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HomeMy WebLinkAboutESD-004-20Clarington Staff 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: June 22, 2020 Report Number: ESD-004-20 Submitted By: Gord Weir, Director of Emergency Services Reviewed By: File Number: Andrew C. Allison, CAO By-law Number: Resolution#: GG-221-20 Report Subject: Emergency and Fire Services 2019 Annual Report Recommendation: 1. That Report ESD-004-20 be received for information. Municipality of Clarington Report ESD-004-20 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 2019. 1. Background 1.1 Staff have prepared the 2019 Annual Report (Attachment 1) and would like to highlight some key items for your information. 1.2 Fire Suppression staff responded to 4,268 calls in 2019, an increase of 8.63% over 2018. 1.3 The department saw an increase in the majority of each response type: Other Response being up approximately 30% and Pre Fire Conditions/No Fire up approximately 42%. Other Response increased by 59.60% over Q3 2018 due to Assistance Not Required by Other Agency (EMS and Police). The increase for Pre Fire Conditions/No Fire was largely due to Pot on Stove incidents. 1.4 Inspections and Fire Investigations increased for Fire Prevention by 29.21 % and 83.33%. There were a total of 364 fire inspections opened, which resulted in 460 visits. In addition, there were 12 fire investigations, which required 22 site visits by staff. No charges were laid as a result of the 12 fire investigations. 1.5 Public education activities increased by 54.84%. This includes an increase in safety lectures provided by staff to high school co-op students. The main focus of the lecture was workplace fire safety for young workers, reaching approximately 1200 students. 2. Concurrence Not Applicable. 3. Conclusion It is respectfully recommended that this Report be received for information. Staff Contact: Gord W, Director of Emergency & Fire Services, 905-623-5126 ext. 2816 or gweir@clarington.net. Attachment: Municipality of Clarington Report ESD-004-20 Attachment 1 — Emergency and Fire Services — 2019 Annual Report Interested Parties: There are no interested parties to be notified of Council's decision. Page 3 Attachment 1 to Report ESD-004-20 Clarington Emergency and Fire Services 0 RI Enhancing Public Fire Safety is Priority #1 Contents FireChief's Message...................................................................................................5 2019 Highlights................................................................................................................6 WhoWe Are and What We Do........................................................................................7 What Services Do We Provide.........................................................................................8 OurVision.....................................................................................................................8 OurMission..................................................................................................................8 FireSafety Education...................................................................................................8 Fire Prevention, Inspection and Enforcement...............................................................9 Emergency Response (Suppression)...........................................................................9 CelebratingSuccess......................................................................................................10 Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal.....................................................................11 Ontario Fire Services Long Service Medal.................................................................11 Promotions.................................................................................................................11 Comingsand Goings.....................................................................................................12 FirePrevention...............................................................................................................13 FireSafety Education.................................................................................................13 Alarmedfor Life (AFL).............................................................................................13 Family Safety Day and Fire Prevention Week.........................................................13 Junior Firefighter Program..........................................................................................14 Public Education Activities..........................................................................................16 FireInspections..........................................................................................................19 CommunityEvents.........................................................................................................20 FireSuppression............................................................................................................22 VolunteerRecruits......................................................................................................22 Training.......................................................................................................................23 Emergency Response Statistics....................................................................................24 2019 Incident Breakdown...........................................................................................24 Call Volume by Geographical Area.............................................................................24 AnnualTotals..............................................................................................................24 Acknowledgments..........................................................................................................25 ConnectWith Us............................................................................................................26 Inquiries or questions?................................................................................................26 Annual Report 2019 1 3 1 � f L_- R ,Y r r� 1 _ 4P 3 Ao` 1 � F s�f � 1 � .�lkF% qL r Fire Chief s Message On behalf of Clarington Emergency and Fire Services (CEFS), I am pleased to present the 2019 Annual Report. This report provides an overview of the activities associated with the Department's Emergency Response, Fire Prevention, Training and Mechanical Divisions. As the Municipality continues to see urban growth, changing weather patterns and an ever -changing environment, we continue to pursue opportunities to improve our overall performance such as a substantial investment in equipment and upgrades this year. CEFS purchased 11 new AED's (Automated External Defibrillator) and updated our fleet, taking possession of two new Tankers, one Pumper and a van for our Mechanical Division. Changes to the Ontario Mutual Aid Plan issued by the Office of the Fire Marshal resulted in changes to the Region of Durham Mutual Aid Plan. The MAP allows for fire departments to provide or receive assistance from neighbouring departments in the case of a major emergency. Ontario fire departments have participated in a formalized MAP since the 1950's. The Plan now provides a clearer understanding of what is required in order to participate in the Plan. The Department renewed the Memorandum of Understanding for Fi Protection and Community Emergency Management with Ontario Power Generation. This MOU is reviewed annually and updated every five years. During the year the Municipality experienced another flooding event that brought our community together. More than 90 volunteers registered to assist homeowners, and Clarington's Operations and Fire Department with filling and deploying sandbags to homes along the waterfront. Their assistance was greatly appreciated. As I reflect on the past year, I would like to express my appreciation for the hard work and dedication each member of the department continues to provide to our residents. Thank you Mayor Foster, members of Council and municipal staff for your continued support. Gord Weir Annual Report 2019 15 2019 Highlights Ia. 41268 Total Emergency Responses an increase of 8.63 per cent from 2018 129 00 Total Fire Responses Up 0.78 per cent from 2018 $303171011 Estimated fire losses An increase of almost 21 per cent from 2018 00 20027 Homes visited as part of the Alarm for Life Program 25th Anniversary Junior Firefighter Program 200 children attend every summer Updates to the Provincial Mutual Aid Plan were presented to the Durham Region Fire Chiefs which resulted in an update to the Durham Region Mutual Aid Plan. Annual Report 2019 1 6 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. Our greatest asset is our personnel; a group of highly trained, dedicated individuals who pride themselves on customer service excellence. 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 Annual Report 2019 1 7 What Services Do We Provide Our Vision We are dedicated to a fire safe communit Our Mission To ensure we deliver service excellence t prevention, training and emergency respc Our ValueF Every member of Clarington Emergency, upholds the tradition of a composite Depe skill and knowledge respond without bour Fire Safety Education • Educate the public on fire/life safety tl public education programs, hall tours, lectures and fire safety training. Our F education programs include: o Alarmed for Life Program o Carbon Monoxide Awareness V\ o Community Fire Safety Progran- o Family Safety Day o Fire Prevention Week o Junior Firefighter Program o Portable Fire Extinguisher Train o The Arson Prevention Program Children (TAPPC) Annual Report 2019 18 Fire Prevention, Inspection and Enforcement • Inspect commercial, residential, vulnerable occupancies and industrial mercantile for Fire Code compliance • Enforce the Fire Code and related fire safety standards Emergency Response (Suppression) • Respond to emergencies including: ■ Fire ■ Motor vehicle collisions ■ Medical support ■ Alarm notification ■ Natural disasters ■ Public hazards — CO incident, gas leak, power lines down, spills ■ Assistance to Police and other agencies ■ Rescue — water ice rescue, persons trapped in elevator, high angle rescue Celebrating Succes Staff gathered at the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex on December 10, 2019 to honour those that have achieved the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal and Ontario Fire Services Long Service Medal. EnR..r-. Annual Report 2019 1 10 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. This year's recipients were: Rob Gardner, Acting Captain — 2U year Federal Medal Tony Santos, Acting Captain — 20 year Federal Medal Darryl White, Acting Captain — 20 year Federal Medal Brent Pearce, Firefighter — 20 year Federal Medal Ontario Fire Services Long Service Medal The Ontario Fire Services Long Service Medal was first awarded in 1971 as 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. This year's recipients were: Randy Cowan, Platoon Chief — 30 year Provincial Bar Ken Ostler, Chief Training Officer — 30 year Provincial Bar Randy Reinert, Chief Fire Prevention Officer — 30 year Provincial Bar Mark Ulrich, Platoon Chief — 30 year Provincial Bar Bob McCutcheon, Captain — 25 year Provincial Medal Paul Rowan, Acting Captain — 25 year Provincial Medal Bill Speakman, Acting Captain — 25 year Provincial Medal Harry Koerssen, Volunteer District Chief — 30 year Provincial Bar Promotions Firefighter Dan Pellerin was promoted to the rank of Acting Captain. Volunteer firefighters Robert McQuay and Phillip Jordan were promoted to the rank of Captain. Volunteer firefighters Ben Easa and Paul Hutchison were promoted to the rank of Acting Captain. Annual Report 2019 1 11 Comings and Goings Farewell! On May 31, 2019 Fire Prevention Inspector Bill Reid retired after almost 20 years of dedicated service to the Clarington Emergency and Fire Services Department. Bill started as a volunteer firefighter with Hamilton Township in 1983. In 1989, he began his career as a Fire Prevention Inspector with the Scarborough Fire Department. The Department also said farewell to the following volunteer staff. Captain Bill Schmahl (Station 2), 16 Years of Service Firefighter Neil Christie (Station 4), 19 Years of Service Firefighter Roy Warwick (Station 5), 17 Years of Service The Municipality of Clarington thanks you for your dedication and services provided to keep our community safe. Welcome to the Team! The retirement of a suppression member in December 2018 provided us the opportunity to promote Ian Roy to a fulltime firefighter from our volunteer ranks. We also welcomed Bridgette Diotte as our new Fire Prevention Inspector. Bridgette started as an inspector for Toronto Fire two -and -a -half years ago. She brings with her a vast knowledge of hoarding and residential inspections. Bridgette's area of focus will be for occupancy groups D — Business and Personal Services and E — Mercantile Occupancies. Annual Report 2019 1 12 ire Prevention Fire Safety Education 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. Alarmed for Life (AFL) 4 a Staff visited 2,027 homes across Clarington for the Alarmed for Life Program during the months of June to October. AFL core components: • 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. • 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. • 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 28 we held our 18t" annual Family Safety Day, alongside 49 organizations to share safety tips and educate the community. Approximately 2,500 attended! The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years. This year's Fire Prevention Week campaign focused on escape planning and situational awareness. It is imperative to be aware of available exits in a building if an alarm system sounds. Annual Report 2019 1 13 Junior Firefighter Program 2019 was a special year for the Junior Firefighter Program as we celebrated its 25th Anniversary. The JFF Program launched in the summer of 1995. Fire Chief Gord Weir, a Captain at the time, was instrumental in starting the program. Chief Weir was successful in receiving funding from Ontario Power Generation which allowed the department to offer the camp free of charge. In the first year, four week-long courses were offered to 20 children per week for a total of 80. The camp now offers five week-long courses during the months of July and August to 40 children per week for a total of 200. PAGE 4 GLAnIHGTON THIS WEEK, Wednesday, AArQ 9, 1995 Junior Firefighters program is cool with the kids BY CINDY and touring fire €-olved in the load cldldren of sppli-nl to suss tosming how UvsHALL nngl nes. This is Cinr€ngton Ciro about whm exact- the program Is soy 1. pre ent and Thls Wot, StaF enyI mg but yen department's - Iy a firefighter ndicatlon,the extinguish lire Writer typical summer fool,, Firefighters dues, says Capl. program got ofi' was why he want- H]xHogainhing amp. Those are program: In Ibis I:ford Weix !hc ground just in W to join the pro - pan fires, wmwt- just a tew of the its fits( year, the 1cn [l West, [ima "1Ve had oo gr m- "If thorn ing �jaws-of-I tfe activities i- program is 12, decided, Ia problrsn filling the was a Fire in my demonstrutiens, need by children innlrnetiog A mall for just that . h0 spots," says huuw, I wouldn't Weir, vho po t &rt he, to Vu t t didn't kIlie dcpltmni t t htt I h t go[ 100 -. d Both J It fifcfightem and pp3 at' - f d. R b y, hst y d the_ f e c k h 1 1h y t ,. fuu, arnl all th t- t rg P 6 ,. m. surf, if they want Jennell says the Jtp tm'ni - to bcwmc f re- -� -she was surprise,( offers four week- fighters, it's Io le-arn thnt rir tong courses for inethiog they'll ,{ tighter, uften play 20 hldr (per keep in mind. the lama rolo us ssicn) ages 11 paramedics. and 12. M well new a expu,ing chd _ u, IAlthough, to claringtnn, the drun to thu duties ' idea of 3un3or of a firclightcp FirefightersN they arc also "net a new on to taught baste first the —6ce,' says aid, fire pmvcn Capt. Weir, who tin, and how to s insHnnahtal use a fire exlin-. starting the guisher. local program. 'R61' Weir, 12' If 1he number son of Caps. Weir COOL JOB: Yuungcte,, in the Claringion Fire Department's first Junicr Firefighters program lcnm how to handle a hose- Fmut 10 hdck are Vincent Caraaiolo, Joshua Vreugdenhill and Sarah Pros(. Page 4 Clarington This Week, Wednesday, August 9, 1995 Each week children learn the importance of fire safety, the role of a firefighter and what actions to take in the presence of an emergency. They also learn some great fire and personal safety skills as well as team work abilities. Emergency responders such as the Region of Durham Paramedic Services, Durham Regional Police and CN Police Service attend the camp weekly to provide invaluable lessons on safety and information about their jobs. OPG's Wesleyville Fire and Rescue Training Academy also attend weekly to teach the junior firefighters how to use a fire extinguisher, fire hazards and fire safety information. Test you smoke alarms E _ like your life depends on it tOZ AW- becar1f, it does--` — Each week one child is awarded the Kaleigh Meringer Memorial Leadership war is award is given to a Junior Firefighter that displays the attributes which best describes Kaleigh, and includes the greatest amount of enthusiasm, creativity and leadership of the group. The award was first issued in 2010. This year's first recipient was Brooke MacKinnon. Thanks to the generous donations and support from Ontario Power Generation, our community and local businesses, the program continues to be a great success. Registration for the camp is available online through Clarington's eACTIVF site for children ages 10 and 11 who are Clarington residents and have not attended the camp before. } B AC iv Cia Annual Report 2019 1 15 IwF (SPARKY VFW Public Education Activities Public Education Activity Station Tours Volume 40 School Visits 4 Public Events 25 Safety Lectures 61 Extinguisher Training Events 9 TAPP-C Attendance 5 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. Fire safety materials are available to residents at Clarin-qton.net/Town-Hall/Fire-Safety. Annual Report 2019 1 16 SPARKY GO f Vow Jfv Calprgp "_- � _�— n IYpLIClwllap/p cal I before I t. W ou dig! r Stay away r w1�from / p..=,.-- ails Can N1I1 clown o Electricity Safety & Conservation Molly the Fire uogi MOLLY'S ROOM MEE71N� p�4CF e cnoc�Hk we �8.: ire 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. A total of 460 inspections were conducted in 2019. The table below lists the total number of inspection services performed. Inspections 460 Complaints Response 95 Burn Permits 185 Fire Safety Plans Reviews 50 General Plans Reviews 193 Site Visit 139 Fire Investigations 22 FPPA Part 3 Charges Laid 0 FPPA Part 1 Charges Laid 2 ---- -- -n • Carbon Monoxide Detectors must be installed outside all sleeping areas if you have an attached garage, a fireplace and/or a fuel fired appliance • Many Ontario homes have an average 4-6 fuel - burning appliances' that produce carbon monoxide • Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning include: • Headache • Dizziness • Nausea • Breathlessness • Collapse • Loss of Consciousness 'Statistics provided by the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management Annual Report 2019 1 19 Community Event! Tim Horton's Camp Day Staff participate in the annual Tim Horton's Camp Day to help raise funds for the Tim Horton's Foundation Camps. Bowmanville Remembrance Day Service Each year the Fire Chief lays a wreath on behalf of Fire Administration. Several staff members participate by marching in the Bowmanville Remembrance Day parade. Epilepsy Durham Region On December 17, Epilepsy Durham Region presented Lora the Lavender Labrador plush charity dog to first responders at the Region of Durham headquarters. Staff will distribute the plush dogs when tending to people in traumatic situations to help provide some comfort. Durham Regional Police Service Festive R.I.D.E. Campaign Staff from Station 2, Newcastle, assisted DRPS the first week of their annual Festive R.I.D.E program. R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) is a sobriety testing program used by police in Ontario. �TTT-" Annual Report 2019 1 20 Durham Regional Police Service Food and Toy Drive Every year DRPS provides boxes to each of our fulltime stations to collect food and toy donations from the community. A huge contributor to the toy drive is a local business, Phoenix A.M.D. International. Phoenix has been donating toys to the fire station for the past 14 years in support of the DRPS toy drive and the Salvation Army; with each donation larger than the last. Several cargo vans and the Durham Region Transit Holiday Bus were brought in to transport the toys and approximately 40 bikes. 'VA O- I f .M1■.■ .h. Ai"i■. I A Fire Suppression Our highly trained fire suppression staff are able to provide assistance and respond to a variety of emergencies and situations. Core services provided by staff include fire suppression in both an offensive and defensive mode and search and rescue operations, forcible entry, ventilation, protecting exposures, salvage and overhaul as appropriate. Staff provide emergency pre -hospital care that includes medical acts such as defibrillation, standard first aid, CPR, and EPIPEN assistance. Other core services include: Special Rescue — extrication, rope rescue, water/ice rescue; Defensive Hazardous Material Emergency Response — conducted to the operations level by fulltime staff and awareness level by volunteer firefighters; Confined Space. Volunteer Recruits CEFS hired 18 new volunteer firefighters targeting our full complement of 25 volunteer firefighters for each of our five stations. Brodie Tutton, Greyson Ulrich, Trevor Bell, Chris Crichton, Juan Diez, Scott Sikma (left to right) Dustin Forsey, Devon Dennis, Lucus Pearson, Andrew Bossema, Tyler Grindrod, Ryan Spencer (left to right) Tyler Gaulton, Adam Conners, Montgomery Wheller, Curtis Watson, Bryan Strong, Adrian Jacobs (left to right) Annual Report 2019 1 22 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). Training expanded in the following areas for 2019: Firefighter Survival; in 2018 two of our fulltime firefighters " received certification as Firefighter Survival Instructors through the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF). With their new certification they provided lessons to staff on the 12 skill centers in 2019. Staff also completed eight hours of online training through the IAFF. Elevator Rescue; staff received extensive training in performing an elevator rescue. This training included identifying the different types of elevator systems, how to identify and locate the elevator machine room, the difference between the inner and outer elevator door, the main parts of a Rescue Action Plan, an understanding of how a hydraulic elevator works, the use of an elevator key -tool, how identify the location of the Emergency Rec� Switch and its purpose, as well as identifyir the main elevator disconnect. Staff responc to nine elevator rescue incidents in 2019. Rope Rescue — Sk. ; firefighters lower themselves using a system of anchors, webbing, ropes, carabiners and other devices to reach a trapped person. Our staff expanded their skill set to include slope or low angle rescue. Staff learned the necessary skills on how to use a stokes basket in a slope or low angle environment safely. In using the stokes basket, we can provide greater support for long distance transport or more serious injuries. Staff responded to three rope rescue calls in 2019. One of which they utilized their new skills rescuing a resident who had driven an ATV over a steep cliff in Newcastle. JfIL Annual Report 2019 1 23 Emergency Response Statistic In 2019, crews were dispatched to a total of 4,268 emergency incidents of which 129 (3.02%) were fires with an estimated dollar loss of $3,317,011. The following is a summary of emergency incidents by response type. 2019 Incident Breakdown ResponseTotal AM Change Volume L 1 2019 ,. IncidentsVolum Property Fires / Explosions 75 86 +14.67% 2.02% Outdoor (No Loss Fires) 53 43 -18.87% 1.01 % Burning Controlled 78 80 +2.56% 1.87% CO False Calls 150 166 +10.67% 3.89% False Fire Calls 383 350 -8.62% 8.20% Medical/Resuscitator Call 2,108 2,313 +9.72% 54.19% Other Response 385 502 +30.39% 11.76% Overpressure Rupture/Explosion (No Fire) 1 1 0.00% 0.02% Pre Fire Conditions/No Fire 57 81 +42.11 % 1.90% Public Hazard 208 170 -18.27% 3.98% Rescue 431 476 +10.44% 11.15% Call Volume by Geographical Area Geographical Bowmanville and surrounding area 2,084 Newcastle and surrounding area 736 Orono and surrounding area 229 Courtice and surrounding area 1,088 Enniskillen and surrounding area 131 Annual Totals Call Volume 3,636 3,737 3,675 3,929 4,268 Civilian Injuries 3 5 1 1 7 Firefighter Injuries 1 0 0 0 1 Fatalities 1 0 0 0 0 Dollar Loss $4,563,251 $6,248,757 $4,244,699 $2,738,750 $3,317,011 Annual Report 2019 124 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. CN Rail Police — for providing rail safety information during your participation in our Junior Firefighter Program. 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. ONTAR10ruNER GENERATION Darlington Nuclear �t�tr l�o�nsr.3. CA 41-1� Annual Report 2019 1 25 Connect With Us Inquiries or questions? Contact us at: ll@ClaringtonEFS I 0@clarchief � 905-623-5126 V fire@clarington.net or visit Station 1, 2430 Highway 2, Bowmanville ON L1 C 6C8 A = m m m " m m i CLA 0 FIw.� 111�C011 Uat