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Features
Canadian content
Canadian fire service vendors who want to expand their businesses globally should think ahead to 2015 and the Interschutz International Exhibition for Rescue, Fire Prevention, Disaster Relief, Safety and Security.
Canadian fire service vendors who want to expand their businesses globally should think ahead to 2015 and the Interschutz International Exhibition for Rescue, Fire Prevention, Disaster Relief, Safety and Security.
Green Machine
Standing sentinel at the north entrance of Berwick, Nova Scotia, is a remarkable fire hall: At 1,393 square metres, its annual energy bill is roughly equal to that required for the 520-square-metre building the Berwick & District Volunteer Fire Department vacated in November 2008.
Standing sentinel at the north entrance of Berwick, Nova Scotia, is a remarkable fire hall: At 1,393 square metres, its annual energy bill is roughly equal to that required for the 520-square-metre building the Berwick & District Volunteer Fire Department vacated in November 2008.
Human trafficking
While inspecting a business, you come across a filthy mattress on the floor in a back room and meet an Asian worker who can’t speak English and is wearing little more than rags.
While inspecting a business, you come across a filthy mattress on the floor in a back room and meet an Asian worker who can’t speak English and is wearing little more than rags.
High-rise training
The firefighters climbed the stairs to the 19th floor, hooked up to a standpipe, deployed an attack line, advanced onto the 20th floor and flowed water. It had all the elements of a routine high-rise fire attack – except there was no fire and no walls or windows, just bare concrete with railings.
The firefighters climbed the stairs to the 19th floor, hooked up to a standpipe, deployed an attack line, advanced onto the 20th floor and flowed water. It had all the elements of a routine high-rise fire attack – except there was no fire and no walls or windows, just bare concrete with railings.
Extrication explanation
A year ago, in the August 2009 edition of Fire Fighting in Canada, we talked about new vehicle technology and the challenges it presents for rescuers.
A year ago, in the August 2009 edition of Fire Fighting in Canada, we talked about new vehicle technology and the challenges it presents for rescuers.
The FDIC experience
Baptism by fire. There’s no other way to put it. In April 2007, about three weeks after I became editor of Fire Fighting in Canada, I went to the Fire Department Instructors Conference in Indianapolis. Like most FDIC rookies, I was overwhelmed by the magnitude of the event, the 30,000 firefighters, the massive trade show and all the stuff I didn’t get close to seeing or learning about.
Baptism by fire. There’s no other way to put it. In April 2007, about three weeks after I became editor of Fire Fighting in Canada, I went to the Fire Department Instructors Conference in Indianapolis. Like most FDIC rookies, I was overwhelmed by the magnitude of the event, the 30,000 firefighters, the massive trade show and all the stuff I didn’t get close to seeing or learning about.
WILDFIRE
On April 15th, B.C.’s minister of forests issued a press release predicting that the province might be in for another scorching summer on the heels of 2009, the worst fire season on record.
On April 15th, B.C.’s minister of forests issued a press release predicting that the province might be in for another scorching summer on the heels of 2009, the worst fire season on record.
Beyond Helmets and Hoses
Everyone has heard stories about people who are great at their jobs then get promoted into management and fail miserably – teachers who become principals, hockey players who become coaches, firefighters who become chief officers.
Everyone has heard stories about people who are great at their jobs then get promoted into management and fail miserably – teachers who become principals, hockey players who become coaches, firefighters who become chief officers.
Forrest on fire
In March, Alex Forrest was acclaimed to his seventh term as president of the United Firefighters of Winnipeg. The union represents the city’s 1,500 firefighters, firefighter paramedics, fire prevention officers, training academy instructors and senior operations officers.
In March, Alex Forrest was acclaimed to his seventh term as president of the United Firefighters of Winnipeg. The union represents the city’s 1,500 firefighters, firefighter paramedics, fire prevention officers, training academy instructors and senior operations officers.
Safety First
As North American legislators make changes that require employers to prevent all kinds of workplace harassment – not just human rights violations – Canadian fire departments need to understand how the new laws affect them, their workers and their unions.
As North American legislators make changes that require employers to prevent all kinds of workplace harassment – not just human rights violations – Canadian fire departments need to understand how the new laws affect them, their workers and their unions.
Up in smoke
When Sooke Fire Chief Steve Sorensen was contacted by the local RCMP in late December, the call for assistance was unlike any other the 27-year department member had received.
When Sooke Fire Chief Steve Sorensen was contacted by the local RCMP in late December, the call for assistance was unlike any other the 27-year department member had received.
Resource allocation
In a perfect world, emergency responders would have the resources to address every call immediately and completely.
In a perfect world, emergency responders would have the resources to address every call immediately and completely.
The politics of platooning
Like similar-sized communities across Canada, the picturesque town of Caledon, Ont., has a composite fire department and many of its 65,000 residents know each other and the fire chief.
Like similar-sized communities across Canada, the picturesque town of Caledon, Ont., has a composite fire department and many of its 65,000 residents know each other and the fire chief.
Negligence 101: part 2
The plaintiff was a tenant in a rooming house that was destroyed by fire on April 11, 1991. The plaintiff was injured in the fire and commenced an action seeking damages against various defendants, including the fire department, for failing to properly carry out its obligations under its fire prevention bylaw.
The plaintiff was a tenant in a rooming house that was destroyed by fire on April 11, 1991. The plaintiff was injured in the fire and commenced an action seeking damages against various defendants, including the fire department, for failing to properly carry out its obligations under its fire prevention bylaw.
Flashpoint: March 2010
On Boxing Day I stepped onto my bathroom scale and saw a number that I never, in my life, expected I would see. For some reason, even after all the hints my body has given me over the last 20 years, this was the one that hit me like a ton of bricks. OK, not a ton exactly, but an eighth of a ton, which is too much on a five foot eight frame.
On Boxing Day I stepped onto my bathroom scale and saw a number that I never, in my life, expected I would see. For some reason, even after all the hints my body has given me over the last 20 years, this was the one that hit me like a ton of bricks. OK, not a ton exactly, but an eighth of a ton, which is too much on a five foot eight frame.
Making the grade
Fire insurance grades are one of the most influential aspects of fire protection and prevention in Canada but they are also one of the most misunderstood.
Fire insurance grades are one of the most influential aspects of fire protection and prevention in Canada but they are also one of the most misunderstood.
Olympic feat
Like everyone connected with the 2010 Olympics in British Columbia, Lions Bay Fire Chief Andrew Oliver wants to perform to the best of his ability. His task – and that of his 30-member volunteer department, along with colleagues from Squamish Fire Rescue and Whistler Fire Rescue
Like everyone connected with the 2010 Olympics in British Columbia, Lions Bay Fire Chief Andrew Oliver wants to perform to the best of his ability. His task – and that of his 30-member volunteer department, along with colleagues from Squamish Fire Rescue and Whistler Fire Rescue
Negligence 101
There is a surprising lack of reported court cases in Canada dealing with the issue of negligence by municipalities and their fire departments. This dearth means either that fire departments are rarely accused of negligence or that most of the claims against them settle before trial.
There is a surprising lack of reported court cases in Canada dealing with the issue of negligence by municipalities and their fire departments. This dearth means either that fire departments are rarely accused of negligence or that most of the claims against them settle before trial.
Flashpoint: February 2010
I’ll admit it; it’s an obsession, maybe even an addiction. I am a news junkie. I can’t pass a newspaper stand without at least glancing at the headlines. If CNN is on, good luck getting my attention.
I’ll admit it; it’s an obsession, maybe even an addiction. I am a news junkie. I can’t pass a newspaper stand without at least glancing at the headlines. If CNN is on, good luck getting my attention.
Weather woes
In October, insurance-industry executives told participants at a conference in Montreal that climate change is to blame for the increase in the number of storms, floods and hail events that have resulted in a surge in insurance claims filed in Canada. Martin-Eric Tremblay of the Co-operators Group Ltd.
In October, insurance-industry executives told participants at a conference in Montreal that climate change is to blame for the increase in the number of storms, floods and hail events that have resulted in a surge in insurance claims filed in Canada. Martin-Eric Tremblay of the Co-operators Group Ltd.
Back to work
In October 1909, Vancouver took its first motorized ambulance out for a test drive and ran over and killed an American tourist. A little more than 100 years later, in the early morning hours of Nov. 7, 2009, the British Columbia legislature passed Bill 21, ending a six-month strike by B.C.’s 3,600 ambulance paramedics.
In October 1909, Vancouver took its first motorized ambulance out for a test drive and ran over and killed an American tourist. A little more than 100 years later, in the early morning hours of Nov. 7, 2009, the British Columbia legislature passed Bill 21, ending a six-month strike by B.C.’s 3,600 ambulance paramedics.
Comment: December 2009
It was a good day.
On Nov. 4, Ontario Labour Minister Peter Fonseca announced the extension of workers compensation benefits to volunteer and part-time firefighters and fire inspectors.
It was a good day.
On Nov. 4, Ontario Labour Minister Peter Fonseca announced the extension of workers compensation benefits to volunteer and part-time firefighters and fire inspectors.
Anatomy of a wildfire
The peak of the 2009 wildfire season hit the Central Okanagan Valley in mid July, about a month earlier than usual. Three major interface fires made up what the British Columbia Forest Service termed the West Kelowna Complex, which ran for almost 45 days.
The peak of the 2009 wildfire season hit the Central Okanagan Valley in mid July, about a month earlier than usual. Three major interface fires made up what the British Columbia Forest Service termed the West Kelowna Complex, which ran for almost 45 days.
Letters to the Editor: November 2009
Dave is absolutely correct that I insisted the London Professional Fire Fighters Association be granted access to financial information prior to even considering any type of wage freeze or rollback.
Dave is absolutely correct that I insisted the London Professional Fire Fighters Association be granted access to financial information prior to even considering any type of wage freeze or rollback.
A Canadian FireFit first
For the first time in the history of the Scott FireFit Championships the over-40 winner also claimed the overall individual title in the gruelling demonstration of fitness, stamina, mental toughness and plain brute strength.
For the first time in the history of the Scott FireFit Championships the over-40 winner also claimed the overall individual title in the gruelling demonstration of fitness, stamina, mental toughness and plain brute strength.
Looking toward Vision 2014
Lt. Steve Adams is passionate about firefighting and his role as the instructor and volunteer co-ordinator with Langford Fire Rescue in British Columbia. When he approached Chief Bob Beckett last November with a list of concerns ranging from apparatus issues to volunteer turnout, he wanted to be part of the solution.
Lt. Steve Adams is passionate about firefighting and his role as the instructor and volunteer co-ordinator with Langford Fire Rescue in British Columbia. When he approached Chief Bob Beckett last November with a list of concerns ranging from apparatus issues to volunteer turnout, he wanted to be part of the solution.
Step by step
We all know the saying about calling a spade a spade. Well, sometimes we need to take an inventory of our leadership style and see if it really fits with the department. We may think we are making the right moves, saying the right things and doing what has to be done but are we really leading?
We all know the saying about calling a spade a spade. Well, sometimes we need to take an inventory of our leadership style and see if it really fits with the department. We may think we are making the right moves, saying the right things and doing what has to be done but are we really leading?
Flashpoint: November 2009
The Danes were renowned for a thousand years as shipbuilders, mariners and warriors on the sea. They maintained the independence of their small country throughout centuries of European power struggles by sustaining a strong naval defense.
The Danes were renowned for a thousand years as shipbuilders, mariners and warriors on the sea. They maintained the independence of their small country throughout centuries of European power struggles by sustaining a strong naval defense.
From the Editor: October 2009
The old cliché is that everyone talks about the weather but no one does anything about it. Two recent examples of weather stories with serious implications for first responders caught my eye in late August.
The old cliché is that everyone talks about the weather but no one does anything about it. Two recent examples of weather stories with serious implications for first responders caught my eye in late August.
Spontaneous Combustion: October 2009
The night sky glowed red on the horizon as the trucks rolled from the hall, a sure sign that the fire was well advanced. If the farmer who lived in the old homestead hadn’t escaped, it would be game over.
The night sky glowed red on the horizon as the trucks rolled from the hall, a sure sign that the fire was well advanced. If the farmer who lived in the old homestead hadn’t escaped, it would be game over.
Between Alarms: October 2009
Various roles and responsibilities throughout the fire hall fall on different members depending on the task at hand. For officers, organization and allocation of resources at the hall and on calls is paramount.
Various roles and responsibilities throughout the fire hall fall on different members depending on the task at hand. For officers, organization and allocation of resources at the hall and on calls is paramount.
Routine spring grass fire spawns surprise missile
Chetwynd, B.C. – Springtime in northeast B.C. brings high winds and very dry conditions. The Chetwynd Volunteer Fire Department usually has 10 to 12 routine grass fires caused by residents losing control of burning grass or brush piles. But a fire on Mother’s Day – Sunday, May 10 – was not routine and could have resulted in injury or death to firefighters and the loss of multiple homes in a rural subdivision.
Chetwynd, B.C. – Springtime in northeast B.C. brings high winds and very dry conditions. The Chetwynd Volunteer Fire Department usually has 10 to 12 routine grass fires caused by residents losing control of burning grass or brush piles. But a fire on Mother’s Day – Sunday, May 10 – was not routine and could have resulted in injury or death to firefighters and the loss of multiple homes in a rural subdivision.
Dissecting data
The Surrey Fire Service in British Columbia has a new tool to help it ensure the right kind of public education information gets to the right people.
The Surrey Fire Service in British Columbia has a new tool to help it ensure the right kind of public education information gets to the right people.
In the land of wood and water
In the words of Marlon Brando, there are some offers you can’t refuse and the one that came across my desk in the fall of 2008 was a doozie. My partner, Barrie Fire and Emergency Services Chief Training Officer Tony Weir, and I were asked to come to the Caribbean as guests of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (www.jamaicafirebrigade.org).
In the words of Marlon Brando, there are some offers you can’t refuse and the one that came across my desk in the fall of 2008 was a doozie. My partner, Barrie Fire and Emergency Services Chief Training Officer Tony Weir, and I were asked to come to the Caribbean as guests of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (www.jamaicafirebrigade.org).
In the navy
In the modern Canadian navy, fire fighting is the fine art of saving a ship without sinking a ship. The difference between fire fighting at sea and fire fighting on land is maintaining the integrity of the vessel and its ability to function as a warship.
In the modern Canadian navy, fire fighting is the fine art of saving a ship without sinking a ship. The difference between fire fighting at sea and fire fighting on land is maintaining the integrity of the vessel and its ability to function as a warship.
Closing the gap
The generation gap is nothing new. It was an aged Socrates who complained that the young “have bad manners . . . show contempt for authority . . . contradict their parents, gobble up their food and tyrannize their teachers.”
The generation gap is nothing new. It was an aged Socrates who complained that the young “have bad manners . . . show contempt for authority . . . contradict their parents, gobble up their food and tyrannize their teachers.”
Straight talk
Q. Tell us about the challenges and successes of the last year.
A. I think we’ve certainly made a number of inroads in Ottawa over the last year. Of course we had a dark period when we had some financial issues in the early part of the new millennium; we’re working very diligently to get out of that and we’re actually becoming a more financially sustainable organization.
Q. Tell us about the challenges and successes of the last year.
A. I think we’ve certainly made a number of inroads in Ottawa over the last year. Of course we had a dark period when we had some financial issues in the early part of the new millennium; we’re working very diligently to get out of that and we’re actually becoming a more financially sustainable organization.
Flashpoint: September 2009
Look up the phrase getting your ducks in a row and you will find that it refers to being completely and meticulously organized in advance of whatever it is you are setting out to do. The phrase may have originated with the manual setting of bowling pins (which used to be referred to as ducks) but I prefer the image of a mother duck organizing her youngsters for a walk.
Look up the phrase getting your ducks in a row and you will find that it refers to being completely and meticulously organized in advance of whatever it is you are setting out to do. The phrase may have originated with the manual setting of bowling pins (which used to be referred to as ducks) but I prefer the image of a mother duck organizing her youngsters for a walk.
Innovative ideas supplement
When we started looking six months ago for a theme for our annual September supplement we had some ideas but wanted input from our readers. We turned to our editorial advisory board, a group of 13 fire-service leaders from coast to coast including chiefs from full-time and volunteer departments, for their expertise and insight. As is often the case when great minds meet, a lively and entertaining debate ensued.
When we started looking six months ago for a theme for our annual September supplement we had some ideas but wanted input from our readers. We turned to our editorial advisory board, a group of 13 fire-service leaders from coast to coast including chiefs from full-time and volunteer departments, for their expertise and insight. As is often the case when great minds meet, a lively and entertaining debate ensued.
Comment: September 2009
British Columbia is burning. The count, as I write this on Aug. 7, is 2,336 separate fires across the province having consumed 87,000 hectares. That’s 800 more fires than in 2003, the worst wildfire season on record in B.C. The province has spent $138.6 million so far this season fighting wildfires, more than double the budget of $62 million.
British Columbia is burning. The count, as I write this on Aug. 7, is 2,336 separate fires across the province having consumed 87,000 hectares. That’s 800 more fires than in 2003, the worst wildfire season on record in B.C. The province has spent $138.6 million so far this season fighting wildfires, more than double the budget of $62 million.
New vehicle technology
New vehicle technology, or NVT, seems to be the buzz-word in extrication these days. Today’s vehicles are safer, smaller and more fuel-efficient. The legislated improvements to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 214 and, most recently, 216, deal with side and roof strength and also the integrity of motor vehicles.
New vehicle technology, or NVT, seems to be the buzz-word in extrication these days. Today’s vehicles are safer, smaller and more fuel-efficient. The legislated improvements to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 214 and, most recently, 216, deal with side and roof strength and also the integrity of motor vehicles.
Olympic challenge
The Sea to Sky Highway is the only road link between Vancouver and Whistler. Formerly a narrow, winding, mostly two-lane undivided road, it earned a reputation as a killer highway because of the frequency and spectacular nature of accidents along its 100-kilometre length.
The Sea to Sky Highway is the only road link between Vancouver and Whistler. Formerly a narrow, winding, mostly two-lane undivided road, it earned a reputation as a killer highway because of the frequency and spectacular nature of accidents along its 100-kilometre length.
Flashpoint: August 2009
A major Canadian newspaper recently published an article that was sharply critical of the operations of a major metropolitan fire service. It can be construed from the article that a member of that service was feeding information to the reporter, without authorization and for reasons known only to the member.
A major Canadian newspaper recently published an article that was sharply critical of the operations of a major metropolitan fire service. It can be construed from the article that a member of that service was feeding information to the reporter, without authorization and for reasons known only to the member.
Comment: August 2009
Having recently attended conferences in Toronto (OAFC), Nanaimo (FCABC) and Pictou County, N.S. (MFCA), several themes emerged – among them recruitment and retention and how to get those Gen Y kids to do what they’re told. Generation gaps aside, one subject stood out: the differences in relationships between associations and their provincial governments.
Having recently attended conferences in Toronto (OAFC), Nanaimo (FCABC) and Pictou County, N.S. (MFCA), several themes emerged – among them recruitment and retention and how to get those Gen Y kids to do what they’re told. Generation gaps aside, one subject stood out: the differences in relationships between associations and their provincial governments.
Spontaneous Combustion: July 2009
The boy gripped his hockey stick and crouched in front of the net, his body rigid. The puck bounced like a pinball from player to player, and then across the blue line into his zone. He shifted back and forth, then tensed as the opposing team rushed in for the shot. It came. He dove and missed. The puck clinked off a post and onto the stick of one of his teammates, who whisked it down to the other end. The boy relaxed.
The boy gripped his hockey stick and crouched in front of the net, his body rigid. The puck bounced like a pinball from player to player, and then across the blue line into his zone. He shifted back and forth, then tensed as the opposing team rushed in for the shot. It came. He dove and missed. The puck clinked off a post and onto the stick of one of his teammates, who whisked it down to the other end. The boy relaxed.
Between Alarms: July 2009
Education and experience are not the filling of the tank with water, but the lighting and burning of the fire itself. – William Butler Yeats
Education and experience are not the filling of the tank with water, but the lighting and burning of the fire itself. – William Butler Yeats
Building a police-fire command centre
The Peterborough Lakefield Community Police Service and the Peterborough Fire Department recently transformed a city bus into a mobile command centre for use in support of emergency services.
The Peterborough Lakefield Community Police Service and the Peterborough Fire Department recently transformed a city bus into a mobile command centre for use in support of emergency services.
A matter of minutes
It’s 10:31 a.m. when a paramedic crew gets rolling to an emergency call with lights and sirens. But as crew members leave the base, speeding down a busy city street toward a residential neighbourhood, they know five minutes have already passed since a middle-aged man collapsed in cardiac arrest.
It’s 10:31 a.m. when a paramedic crew gets rolling to an emergency call with lights and sirens. But as crew members leave the base, speeding down a busy city street toward a residential neighbourhood, they know five minutes have already passed since a middle-aged man collapsed in cardiac arrest.
A fine balance
Forty years ago, pre-hospital emergency medical care was barely a concept. Ambulances were operated by a patchwork of public health departments, fire departments, volunteer societies and private contractors – usually the local funeral home. The term ambulance was appropriate as the service provided was principally one of transporting patients to hospitals for medical attention.
Forty years ago, pre-hospital emergency medical care was barely a concept. Ambulances were operated by a patchwork of public health departments, fire departments, volunteer societies and private contractors – usually the local funeral home. The term ambulance was appropriate as the service provided was principally one of transporting patients to hospitals for medical attention.
Simultaneous response
Six minutes. That’s the span between cardiac arrest and the start of irreversible brain death. Firefighters and paramedics know this. But given the complicated dispatch systems and the tiered and varied response protocols for fire and EMS across Canada, it’s clear that many politicians, administrators and taxpayers don’t understand it.
Six minutes. That’s the span between cardiac arrest and the start of irreversible brain death. Firefighters and paramedics know this. But given the complicated dispatch systems and the tiered and varied response protocols for fire and EMS across Canada, it’s clear that many politicians, administrators and taxpayers don’t understand it.
From the Editor: July 2009
Plunked on the kitchen counter, the Toronto Star headline on that first Saturday in June screamed “Fire teams lose crucial minutes”. I hadn’t yet ingested any caffeine and wasn’t sure I wanted to read the story for fear of the grief it would surely cause Toronto Fire Services
Plunked on the kitchen counter, the Toronto Star headline on that first Saturday in June screamed “Fire teams lose crucial minutes”. I hadn’t yet ingested any caffeine and wasn’t sure I wanted to read the story for fear of the grief it would surely cause Toronto Fire Services
Flashpoint: Shakespearean-type tragedy in Montreal
Is it too dramatic to pose the long-standing differences between the City of Montreal and the Montreal Firefighters Association in Shakespearean terms? I don’t think so, because this feud has gone on for so long and has featured such drastic actions and entrenched positions as to make the Capulets and Montagues seem reasonable by comparison.
Is it too dramatic to pose the long-standing differences between the City of Montreal and the Montreal Firefighters Association in Shakespearean terms? I don’t think so, because this feud has gone on for so long and has featured such drastic actions and entrenched positions as to make the Capulets and Montagues seem reasonable by comparison.
High-flying accomplices
Already this spring Canadians have seen images of water bombers and helicopters putting out brush fires in Nova Scotia and British Columbia. Planning for the spring/summer fire season and maintaining the necessary equipment is crucial to managing forest fires and wildland/urban interface fires.
Already this spring Canadians have seen images of water bombers and helicopters putting out brush fires in Nova Scotia and British Columbia. Planning for the spring/summer fire season and maintaining the necessary equipment is crucial to managing forest fires and wildland/urban interface fires.
Firestorm 2003
Canada is a forested nation, with more than 400 million hectares of forest or about 10 per cent of the Earth’s total forest area. Every year, thousands of wildland fires burn across million of hectares. While these fires have not yet reached the level of recent fires in Australia or the U.S. southwest, they do affect thousands of people, have a significant impact on local and regional economies and clearly demonstrate the potential for a major disaster.
Canada is a forested nation, with more than 400 million hectares of forest or about 10 per cent of the Earth’s total forest area. Every year, thousands of wildland fires burn across million of hectares. While these fires have not yet reached the level of recent fires in Australia or the U.S. southwest, they do affect thousands of people, have a significant impact on local and regional economies and clearly demonstrate the potential for a major disaster.
Wild Fire
On April 30, just 11 months after the Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Service battled one of the worst wildland/urban interface in the province’s history, another fast-moving consumed 800 hectares of land north of Halifax and forced 1,200 people from their homes.
On April 30, just 11 months after the Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Service battled one of the worst wildland/urban interface in the province’s history, another fast-moving consumed 800 hectares of land north of Halifax and forced 1,200 people from their homes.
Comment: June 2009
When we set out months ago to plan this issue on managing the wildland/urban interface we knew we had some gripping stories to tell and some overwhelming experiences from which to draw. We didn’t expect that as the stories went to our the proofreader on April 30, the Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Services would be back at it, fighting another massive blaze and trying to save homes in subdivisions.
When we set out months ago to plan this issue on managing the wildland/urban interface we knew we had some gripping stories to tell and some overwhelming experiences from which to draw. We didn’t expect that as the stories went to our the proofreader on April 30, the Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Services would be back at it, fighting another massive blaze and trying to save homes in subdivisions.
Flashpoint: May 2009
It has been raining cats and dogs here in Dubai this week, and the panic in the streets is actually quite amusing. It hasn’t rained this much in Dubai in many years. Global wetting? Who knows, go ask Al Gore. But, to put it in perspective, drivers here don’t often have to deal with wet roads. So when you are driving your Land Rover at 175 km/h on the shoulder it can be hard to stop. Not even the slightest exaggeration there, by the way.
It has been raining cats and dogs here in Dubai this week, and the panic in the streets is actually quite amusing. It hasn’t rained this much in Dubai in many years. Global wetting? Who knows, go ask Al Gore. But, to put it in perspective, drivers here don’t often have to deal with wet roads. So when you are driving your Land Rover at 175 km/h on the shoulder it can be hard to stop. Not even the slightest exaggeration there, by the way.
Spontaneous Combustion: The best bet
"C’mon Reed, buy a ticket.”
My grandfather kept his wallet firmly in his pocket. “Sorry, I don’t gamble.”
“But all the proceeds are for charity.”
"C’mon Reed, buy a ticket.”
My grandfather kept his wallet firmly in his pocket. “Sorry, I don’t gamble.”
“But all the proceeds are for charity.”
Recruitment trends
Canada’s population is aging. The first wave of baby boomers has turned 60 and entered retirement. StatsCan noted in the 2006 census report that by 2016 there will not be enough new workers entering the job market to replace those leaving through retirement. What does this mean for Canadian fire services?
Canada’s population is aging. The first wave of baby boomers has turned 60 and entered retirement. StatsCan noted in the 2006 census report that by 2016 there will not be enough new workers entering the job market to replace those leaving through retirement. What does this mean for Canadian fire services?
Between Alarms: Adjusting to life in the fire hall
Our culture is a product of tradition, which breeds an important hierarchy; by honouring established customs, respect is earned. In my short time on the job I have found that it is not solely our abilities as firefighters that bring us together as a crew, it is our respect for the traditions set by those who came before us that truly bring us into the family.
Our culture is a product of tradition, which breeds an important hierarchy; by honouring established customs, respect is earned. In my short time on the job I have found that it is not solely our abilities as firefighters that bring us together as a crew, it is our respect for the traditions set by those who came before us that truly bring us into the family.
Specialized skills
With training time, proximity to training centres and funding for training cited in our recent Fire Fighting in Canada survey as major concerns, it’s clear that specialized training is not a priority for thousands of volunteer departments.
With training time, proximity to training centres and funding for training cited in our recent Fire Fighting in Canada survey as major concerns, it’s clear that specialized training is not a priority for thousands of volunteer departments.
Propane aftermath
It’s ironic that Frank Lamie, Toronto’sdeputy chief for fire prevention and public education, was among the first on the scene of the massive Sunrise Propane explosion in the early hours of Sunday, Aug. 10. Lamie, who lives in Thornhill, about 10 kilometres from the Sunrise Propane site in north Toronto, had been woken up just before 4 a.m. by the vibrations from the explosions, he believes.
It’s ironic that Frank Lamie, Toronto’sdeputy chief for fire prevention and public education, was among the first on the scene of the massive Sunrise Propane explosion in the early hours of Sunday, Aug. 10. Lamie, who lives in Thornhill, about 10 kilometres from the Sunrise Propane site in north Toronto, had been woken up just before 4 a.m. by the vibrations from the explosions, he believes.
From the Editor: April 2009
After we went to press with this issue of Canadian Firefighter and EMS Quarterly, a lawyer with Stevensons LLP in Toronto, which specializes in litigation, was to ask a judge to allow a $300-million class-action lawsuit to proceed against Sunrise Propane and landowner Teskey Concrete Co. Ltd.
After we went to press with this issue of Canadian Firefighter and EMS Quarterly, a lawyer with Stevensons LLP in Toronto, which specializes in litigation, was to ask a judge to allow a $300-million class-action lawsuit to proceed against Sunrise Propane and landowner Teskey Concrete Co. Ltd.
Flashpoint: Taking a new look from outside the box
Change management consultant Peter de Jager has made a career of looking at problems from different angles. This is a valuable skill, especially when the mainstream thinkers are all operating from the same perspective.
Change management consultant Peter de Jager has made a career of looking at problems from different angles. This is a valuable skill, especially when the mainstream thinkers are all operating from the same perspective.
Fire ground communication
The brilliant and mysterious General Sun Tzu envisioned and practised this concept with large armies made up of conscripted troops, legions assigned by allied warlords, professional mercenaries and captured prisoners (fighting under threat of the sword).
The brilliant and mysterious General Sun Tzu envisioned and practised this concept with large armies made up of conscripted troops, legions assigned by allied warlords, professional mercenaries and captured prisoners (fighting under threat of the sword).
State of emergency?
In September, we asked you to help us help the fire service make its case for more funding for training, apparatus, personal protective equipment and public education.
In September, we asked you to help us help the fire service make its case for more funding for training, apparatus, personal protective equipment and public education.
Comment: All fired up about fundraising
Occasionally we meet people who inspire us to do better – to aim higher, reach farther, give more, complain less. I met Chad Sartison at the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association conference.
Occasionally we meet people who inspire us to do better – to aim higher, reach farther, give more, complain less. I met Chad Sartison at the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association conference.
The Fire Within
There are firefighter calendars sold as fundraisers, and then there are The Fire Within calendars. Instead of cheesy, posed group photos or questionable firefighter beefcake, The Fire Within features professionally captured images of volunteer firefighters in real life, sometimes with houses blazing behind them as they gaze stoically into the camera.
There are firefighter calendars sold as fundraisers, and then there are The Fire Within calendars. Instead of cheesy, posed group photos or questionable firefighter beefcake, The Fire Within features professionally captured images of volunteer firefighters in real life, sometimes with houses blazing behind them as they gaze stoically into the camera.
Flashpoint: Opportunity knocks for Sudbury firefighters
The late, great Rodney Dangerfield made a career of getting no respect. Some of his one-liners and routines still crack me up even though I’ve heard them hundreds of times; and his scenes with Kurt Vonnegut in the movie Back to School are simply classic.
The late, great Rodney Dangerfield made a career of getting no respect. Some of his one-liners and routines still crack me up even though I’ve heard them hundreds of times; and his scenes with Kurt Vonnegut in the movie Back to School are simply classic.
Editorial: January 2009
The New Year’s editorial. Wait! Don’t run. I promise no top 10 list, no best and worst of 2008, no big, dramatic resolutions. Having said that, the start of a new year is a good time for change, reflection and looking ahead.
The New Year’s editorial. Wait! Don’t run. I promise no top 10 list, no best and worst of 2008, no big, dramatic resolutions. Having said that, the start of a new year is a good time for change, reflection and looking ahead.
Keep it simple and entertaining
I stopped peeling potatoes and peeked out the door to see what was making the ruckus. Francis, the slightly built head cook, was stomping a mangled can opener into the gravel, and swearing eloquently in French and English. With a crash of the garbage can lid, he stormed up the stairs and puffed into the MNR bush kitchen, red-faced, eyes glaring.
I stopped peeling potatoes and peeked out the door to see what was making the ruckus. Francis, the slightly built head cook, was stomping a mangled can opener into the gravel, and swearing eloquently in French and English. With a crash of the garbage can lid, he stormed up the stairs and puffed into the MNR bush kitchen, red-faced, eyes glaring.
Exploiting the strengths in our numbers
Imagine yourself and your crew training at the hall or maybe executing a rescue or battling a blazing fire. Is there someone among you, or in your department you turn to for expertise when you are involved in an incident? It may not be the same person every time – maybe during an operation everyone turns to you, their eyes searching for an answer or for a skill you possess.
Imagine yourself and your crew training at the hall or maybe executing a rescue or battling a blazing fire. Is there someone among you, or in your department you turn to for expertise when you are involved in an incident? It may not be the same person every time – maybe during an operation everyone turns to you, their eyes searching for an answer or for a skill you possess.
Managing disaster
Canada’s HUSAR teams face challenges
Even before 9-11, the need for heavy urban search and rescue (HUSAR) teams was known in Canada. But the collapse of the World Trade Centre in New York raised awareness to a new level.
Canada’s HUSAR teams face challenges
Even before 9-11, the need for heavy urban search and rescue (HUSAR) teams was known in Canada. But the collapse of the World Trade Centre in New York raised awareness to a new level.
Rapid fire
There has been a lot of talk lately about residential sprinklers, building codes and lightweight construction products that burn faster than firefighters can get to the scene.
There has been a lot of talk lately about residential sprinklers, building codes and lightweight construction products that burn faster than firefighters can get to the scene.
Being Prepared
Detailed departmental procedures key to helping others during disasters.
When your business is responding to other people’s emergencies, it can be all too easy to see yourself and your agency as somehow immune to the calamities that befall others in your community.
Detailed departmental procedures key to helping others during disasters.
When your business is responding to other people’s emergencies, it can be all too easy to see yourself and your agency as somehow immune to the calamities that befall others in your community.
