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Home My WebLink AboutFD-3-84 EM1ERCaCNI(:Y TELEPHONE FIRE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTEHS 623-3300 i' r 13f2 CHURCH Sf, FIRE Cl-IF � � f, � OFFICE: 623-5125 TOWN OF NEWCASTLE REPORT TO THE GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE - MEETING OF MARCH 5, 1984. (I7r REPORT NO. 3-84 SUBJECT: Annual Fire Report for 1983. RECOMMENDATION: It is respectfully recommended: 1 . ) THAT this report be received for information. BACKGROUND AND COMMENTS Annual Fire Report on activities and fire losses for 1983, for the Town of Newcastle. Respectfully submitted, J. Aldridge, Fire Chief. JA/sr February 21 , 1984. f FIRE PREVFNTION BEGINS WITH YOU i Newcastle Fire Department Annual Report 1983 INDEX CONTENTS PAGE 1 . INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2. ORGANIZATION CHART . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 3. FULL TIME STAFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 4. LIST OF VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 5. FIRE LOSS STATISTICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 6. MAJOR FIRES IN 1983 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 7. ALARM BREAKDOWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 8. VEHICLE INVENTORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 9. FIRE PREVENTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 10. FIRE PREVENTION WEEK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 11 . TRAINING REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 12. COMMUNICATIONS REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 13. MECHANICAL DIVISION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 14. BUILDING REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 i I i I TOWN OF NEWCASTLE FIRE DEPARTMENT 1983 ANNUAL REPORT HIS WORSHIP MAYOR GARNET B. RICKARD - and - MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: Ladies and Gentlemen: The 1983 Annual Report of the Town of Newcastle Fire Department is sub- mitted for your review and information. Your Fire Department responded to 432 calls during the year, a decrease of nine calls over the previous year. Cause and classification for all alarms are recorded elsewhere in this report. The estimated fire loss for 1983 was $643,454.00, which is a slight in- crease over the 1982 estimated loss of $633,390.00. I am pleased to be able to report that there were no fire fatalities during 1983. The deliberate starting of a fire with malicious intent continues to be a major concern and although we are pleased to point out that the number of suspected arson cases is down from last year, continued vigilance is necessary. The active participation of all citizens and agencies is im- perative to the success of arson detection and fire prevention programs. During 1983, Council approval was received to upgrade the Department's factilities and equipment: 1 . ) A new two bay, 450 mz fire station was designed and constructed in Orono. Construction is completed now and this appears to be an excel- lent facility with a dispatch room, large meeting room, office room and a greatly needed hose tower. 2. ) A 1 ,500 gallon, or 6,819 litre tanker was purchased to upgrade the mobile water supply units of the Department, for rural fire fighting purposes. This vehicle will be placed in service at Fire Station #2. We are grateful to the Mayor, Council and Fire Department Liaison Member for their leadership and support. We appreciate the excellent facilities and equipment, which are provided to improve effectiveness of operations. In an effort to decrease the fire loss and in the interest of public fire safety, the Fire Department is endeavouring to carry out the requirements of the Ontario Fire Code, for residential , commercial and industrial occu- pancies, so they conform to minimum life safety standards and to accommo- date requests for installation inspection of wood burning appliances received from the residents of the Town of Newcastle. i - 1 - I I i During 1983 Council approved the Resolution to establish a new position of Platoon Chief for the Town of Newcastle, which came into effect December 5, 1983. My congratulations and best wishes to Mr. David Gregg Corden, Platoon Chief, for his future and a successful career with the Town of Newcastle Fire Department. This report gives me the opportunity, on behalf of the Department, to thank all those who continue to provide the assistance and co-operation, which is so essential in providing the necessary emergency services. Also, to the Ontario Fire Marshal 's Office for their assistance and guidance over the past year. I would also offer my best wishes to Chief Jim Hayman and Mrs. Hayman, on his retirement. J. Aldridge, Fire Chief. - 2 - 1983 NEWCASTLE FIRE DEPARTMENT ORGAN:ZATION CHART TOWN COUNCIL I � _L GENERAL PURPOSE ADMINISTRATION CTTE. EADMINISTRATOR - ADVISORY _ COMMITTEE - - j FIRE CHIEF PLATOON CHIEF Fire Dept. Secretary I DIVISION) CF DIVISION OF DIVISION OF FIRE SUPPRESSION, DIVISION OF DIVISION OF �'IINISTRATION FIRE PREVENTION RESCUE, SALVAGE & COMMUNICATION APPARATUS & EQUIPMENT TRAINING :RE STATION 01 FIRE STATION r2 FIRE STATION -#3 I FIRE STATION #4 DIST. FIRE CHIEF - 2 DIST. DEP. FIRE CHIEF-2 2 - FULL TIME 4 - CAPTAINS 4 - CAPTAINS 5 - CAPTAINS 3 - CAPTAINS 12 - FIREFIGHTERS 13 - FIREFIG,-TERS 10 - FIREFIGHTERS 14 - FIREFIGHTERS NEWCASTLE FIRE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS STATION #1 - 132 CHURCH ST. , BOWMANVILLE PERSONNEL FIRE CHIEF J. ALDRIDGE PLATOON CHIEF D. GREGG CORDEN CLERK TYPIST Mrs. Sheila Roman FULL TIME FIREFIGHTERS G. Brown W. Lyle At the end of 1983, the strength of the Department including the Fire Chief, Platoon Chief and full time firefighters, remained at four full- time, with 69 part-time firefighters. ANSWERING SERVICE PERSONNEL Mrs. Grace Player Mrs. Judy Davey Mrs. Greta Luxton Central Dispatch was completed in December of 1983. The Answering Service now receives emergency calls to the Fire Department for the municipality and dispatches required vehicles. A new four channel recording system has been installed at Fire Station #1 , which records all incoming emergency phone calls and all vehicle radio trans- missions. I - 4 - � FIRE STATION #1 - Headquarters, 132 Church Street, Bowmanville PART-TIME FIREFIGHTERS i CAPTAIN - John Carter CAPTAIN - Howard Davey CAPTAIN - Lloyd Forsey Fireman - George Moore Fireman - Steve Davey Fireman - Bruce Goudey Fireman - Dave Boyd Fireman John Lyle Fireman - Patrick Mothersill Fireman - Michael Murphy Fireman - Bruce Smith Fireman - Doug Taylor Fireman - Gordon Weir Fireman - Ronald Carter Fireman - Irwin Colwell Fireman - Brian Smith Fireman - Eric Patterson I I - 5 - FIRE STATION 02 - 247 King Street East, Village of Newcastle i PART-TIME FIREFIGHTERS DISTRICT FIRE CHIEF - Samuel arereton DISTRICT DEPUTY CHIEF - Alfred Alldread CAPTAIN - Peter DeJong CAPTAIN - Claude Miller CAPTAIN - Donald Holmes CAPTAIN - Ronald Potter Fireman - Donald Oke Fireman - Jamie Wright Fireman - Jeff Alldread Fireman - Cecil Miller Fireman - Wayne Yarrow I Fireman - William Couch Fireman - .Jeffery Langley Fireman - Gregory Martin Fireman - Frank Hoar Fireman - Roger Peel Fireman - Chris Cooper Fireman - Gerald Huber - 6 - i i FIRE STATION b3 - Main Street, Village of Orono i PART-TIME FIREFIGHTERS DISTRICT FIRE CHIEF - Ross Mercer DISTRICT DEPUTY CHIEF - Jack Mercer CAPTAIN - Harvey Partner CAPTAIN - Gerald Duvall CAPTAIN - Mel Hartwig CAPTAIN - Francis Tennant Fireman - Robert Jackson Fireman - Paul Schmyr Fireman - Jim Hutton Fireman - Terry Hardy Fireman - Jim Partner Fireman - Dave Forrester Fireman - Ron Talsma Fireman - John Clapdorp Fireman - Norm Tillson Fireman - Ron White Fireman - Don McLaren i Fireman - Larry Jackson Fireman - Allan Luke I - 7 - I FIRE STATION N4 - Trulls Road North, Courtice PART-TIME FIREFIGHTERS CAPTAIN - Marion Hockney CAPTAIN - James McIntyre CAPTAIN - Robert Marsh CAPTAIN - John Pittens CAPTAIN - Patrick Drumm Fireman - Randy Cole Fireman - Robert Hockney Fireman - Bev Heath Fireman - Maurice Wicks Fireman - Wilson Reid Fireman - Mike Kadykalo Fireman - Gabriel Merkac Fireman - Stanley Watt Fireman - Robert Wilson Fireman - 'Tom Simpson i - 8 - i FIRE LOSS STATISTICS i YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 1983 ALARMS FOR 1983 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432 BUILDING VALUE $8,350,150 BUILDING LOSS $ 381 ,325 CONTENT VALUE $2,576,150 CONTENT LOSS $ 161 ,939 VEHICLE VALUE $ 253,860 VEHICLE LOSS $ 93,325 OTHER LOSSES $ 6,865 PER CAPITA LOSS $20.22 (Based on 1983 population of 31 ,812 persons, there is a slight increase from $19.48 for 1982) BURNING PERMITS ISSUED BOWMANVILLE - 219 NEWCASTLE - 45 ORONO - 22 ANSWERING SERVICE LOCATION #1 - 730 calls LOCATION #2 - 1 ,042 calls LOCATION #3 - 525 calls VISITORS TO HALL HALL #1 , BOWMANVILLE - 1 ,260 HALL #2, NEWCASTLE - 140 HALL #3, ORONO - 35 HALL #4, COURTICE - 66 i i I i i - 9 - i TOTAL FIRE LOSS 1978 - 1983 $ 1 ,400,000 $ 1 ,200,000 $ 1 ,000,000 $ 900,000 $ 800,000 $ 700,000 $ 600,000 $ 500,000 $ 400,000 $ 300,000 $ 200,000 I 00 01 p r- N f� ^ 00 00 00 00 dl - 10 - I 1983 MONTHLY FIRE LOSS RECORDS BUILDING & CONTENT BUILDING & CONTENT VEHICLE MONTH ALARMS VALUE LOSS LOSS JANUARY 37 $ 756,000 $ 145,800 $10,950 FEBRUARY 31 $2,550,500 45,950 1 ,500 MARCH 37 449,600 40,515 11,500 APRIL 54 4,981 ,000 86,035 14,075 MAY 50 411 ,000 800 6,050 JUNE 27 125,000 1 ,450 4,000 J JULY 41 163,900 40,938 16,050 AUGUST 42 184,600 3,600 16,750 SEPTEMBER 32 499,500 169,900 3,100 OCTOBER 15 -- -- 700 NOVEMBER 31 491 ,000 5,426 150 DECEMBER 35 314,200 2,850 8,500 TOTALS 432 $10,926,300 $ 543,264 $93,325 Column r3: These are insurance values on buildinas and contents where fires occur. Column 04: Total losses of builidngs and contents where the loss has been established by the insurance company. Column 11 5: Total loss of vheicles on public highways and areas in the Town of Newcastle FIRE LOSSES MAJOR FIRES DURING 1983 THE FOLLOWING REPRESENT MAJOR FIRE LOSS DURING 1983 JANUARY 14 Dwelling 23 Brown Street, Bowm. $39,000 JANUARY 22 Automobile $8,000 JANUARY 28 Dwelling Hampton $130,000 FEBRUARY 9 Dwelling 25 Bradshaw, Bowm. $32,000 MARCH 3 Dwelling R. R. 06, Bowmanville $40,000 MARCH 16 Automobile $8,000 APRIL 2 Dwelling R. R. #1 , Orono $45,000 JULY 4 Two boat houses Port Darlington $6,500 JULY 5 Dwelling R. R. #5, '8owmanville $31 ,000 JULY 20 Automobile $7,000 SEPTEMBER 8 Restaurant Highway #115 $145,000 SEPTEMBER 16 Dwelling 34 Carlise, Bowm. $21 ,000 NOVEMBER 25 Storage barn R. R. #1 , Enniskillen $22,600 DECEMBER 18 Dwelling 185 Duke St. , Bowm. $21 ,000 i i - 12 - FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT (1983) FIRE ALARMS Fire Station #1 , Bowmanville 253 Fire Station #2, Newcastle 71 Fire Station #3, Orono fib Fire Station #4, Courtice 40 TOTAL CALLS. . . . . 432 The following is a breakdown of the methods used to transmait fire alarms to the Fire Department. BREAKDOWN METHOD USED i Telephone - 353 Municipal Panel - 35 Radio - 4 Verbal - 4 Police - 36 - 13 - i FIRE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES 1983 The Fire Department responded to a total of 432 alarms from all occupancies during 1983. DWELLINGS 126 RESTAURANTS 5 SCHOOLS 1 WAREHOUSES 2 BARNS/SHEDS 9 CHURCHES 0 VEHICLES 61 LUMBER YARDS 0 SALVAGE YARDS 1 SCHOOL YARDS 1 CLEANING ESTABLISHMENTS 0 THEATRES 0 COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS 18 APARTMENTS 8 HOSPITALS 1 . PUBLIC ASSEMBLY BUILDINGS 5 GRASS/RUBBISH 93 SERVICE STATIONS 1 INDUSTRIES 17 HOTELS/MOTELS 5 AMUSEMENT CENTRES 0 I BANKS O ARENAS 1 NURSING HOMES 15 MUSEUMS 2 i MUTUAL AID 22 MISCELLANEOUS 38 i - 14 - CLASSIFICATION OF CAUSES CHIMNEY FIRES 64 OIL FURNACES 6 COOKING EQUIPMENT/GREASE FIRES 13 ELECTRIC WIRING/MOTORS 26 GRASS/BUSH 65 RUBBISH 35 SMOKERS MATERIAL/MATCHES 5 OPEN FLAMES/HOT ASHES/EMBERS 3 SPRINKLER PRESSURE SURGE (ACCIDENTAL) 11 FALSE ALARMS 39 VEHICLE ACCIDENTS 9 VEHICLE FIRES 52 STEAM/SMOKE/ODOURS (MISTAKEN FOR FIRE) 16 GASOLINE WASHDOWN 5 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS 1 PUBLIC SERVICE 25 REPAIR GARAGE/WORK SHOPS 3 INCENDIARY NATURE 7 PROPANE BLOW TORCH 0 SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION 2 LIGHTNING STRIKE 0 ASSISTS TO OTHER HALLS 23 MISCELLANEOUS 22 TOTAL FOR YEAR: 432 i I i - 15 - VEHICLES AND APPARATUS USED FOR 1983 FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE HALL #1 , BOWMANVILLE Car 1-1 69 times Unit 1-3 166 times Unit 1-4 37 times Unit 1-8 35 times Unit 1-11 29 times Unit 1-12 25 times Car 1-14 104 times HALL #2, NEWCASTLE Unit 2-2 31 times Unit 2-5 29 times HALL #3, ORONO Unit 3-6 .5:7 times Unit 3-9 20 times HALL #4, COURTICE Unit 4-7 6 times Unit 4-10 37 times i - 16 - TOWN OF NEWCASTLE FIRE DEPARTMENT VEHICLE INVENTORY All vehicles are radio equipped. 1940 Ford - Bickle Rotary Pump - 420 G.P.M. This unit is not in service. Restored to near original finish and used for parades, etc. 1950 - Bickle Seagrave - G.M.C. Chassis - 6 Cylinder Unit 4-7 500 G.P.M. 450 gallon water tank 1959 - King Seagrave on Ford Chassis - 625 G.P.M. - Unit 2-2 3 stage pump - 500 gallon water tank 1964 - King Seagrave on G.M.C. Chassis - 625 G.P.M. Unit 3-6 2 stage pump - 500 gallon water tank 1965 - King Seagrave on G.M.C. Chassis - .625 G.P.M. Unit 2-5 500 gallon water tank 1971 - King Seagrave on Ford Chassis - 840 G.P.M. Unit 1-3 2 stage pump - 600 gallon water tank 1974 - Tanker on a Ford Chassis - 250 G.P.M. - Unit 1-4 P.T.O. pump - 1500 gallon water tank 1977 Tanker on a G.M.C. Chassis - 250 G.P.M. Unit 3-9 P.T.O. pump - 1500 gallon water tank 1979 - Pierreville Truck on a G.M.C. Chassis - Unit 4-10 840 G.P.M. - Waterous pump 2 stage - 600 gallon water tank 1981 - Pierreville 75' Water Tower & Aerial Ladder Unit 1-12 450 gallon water tank - 840 G.P.M. 1981 Grumman Olson Van on a G.M.C. Chassis Unit 1-8 1979 - Pontiac Station Wagon - Unit 1-1 1980 - Ford 4 x 4 Pick-up Truck - Unit 1-11 I 1983 - Chevrolet Malibu Station Wagon - Unit 1-14 j - 17 - I FIRE PREVENTION The Ontario Fire Code provides for the safety of the occupants in buildings through the elimination or control of fire hazards in and around buildings, the maintenance of certain life safety systems in buildings and for the establishing of a fire safety plan in those occupancies, where necessary. Inspections of properties within the Town of Newcastle included mercantile buildings, apartments, industrial buildings, schools, day nurseries, hospital , special care facilities and assembly occupancies. Inspections of private residences, when requested by the owner. The approval of business licences for public assemblies, licences for restaurants, community halls and arenas. A continuing program of fire safety lectures and demonstrations on the use of fire fighting equipment, fire alarm evacuation proce- dures and fire safety were held at schools, nursing homes, special care facilities, hospital , apartment buildings and service clubs. In addition, the following Departments and Agencies are dealt with relevant to plan approvals and regulation enforcement: Department of Planning & Development Department of Public Works (Newcastle) Department of Public Works (Durham Region) Ontario Hydro, Inspection Branch Ontario Liquor Licence Board Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General Ontario Minstry of Commercial and Consumer Relations (Technical Standards-Energy Branch) Northumberland-Newcastle Board of Education Durham Regional Police Underwriters Laboratories of Canada Canadian Standards Association Without the extended assistance of the news media our efforts in Fire Prevention would have been much less effective. We acknowledge a debt of gratitude. Inspection requestsfor solid fuel burning appliances proved to be overwhelming. Approximately 300 inspections have been completed, over the past year, of wood stove and chimney installations. Gener- ally, installations are found to be in accordance with regulations. Information at the time of inspection is given out as to Fire Depart- ment emergency phone numbers, storing and drying of fire wood, chimney maintenance and the operation of the appliance. i - 18 - SUMMARY OF FIRE PREVENTION INSPECTIONS ASSEMBLY: Schools, Churches, Clubs, Restaurants 57 INSTITUTIONAL: Nursing Homes, Special Care Hospital , Pine Ridge School 43 RESIDENTIAL: Apartments, Motels, Hotels, Private Residences 178 BUSINESS AND PERSONAL SERVICE: Shops, Dry Cleaners, Offices 15 MERCANTILE: Department Stores, Shops, Supermarkets 30 INDUSTRIAL: Garages, Factories, Spray Painting 41 BUILDING PLANS: New Construction, Alterations, Department of Planning and Development 105 PETROLEUM PRODUCTS: Flammable Storage Tanks , Handling Codes 37 MISCELLANEOUS: Complaints (yards, alleys, etc. ) 40 HYDRO DEFECTS: Wiring, Electric Panels, Extension Cords 16 DEPARTMENTAL INQUIRIES: Regarding Fire Department 629 SOLID FUEL BURNING APPLIANCES: Woodstoves, etc. 310 TOTAL FOR YEAR: 1 ,501 INCENDIARY NATURE FIRES: 3 PENDING: 0 CHARGES LAID: 1 i CONVICTIONS: 0 FATALITY BY FIRE: 0 i - 19 - i FIRE PREVENTION WEEK OCTOBER 9th - 15th, 1983. We are pleased to report on the activities of a very successful Fire Prevention Week. As at the end of September all schools (29) in the Municipality had participated in a fire drill conducted by the Fire Department. Evacu- ation times and areas of concern were noted during the fire drill , with written reports sent to school principals and the school board offices. During the week, demonstrations and displays of vehicles and equipment were held daily at Fire Station #1 with presentations inside on home fire safety. A total of 14 school groups visited with the Department totalling 295 children. A great interest was shown with public response estimated around 500 visitors. The Hurst Rescue Tool (Jaws of Life) and aerial ladder demonstrations proved to be crowd pleasers. Fire Prevention is 365 days long, but this designated week throughout the country give the Fire Department an extra opportunity to gain the attention of the general public in trying to prevent fires and death. There is a strange thing about our fire prevention week. After Saturday, it starts all over again on Sunday, every week of the year. I i - 20 - i I TRAINING REPORT The success or failure of a fire department depends upon its training program, since no other one factor has as much effect on fire fighting procedures. Some fire department operations occur so frequently that they can be standardized and the fire fighters, through training and repetition, become thoroughly skilled in their performances. Other operations occur so seldom that a continuous training process is necessary to assure effi- cient operations. The efficiency of fire fighting operations is directly proportional to the effectiveness of the training program. IN SERVICE TRAINING There were four training sessions held monthly, with a minimum of two hour duration, sessions are held respectively at each fire station (4) . JANUARY - Use and operation of self-contained breathing apparatus - safety features- changing tanks - theory and practical indoor training. FEBRUARY - Hose loads on trucks checked and standardized - high volume hose con- nections and operation discussed. New emergency van Unit 1-8 taken to all halls and equipment shown and dis- cussed. Members made aware that this vehicle is available for response to all emergencies, if required. MARCH - Outdoor exercise - pumper operations - safe operating pressure - equipment location on trucks. Station #1 - auto extrication. APRIL - Outdoor exercise Station #2 & #3. Types of foam, their use and application - pump pressure. Station #1 aerial tower operations - pumping with high volume hose. Station #4 tour of Henry Buildall - pre- fire planning. Hand lines and pump pressures. MAY - Outdoor exercise - safe use of ladders, ladder raises, proper commands, taking equipment aloft, ladder carry, victim carry, hose carries. JUNE - Outdoor exercise - practical and theory training exercise on hose and appliances. June 20th - a site tour of Ontario Hydro Darlington Plant for all fire department members. i - 21 - Training, cont'd. JULY - Movie shown - Highway Rescue-Basic Auto Extrication skills using equip- ment that may be on hand. AUGUST - Outdoor exercise on self-contained breathing apparatus. Station #1 also tested the new dry drop hydrant instal- lation on the pier at St. Mary's Cement. SEPTEMBER - Outdoor exercise. Portable pump opera- tions drafting with pumper - priming pumps - portable generator use and operation. OCTOBER - General discussion relating to the Fire Department - rules and regulations - operations - manpower. NOVEMBER - Ropes, knots and hitches - ropes on vehicles- tying of knots to hoist equipment - rescue knots and sling. DECEMBER - Introduction of the new Platoon Chief. Self-contained breathing apparatus - procedure for nursing home or special care home emergency calls. In April , during Education Week, a fire safety lecture and demonstra- tion was given to the staff and students of Courtice South Public School . During the next few months, fire safety talks were given to students and fire extinguisher demonstrations to staff at a number of schools in the Municipality. In June, the dry drop hydrant, requested by the Fire Department at St. Mary's Cement Pier was completed and tested and proved to be beneficial for water supply in this area. Also, during this month a film and practical fire extinguisher demonstration was given to Charterways school bus drivers and em- ployees. i A lecture and practical demonstration was given to C.L.O.C.A. staff on the use of portable fire extinguishers. The session was attended by approximately 45 people and proved to be well accepted. In the interest of keeping abreast of new products, product mainten- ance and repairs, two members attended an Akron Manufacturing Company Nozzle/Valve repair school and equipment application and demonstration seminar in Oshawa in June. In September, four department members attended a C.N.Rail presenta- tion and display of their Emergency Response Capabilities. Ontario Hydro and the Durham Region Fire Services developed an edu- cational seminar for Fire Departments in the Region. A tour of the Pickering Nuclear Station and an educational seminar were attended - 22 - Training, Cont'd. by 15 members. A St. John's Ambulance First Aid Course was arranged for two Satur- days in November. I would like to congratulate the members who participated and grad- uated, receiving their First Aid Certificate. COMMUNICATIONS REPORT In 1983 the fire department changed over to central dispatch from Bowmanville. All emergency calls for the Municipality are now answered twenty-four hours per day by the answering service, which tone alert the respective Station. All new radio equipment that is being ordered will have an addi- tional frequency, this being the Ontario Fire Marshal frequency, which will improve radio communications at the scene of major disasters. i MECHANICAL DIVISION The Mechanical Division (Firefighter maintenance Graydon Brown) is responsible for the servicing and maintenance of all powered and unpowered vehicles and equipment owned by the department and the maintenance of a complete and comprehensive history of each piece of equipment. Also, help is provided to the Chief with specifi- cations on new fire vehicles and equipment to be replaced. Council approved tenders for a new 1500 gallon G.M.C. water tanker which will be placed in service in early 1984 at Fire Station #2. The vehicle is being constructed by Mobile Tank Industries, which has supplied the two previous tanker trucks to this Department and have proved to be very reliable vehicles. An Ontario Fire Marshal 's grant was approved for additional Auto Extrication Equipment. This equipment was purchased (ventilator, basic extrication kit, hydra spreader, vetter air bag system, etc. ) and is now in service. Some of this equipment was placed in Station #3, becuase of the high number of vehicle accidents occurring on Highways 35 and 115. BUILDING REPORT Design and consultant work for the Town of Newcastle, Fire Station M3, were carried out by Totten, Sims and Hubicki Associates Ltd. Final design was approved with Ellren Construction being awarded the tender by Council . A 450 square metre structure comprising an apparatus bay to accommodate four vehicles, an office, dispatch room, meeting room, washrooms, hose tower and workshop/mechanical room are nearing completion at the time of this report. From reports received, the building is very well con- structed and will provide many years of functional service to the Fire Department. In Fire Station 91 , under an Occupational Health and Safety requirement, an electric apparatus door opener has been installed. It has proved to be quite efficient and does help to decrease response times of apparatus. - 24 -