leading the Way V EMERGENCY & FIRE SERVICES ,: ~?0` . We are DEDICATED to a FIRE SAFE COMMUNITY Every member of Clarington Emergency & Fire Services upholds the tradition of a composite department and with their skill and knowledge RESPOND WITHOUT BOUNDARY 1112 To ensure we deliver SERVICE EXCELLENCE through public education, prevention, training and emergency response Message from Director of Emergency & Fire Services/Fire Chief 1 Organizational Structure - 2009 2 Fire Station Locations 3 Response Types 4 Response Statisitics - 2009 5 -Fire Loss Statisitics - 2009 g Major Fires over $50,000 - 2009 g Fire Cause Statisitics - 2009 10 Fire Prevention & Public Education 11 Training & Professional Development 13 Emergency ~ Fire Services Budget - 2009 14 Service Medals 15 Acknowledgements /Announcements 16 This Smoke Alarm Worked and Saved Lives Clar~gton Lead~nR the Way 1113 Your Worship Mayor J. Abernethy and Members of Council: The information contained in this report is a summary of the activities of Clarington Emergency and Fire Services far the year ending December 31, 2009. The number of incidents reported to the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office in 2009 was 3,324, a reduction of 6.2% from 2008. January was the busiest month with 349 calls and we experienced the fewest in November with 250 calls. Fires were 5.3% of the Department's total calls with the top three property class fires being Vehicle Fires #1 followed by Residential Fires #2 and Miscellaneous Structures) Properties #3. Residential Property Fires attributed to the largest total dollar loss totaling $1,454,700. Clarington firefighters completed the third year of a three-year "Back to Basics" training program that was intertwined with specialized skills and technical rescue training. As a result of the restaurant fires in 2008, a thorough sweep of all restaurants in Clarington was completed in 2009. Restaurant owners were required to comply with the Ontario Fire Code and were further educated in fire prevention best practices. Due to four civilian injuries from fire in 2009, reducing this number through the delivery of key public education programs will be a focus of Fire Prevention Staff this year. The Ontario Fire Code requires every `dwelling unit' in Ontario to have working smoke alarms in key areas. The term `dwelling unit' includes seasonal homes such as park model trailers, cabins and cottages as well as trailer homes, motor homes and boats. The 2010 the Alarm for Life Program will focus on seasonal homes. I n closing, I ask you to join me in working together fora "Fire Safe Community" and once again remind you that working smoke alarms on every story and outside all sleeping areas of all dwelling units is the law. Thank you. Gord Weir Director of Emergency & Fire ServiceslFire Chief b' ~ ~ ~ Clan ~g Lead~nq the Way EMERGENCY AND FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION CHART 2094 Bill Hesson SUPPRESSION .._. 1 R. Klawnski ___ _CLfR)( f P. Comax FJRE PREUENTlON ~Tnxie W.~ ht G. Oliver fNSPEC TORS R Payne ~ 8ifi.4e;d ~~ G. Dusseldorp Jaequefyn N;li-$otiver T. Ru+Eer Vacant P. Shcherbak RESPONSIBILITIES: _ _ - mergency esponse SUPPRESSION •K Crouch• ,Emergency Planning _ FJREFfGHTERS _ 8. aearce -Fire Prevention Public Education Azeveda ~•~~ +~~ •~Ya +~w~er ~ $_ Mercer -Fire Suppression tsar '~-,tkcutcMean IM XNKa S. Snowde,~ - Commur.ca4onslDis atch Loo05cvn ~°. O?!am •T. Mui ~'/JVrfN1 FSfephen R,q]hOr!?YOrr ~A 1~5 Ooror~n ~Stewarl R+rl+mJSOn ~ Dori - 13 Onl ement '.V.OLUNTEER9-~_- Non. GAted.'.'.'.•.~.•-•.•.'- ~' ~ R0o'`rs ~. ~'Q'~ 5 DistriztChiefs I1~~?~ - fia'ic.~red 55 Demis yy Raven gyp~. Gfaspd7 20 Capta,ns art-time p Llinxxy :G. scrmoa iR GarGTrr 1C~p Firefighters ;voiuineers'-fncl.'Jr.~F' htBrs 125 °r'°' IR S Is an~cror tire! t FCryr~ ~V. UrdU~ ~M Omer `" ~ !'~"eer1o041 ~o. TN` Department bead Backup - SpenWnpi ~D. While i na.,~ ~„ 2 CIa~~ ee«rr,R me way ~~ Fire fire stations are strategically located throughout the Municipality: Station 1 - 2430 Hwy 2, Bowman~ille Station 2 - 247 King Avenue East, Newcastle Station 3 - 5708 Main Street, Orono Station 4 - 2611Trulls Road, Courtice Station 5 - 2354 Concession Road 8, Enniskillen '~ 'rte I ~.; ~ i~ ~~ '~Y. V.. 3 Leading thehe WaJ~~ Suppression staff respond to a variety of calls. The calls are reported to Council on a monthly basis, under the following Response Type headings: Fires and Explosions: Instance of destructive and uncontrolled burning involving structures, vehicles and open area fires, including explosion of combustible solids, liquids or gases which may or may not have resulted in a dollar loss. Pre Fire Conditions: Incidents with no fire that involve heat or potential pre fire conditions e.g. pot on stove, cooking -smoke or steam, lightning, fireworks. Burning (controlled): Complaint call related to outdoor controlled burning, authorized or unauthorized. Fire Department did not take suppression action. Overpressure Rupture/Explosion: An explosion or rupture as a result of pressure, no fire. False Fire Calls: Alarm activation or fire call that when investigated, is determined to be as a result of equipment failure, malicious/prank, perceived emergency, accidental activation of alarm by person CO (carbon monoxide) False Calls: A call where it is determined that the detection equipment malfunctioned or there was a perceived emergency - no CO leak Public Hazard Calls: Includes a response for spills and leaks of a hazardous product such as Natural Gas, Propane, Refrigerant, Miscellaneous/Unknown, Gasoline or Fuel, Toxic Chemical, Radio-active Material, Power Lines Down, Arcing, Bomb, Explosive Removal, Standby, CO (carbon monoxide) or Other Public Hazard. Rescue Calls: A call for a person in danger due to their proximity to the occurrence and who is unable to self evacuate and is assisted by Fire Department personnel i.e. Vehicle Accident, Building Collapse, Commercial/Industrial Accident, Home/Residential Accident, Persons Trapped in Elevator, Water Rescue, or Water/Ice Rescue. MedicaUResuscitator Call: Includes a response to a patient suffering from Asphyxia, Respiratory Condition, Convulsions, Epileptic Seizure, Diabetic Seizure, Electric Shock, Traumatic Shock, Heart Attack, Stroke, Drug Related, Alcohol Related, Cuts, Abrasions, Fracture, Burns, Fainting, Nausea and Pre-Hospital Care such as Administering Oxygen, CPR, Defibrillation, or First Aid Other Response: Assistance to other Fire Departments, call cancelled on route, non- fire incidents where an illegal grow operation or drug operation was discovered '~ 4 ~ • Clar1~`) Leading the Way `„1 I I / The following chart illustrates the 3-year trend in Call Types and Number of Unit Responses: Call Type 2009 2008 2007 Property Fires/Explosions 176 147 173 Pre Fire Conditions 60 46 36 Burning Complaints 98 107 124 Overpressure Rupture/Explosion (no fire) 3 0 1 False Fire Calls 374 425 445 CO False Calls 23fi 259 243 Public Hazard Calls 144 130 132 Rescue Calls 382 478 486 Medical Calls 1,644 1,658 1,648 Other Responses 207 278 319 Total Number of Calls 3,324 3,528 3,607 Change - fi.2% - 2.2% 8.3% Number of Unit Responses 5,567 6,036 6,341 Change - 8.4% - 4.8% 21.1 Pumper 1 was the busiest truck in the fleet, responding to 1,621 calls in 2009. ~: d, ~ Clam Leading the Way `---i I I O Total Firefighter Civilian Estimated Calls Injuries Injuries Rescues Fatalities Loss 2009 3,324 1 4 18 0 $2,841,100 January -------------------- 349 ------------- 1 ------------ 0 3 0 $57,700 Fire 11 1 ----------- 0 ------------ 0 -------------- 0 --------------- $57,700 Outdoor, No loss fire 0 0 0 0 Non fire calls 338 0 0 3 .February ---------------- 262 --- --- 0 --------------- 1 ------ 2 --------- 0 $237,100 Fire 6 0 1 - 0 ------------ 0 $237,100 Outdoor, No loss fire 2 0 0 0 Non fire calls 254 0 0 2 -March-_ ~__- 270 0 -W- ---0 1 _ ' 0 $1,013,000 Fire 9 0 0 0 0 $1,013,000 Outdoor, No loss-fire 8 0 0 0 Non fire calls 253 0 0 1 April ------------------------ ---298---- ~ 0 5 0 $17,500 Fire 8 0 _ 0 0~ ______ _ 0~ $17,500- Outdoor, No loss fire 21 0 0 0 Non fire calls 269 0 0 5 _MaY -_-~_-__-_-T _281_ ____ _- 0_ 1 0 0 $48,500 Fire 8 0 -` 1 __ ~0 _ __ _____ 0 ~ ~ $48,500 Outdoor, No loss fire 11 0 0 0 Non fire calls 262 0 0 0 June _~ --285 0 - 0 1 0 $131,350 Fire 10 0 _ 0 __ 0 0 $131,350 Outdoor, No loss fire 8 0 0 0 Non fire calls 267 0 0 1 .July-~__ --A ` 281 0 - 0 4 0 $119,500 Fire 10 0 0 0 0 $119,500 Outdoor, No loss fire 7 0 0 0 Non fire calls 264 0 0 4 _ August ~- - - _y _ _ 267 -_ 0 _ -_ 0 0 0 $547, 200 Fire 12 0 0 0 _ 0 ____ $547,200- Outdoor, No loss fire 2 0 p 0 Non fire calls 253 0 0 0 s ~ ~ ~~~.~ Leading the Way The year end audit of calls reveals the following statistics: September ---------------- 258 --------------- 0 -------------- 1 ---- 1 0 $98,350 Fire 13 0 --------- 1 ----------- 1 --------------- 0 ------ ------------ $98,350 Outdoor, No loss fire 3 0 0 0 Non fire calls 242 0 p p October ----------------------- 251 -------------- 0 --------------- 1 ------------- 1 ------------- 0 -------- $4,200 Fire 4 0 1 0 ------ 0 ----------------- $4,200 Outdoor, No loss fire 3 0 0 0 Non fire calls 244 0 0 1 _ November-------------- ----250 --- ------a- ------~-- ~ ~ $81,900 Fire 5 0 - 0 ------ ----- 0 ------ 0 --- -- $81,900 Outdoor, No loss fire 4 0 0 0 Non fire calls 241 0 0 0 December - -------------- 272 ------------ 0 -- ---- 0 --------- 0 ------------ 0 -------- $484,800 Fire 10 0 0 0 ----- 0 - -------------- $484,800 Outdoor, No loss fire 1 0 0 0 Non fire calls 261 0 0 0 The graph below illustrates the 3-year trend in Monthly Call Volume: 375 350 325 300 275 250 225 ^ 2009 ~ 2008 ^ 2007 Leading the R'ay V ~ ~ Q Q Q ~ U ~ Z ~ The number of property fires in 2009 was 176, an increase of 19.7% over 2008. Of the 176 fires, 106 were dollar loss fires and 70 were no loss fires. The largest number of fires occurred in the Vehicles category, followed by Group C -Residential and the Miscellaneous Structures/Property category. No fires were recorded for Group B -Institutional Occupancies or Group E -Mercantile. ^ Group A -Assembly Occupancies ^ Group B -Institutional Occupancies O Group C -Residential ^ Group D -Business & Personal Services Occupancies ^ Group E -Mercantile ^ Group F -Industrial Occupancies 41 ^ Miscellaneous Structures/Property ^ Vehicles The estimated dollar loss is the cost of actual damage to property and contents. This amount includes direct losses resulting from fire, explosion, smoke, water or other damages associated with firefighting operations. The estimated dollar loss in 2009 was $2,841,100. ^ Group A -Assembly Occupancies ^ Group B -Institutional Occupancies ^ Group C -Residential ^ Group D -Business & Personal Services Occupancies ^ Group E -Mercantile Group F -Industrial Occupancies ^ Miscellaneous Structures/Property ^ Vehicles $97C $1,454,700 w~-*~ ,vvv 8 ~ Clam Leading ehe Woy Listed below is a summary of all major fires occurring in the Municipality of Clarington in 2009. For the purpose of this report, major fires are identified as those where fire loss exceeds $50,000. Feb. 17, 2009 16:53:00 Detached Dwellin $175,000 Mar. 28, 2009 5:33:51 School -Post Seconds Colle a $870,000 Mar. 28, 2009 5:33:51 Indoor Swimmin Facilit $100,000 Jun. 29, 2009 21:09:43 Attached Dwellin e. .row house, townhouse, etc. $98,000 Jul. 18, 2009 15:04:17 Mf :Rubber Goods $50,000 Au . 7, 2009 20:19:37 Barn - containin a ui ment or roduce onl $60,000 Se t. 20, 2009 13:27:14 Detached Dwellin $70,000 Nov. 6, 2009 18:54:58 Detached Dwellin $70,000 Dec. 25, 2009 17:15:57 Detached Dwellin $320,000 Au . 6, 2009 ~ 2:31:42 Detached Dwellin $400,000 Dec. 2, 2009 22:25:25 Detached Dwellin $50,000 Dec. 20 2009 7:15:40 Detached Dwellin $50,000 Dec. 23, 2009 9:51:22 Detached Dwelling $50,000 9 ~ ~l~~l Leading The Waq ~~ An incident is the result of a set of conditions and a sequence of events that lead to the ignition of a material by an ignition source. This sequence of events is usually initiated by human acts (something which is done} or human omissions (something which has not been done}. These acts or omissions are the cause of the fire because they trigger the events which lead to ignition of the fire. Determining fire cause is the foundation to reducing the loss of life and property as a result of fire. The chart below identifies possible fire causes, the number of incidents and the associated dollar loss. Fire Cause Number of Incidents Dollar Loss Intentional Suspected Arson 11 $1,579,200 Riot/Ci~il Commotion Suspected Vandalism 4 $1,500 Suspected Youth Vandalism (ages 12 -17) 10 $2,150 Unintentional Children Playing (ages 11 and under) 0 Vehicle Collision 0 DesignlConstructionlMaintenance Deficiency Design/Construction/Installation/Maintenance Deficiency 3 $25,000 Routine Maintenance Deficiency 4 $500 Misuse of Ignition SourcelMaterial Ignited Unattended 3 $12,000 Improperly discarded 3 $100,100 Used or placed too close to combustibles 4 $158,000 Improper handling of ignition source or ignited material 1 $1,000 Used for the purpose not intended p Improper storage 0 Other misuse of ignition source/material ignited 4 $107,500 MechanicallElectrical Failure Mechanical Failure 6 $16,900 Electrical Failure 14 $211,300 Other Unintentional Other unintentional cause, not classified 9 $48,800 Other Rekindle 0 Natural Cause 0 Exposure Fire 1 $2,000 Undetermined Unintentional, cause undetermined 3 $82,500 Undetermined 26 $492,650 106 $2,841,000 F ,o ~ Clara t~Qe~Rg rke way~~ ~" ~` The duties of Fire Prevention staff include inspections arising from complaints, requests, retrofits, or self-initiated inspections in accordance with the Fire Prevention and Protection Act and Department policies. New construction inspections and plans review of buildings under construction in matters respective of fire protection systems and life safety within buildings are conducted in accordance with the Building Code, Ontario Fire Code and applicable by-laws. 'Zero tolerance' remains our motto for offenders of the Ontario Fire Code, safety legislation, acts, regulations and Municipal by-laws relative to fire and life safety and offenders will be charged. Staff issued a total of 9 charges in 2009. Providing suppression staff with technical support and training in fire prevention disciplines enhances the knowledge of responders and provides for efficient and effective resolutions to emergency situations. Examining and investigating fire scenes and interviewing witnesses in an effort to determine cause and origin of fires and provide the foundation for public educational programs in Clarington is a key role of fire prevention staff. Of the 176 fires extinguished, fire cause was determined in 87 cases and 29 fires remain undetermined. Activit Event Fire Ins ections 473 Com taint Ins ections 24fi Fire Safe Plan Review 30 Fire Investi ations 11 New Construction/Plans Review 234 Part 1-Smoke Alarm Tickets 6 Part 3 -Fire Code Cha es 3 In House Trainin Sessions 1 Homes Visited Alarmed for Life 720 Public fire safety education is achieved through the distribution of fire and life safety information and public education programs in accordance with the Fire Prevention and Protection Act and Department policies. The Department's residential smoke alarm awareness program entitled "Alarm for Life° is ongoing. Implementing effective public education programs in an effort to reduce the number of fires, lives and property affected by fire is paramount. In 2009, the 88 public education events reached an estimated 14,800 residents and visitors to Clarington. Family Safety Day, Orono Fair and Canada Day celebrations are typical public events staff attended. Public Education/Relations Events Partici ants Station Tours 35 1,025 School Visits 9 1,800 Fire Safe House Visits 10 3,448 Public Events 17 7,705 Safe Lectures g g79 Fire Extin uisher Demonstrations 4 80 Fire Truck Visits 4 385 11 ~ Clare Leading the Way September 26, 2009 was Family Safety Day in Clarington. '- k ' N Although the weather conditions were less than ideal, an ~~111 estimated 3,500. visitors attended the event. This year's event ~.~4 J~~ will take place on Saturday, September 25, 2010 and will again J feature community-minded safety organizations providing ~~~ awareness to everyone on personal safety and emergency preparedness. Junior Firefighter Program 2009 marked the 15`x' anniversary of this program. Students in the week long camp learn valuable skills in firefighting, personal safety, police and emergency medical services. The program now provides opportunities for 200 children which is a testament to the program's popularity. Fire Chief for a Day The 2009 Fire Chief for a Day contestant winner was 9 year old Greg Gibson from Dr. Emily Stowe Public School in Cou rtice. Congratulations Greg! 12 ~ ~~ ~ Leading i8e Way Training and professional development of the Department's career and volunteer firefighters is the responsibility of the Training Officer. Developing personnel to the Ontario Fire Service Standards, industry best practices, Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, and the expectations of Council requires an extraordinary commitment. Firefighters completed the third year of athree-year "Back to Basics" training program that was intertwined with specialized skills and technical rescue abilities such as: • Auto extrication skills • Pumper operations certification pilot program • Live fire training • Emergency medical responder training • Confined space awareness • Farm propane operations • Fire behaviour • Pal pak hi-rise kit • Lock out and tag-out procedures and equipment • Draegar propane simulator train-the-trainer training • Firefighter survival part II • Basic rope rescue training from heights at St. Mary's Cement and Veltri building • Water/lce rescue training • Incident management training • Building construction • Ladders • Dispatch sign-offs • Accessibility training 13 ~ fl~~• aeading the Way This graph illustrates the Department's operating budgets over the past five years: $7,500,000 $6,500,000 $5,500,000 $4,500,000 Emergency ~ Fire Services 2009 Budget Allocation 12.396 87.796 ^ Salaries & Benfits ^ Other Expenditures 14 Emergency & Fire Services 2009 Operating Budget by Division 5, 1.6~ 59.496 ^ Administration ^ Prevention ^ Suppression ^ Training ^ Communications ~ Mechanical ^ Part-Time Stations ^ MEOC 5.9% ~I~1~ Leodwg the Way In 2009, Clarington Emergency & Fire Services operating budget totaled approximately $7,467,269. 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 9.996 0.5°6 ,~ ,o. Fire Services Exemalarv 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. The Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal was awarded to the following individuals in 2009: • Captain Ron Klosinski • Captain Randy Reinert • Volunteer Captain Harry Koerssen • Firefighter Mark Ulrich • Firefighter Randy Cowan • Volunteer Firefighter Jamie Cowan • Firefighter Owen Ferguson • Firefighter Ken Ostler • Volunteer District Chief John Pittens received his 30 year Federal Bar 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. The Ontario Fire Services Long Service Medal was awarded to the following in 2009: • Inspector Bill Reid • Inspector Jacquie Hill-Bower • Volunteer Firefighter Robert Wood The dedication and commitment these firefighters have given to our Municipality is truly appreciated. 15 ~ /1~~ • Leading the Waq Clarington Emergency & Fire Services would like to acknowledge the following: • Quarry Lake Golf Course, who open their gates for the Department to facilitate ice/water rescue training and annual fire pump testing. • Ontario Power Generation, for their continued support of the Junior Firefighter Program and for the training and professional development of this Department's front line staff. • Volunteer Captain Don Morrison and Volunteer Captain Tim Noble for achieving Certification as Firefighters • Firefighter Ken Ostler for graduating from the Company Officer program • Inspector Steven Valk for graduating from the Fire Prevention Officer Program • Firefighter Randy Cowan, Firefighter Ken Ostler, Firefighter Stephen Proctor who received Letters of Commendation for rescuing a 94-year old female from the second floor of a burning house. Volunteer Captain Harry Koerssen, Volunteer Captain Justin Rogers, Volunteer Firefighter Don Wright received Letters of Commendation for assisting police in apprehending and detaining a disorderly individual. ~ s ~ ~l • ~1I~ Leading tke way