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Standards
NFPA Impact: August 2010
Earlier this summer I had the opportunity to sit on a panel with Chief Bruce Burrell, representing the CAFC, and Kevan Jess, the Alberta Chief Fire Administrator. The panel was part of the inaugural meeting of the Canadian Association for Senior Living (CASL).
Earlier this summer I had the opportunity to sit on a panel with Chief Bruce Burrell, representing the CAFC, and Kevan Jess, the Alberta Chief Fire Administrator. The panel was part of the inaugural meeting of the Canadian Association for Senior Living (CASL).
Well Being: August 2010
With the advent of new health monitoring technology, researchers are better able to explain why firefighters are more susceptible to heart attack than the general public.
With the advent of new health monitoring technology, researchers are better able to explain why firefighters are more susceptible to heart attack than the general public.
NFPA Impact: June 2010
Canada has an inglorious past with regard to wildland urban interface (WUI) fires. Entire Canadian communities have been destroyed, including Vancouver in 1886, where 1,000 structures were devastated in 45 minutes with 28 killed and 3,000 left homeless.
Canada has an inglorious past with regard to wildland urban interface (WUI) fires. Entire Canadian communities have been destroyed, including Vancouver in 1886, where 1,000 structures were devastated in 45 minutes with 28 killed and 3,000 left homeless.
Well Being: May 2010
With one in three firefighters injured annually in North America we know our personnel face high odds of being injured. It’s understood by unions, management and frontline fire personnel that a comprehensive wellness-fitness program can secure the highest level of health for firefighters.
With one in three firefighters injured annually in North America we know our personnel face high odds of being injured. It’s understood by unions, management and frontline fire personnel that a comprehensive wellness-fitness program can secure the highest level of health for firefighters.
View from the East: May 2010
The fire service in the east is, for the most part, as diverse as our cultures. Fire departments spanning large metropolitan centres are not the norm here, but nonetheless, the fire service is an assortment of different levels of servicing.
The fire service in the east is, for the most part, as diverse as our cultures. Fire departments spanning large metropolitan centres are not the norm here, but nonetheless, the fire service is an assortment of different levels of servicing.
Negligence 101
Editor’s note: Lawyer Timothy Wilkin of Cunningham Swan Carty Little & Bonham in Kingston, Ont., prepared a review for the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs of reported Canadian court cases in the last 15 years that dealt with negligence by municipalities and their fire departments. We looked at several cases in the February and March issues of Fire Fighting in Canada. The final instalment is below.
Editor’s note: Lawyer Timothy Wilkin of Cunningham Swan Carty Little & Bonham in Kingston, Ont., prepared a review for the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs of reported Canadian court cases in the last 15 years that dealt with negligence by municipalities and their fire departments. We looked at several cases in the February and March issues of Fire Fighting in Canada. The final instalment is below.
Spontaneous Combustion: April 2010
You,” I said, pointing my finger at a rookie firefighter, “Run a supply line from the portable pump to the pumper.”
You,” I said, pointing my finger at a rookie firefighter, “Run a supply line from the portable pump to the pumper.”
NFPA Impact: March 2010
A report from the NFPA that compares fire departments in Canada and the U.S. reveals some surprising and disturbing trends. Every year for the past eight years NFPA has mailed out a survey to Canadian fire departments.
A report from the NFPA that compares fire departments in Canada and the U.S. reveals some surprising and disturbing trends. Every year for the past eight years NFPA has mailed out a survey to Canadian fire departments.
NFPA Impact: February 2010
This being an Olympic-themed edition, I thought it a good time to discuss research activities and the researchers at the National Research Council of Canada. What is the link, you ask? Well, just like our Olympic athletes, Canadian researchers represent Canada on an international level and showcase our advancements in the understanding of fire science.
This being an Olympic-themed edition, I thought it a good time to discuss research activities and the researchers at the National Research Council of Canada. What is the link, you ask? Well, just like our Olympic athletes, Canadian researchers represent Canada on an international level and showcase our advancements in the understanding of fire science.
The fast track
This story is about a group of volunteers who run a “professional” safety service for the racers at Mosport International Raceway just north of Bowmanville, Ont., and the Toronto Grand Prix/Indy races.
This story is about a group of volunteers who run a “professional” safety service for the racers at Mosport International Raceway just north of Bowmanville, Ont., and the Toronto Grand Prix/Indy races.
NFPA Impact: November 2009
We need to address the fire-safety conditions in facilities that care for the aged. We have, in these types of residences, a fire-loss rate that should not be considered acceptable and that proposed changes to the 2010 National Building Code won’t rectify.
We need to address the fire-safety conditions in facilities that care for the aged. We have, in these types of residences, a fire-loss rate that should not be considered acceptable and that proposed changes to the 2010 National Building Code won’t rectify.
NFPA Impact: September 2009
After attending several provincial association meetings this summer I am still surprised by the number of smaller volunteer departments that underestimate the benefits of having school-based public education campaigns in their communities.
After attending several provincial association meetings this summer I am still surprised by the number of smaller volunteer departments that underestimate the benefits of having school-based public education campaigns in their communities.
NFPA Impact: August 2009
Many, if not most, Canadian communities have no understanding of their needs for fire-fighting flows. I have done a half dozen municipal water-supply education sessions across Canada to date and the overwhelming majority of participants report that they do not look at fire-fighting flows before buildings or subdivisions are approved. The assumption appears to be that others are looking after the fire-service interests.
Many, if not most, Canadian communities have no understanding of their needs for fire-fighting flows. I have done a half dozen municipal water-supply education sessions across Canada to date and the overwhelming majority of participants report that they do not look at fire-fighting flows before buildings or subdivisions are approved. The assumption appears to be that others are looking after the fire-service interests.
NFPA Impact: The need to embrace defensible housing
In the late 1800s and early 1900s entire Canadian communities were lost or severely damaged due to wildland/urban interface fires. In many cases, these fires were the impetus for the formation of fire brigades and for the creation of building standards. Vancouver was destroyed by wildland fire in 1886 and in 1908, Fernie, B.C., suffered the same fate. Unfortunately, we appear to have forgotten this history. In 2002 a B.C. auditor general’s report found that there was a need for wildland/urban interface standards such as those in the NFPA. In 2003, more than 33,000 people had to leave their homes in the Okanagan Valley because of the massive wildland/urban interface blaze. But have we learned anything or taken any action to reduce the threats? I think not, and the problem is not unique to B.C.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s entire Canadian communities were lost or severely damaged due to wildland/urban interface fires. In many cases, these fires were the impetus for the formation of fire brigades and for the creation of building standards. Vancouver was destroyed by wildland fire in 1886 and in 1908, Fernie, B.C., suffered the same fate. Unfortunately, we appear to have forgotten this history. In 2002 a B.C. auditor general’s report found that there was a need for wildland/urban interface standards such as those in the NFPA. In 2003, more than 33,000 people had to leave their homes in the Okanagan Valley because of the massive wildland/urban interface blaze. But have we learned anything or taken any action to reduce the threats? I think not, and the problem is not unique to B.C.
NFPA Impact: May 2009
The fire service is not immune to the downturn in the economy. Pressures at the municipal level to see savings are increasing as other municipal departments face cuts. The fire service cannot rest on the public’s previously favourable view and, like other departments, must rationalize the services it provides.
The fire service is not immune to the downturn in the economy. Pressures at the municipal level to see savings are increasing as other municipal departments face cuts. The fire service cannot rest on the public’s previously favourable view and, like other departments, must rationalize the services it provides.
NFPA Impact: Prevention still the key to reducing fire losses
Over the past decade Canadians have experienced increased costs for the deployment of firefighting services. These are due in part to the increased expenses to train, deploy and equip firefighters. Cost-conscious community leaders will begin to question these costs, seeking tangible measurements of the benefits of these services.
Over the past decade Canadians have experienced increased costs for the deployment of firefighting services. These are due in part to the increased expenses to train, deploy and equip firefighters. Cost-conscious community leaders will begin to question these costs, seeking tangible measurements of the benefits of these services.
NFPA Impact: Warnings needed for lightweight construction
Recent news reports recounting how firefighters have come close to losing their lives in fast-burning structure fires have also quoted eye-witness testimonials about how quickly homes are being completely destroyed by fire. Often, the witnesses have expressed complete surprise at just how fast the homes burned.
Recent news reports recounting how firefighters have come close to losing their lives in fast-burning structure fires have also quoted eye-witness testimonials about how quickly homes are being completely destroyed by fire. Often, the witnesses have expressed complete surprise at just how fast the homes burned.
NFPA Impact: Threats from new fuels boost need for advisor
The high cost of gasoline and concern over dependence on foreign oil has spurred a number of new developments in the petroleum industry. Two items of concern to fire services are the increased use of ethanol and the production of biodiesel.
The high cost of gasoline and concern over dependence on foreign oil has spurred a number of new developments in the petroleum industry. Two items of concern to fire services are the increased use of ethanol and the production of biodiesel.
Up to standard
With 2009 on the horizon, departments must ensure that they are current with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. There are four areas to be aware of: bunker gear; apparatus; PASS; and SCBA.
With 2009 on the horizon, departments must ensure that they are current with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. There are four areas to be aware of: bunker gear; apparatus; PASS; and SCBA.
NFPA Impact: Apparatus standard aimed at saving lives
The 2009 edition of NFPA 1901 Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus has been released by NFPA. It is intended to be applied to all new fire apparatus ordered after Jan. 1.
The 2009 edition of NFPA 1901 Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus has been released by NFPA. It is intended to be applied to all new fire apparatus ordered after Jan. 1.
NFPA Impact: Do we need a national fire services advisor?
The CAFC, IAFF, CVFSA and other national fire service organizations have been actively lobbying for the establishment of a National Fire Service Advisor (NFSA).
The CAFC, IAFF, CVFSA and other national fire service organizations have been actively lobbying for the establishment of a National Fire Service Advisor (NFSA).
NFPA Impact: Who is managing your water supply?
Fire services across Canada have a major problem ensuring that there is an adequate water supply for fire fighting. Too few departments seem to address this or naively assume that others are looking after it.
Fire services across Canada have a major problem ensuring that there is an adequate water supply for fire fighting. Too few departments seem to address this or naively assume that others are looking after it.
NFPA Impact: Embracing innovation: Changing tactics and tools
You have all heard the old line about the fire services boasting more than 100 years of tradition unheeded by progress. This may be true, in that as a group we tend to look with skepticism on any new technology. We, as standards development bodies, have also done a great job conditioning the fire services to always look for certification.
You have all heard the old line about the fire services boasting more than 100 years of tradition unheeded by progress. This may be true, in that as a group we tend to look with skepticism on any new technology. We, as standards development bodies, have also done a great job conditioning the fire services to always look for certification.
NFPA Impact: Canada needs to get tough on cigarette manufacturers
On Oct. 1, 2005, Health Canada introduced the Cigarette Ignition Propensity Regulations. This was long-fought battle championed by the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs. The intent was to require manufacturers to produce cigarettes that have a higher probability of self extinguishing. It was estimated that this would reduce the number of fire fatalities by as many as 70 people a year in Canada.
On Oct. 1, 2005, Health Canada introduced the Cigarette Ignition Propensity Regulations. This was long-fought battle championed by the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs. The intent was to require manufacturers to produce cigarettes that have a higher probability of self extinguishing. It was estimated that this would reduce the number of fire fatalities by as many as 70 people a year in Canada.
Code changes make elevators safer for firefighters, residents
As the harmonization of the North American Elevator Code progresses, firefighters have a safer system to use during fire operations in high buildings.
As the harmonization of the North American Elevator Code progresses, firefighters have a safer system to use during fire operations in high buildings.
NFPA Impact: New objective-based codes have failed the service
The newly released National Building and Fire Codes of Canada do not identify the protection of emergency responders as a core requirement. In fact, nowhere – even in the new functional statements – is this an identified requirement. This will create major problems in the future should the fire service wish to initiate changes to the code using this rationale.
The newly released National Building and Fire Codes of Canada do not identify the protection of emergency responders as a core requirement. In fact, nowhere – even in the new functional statements – is this an identified requirement. This will create major problems in the future should the fire service wish to initiate changes to the code using this rationale.
NFPA Impact: The fire service in Canada needs to get behind residential fire sprinklers
All fire safety strategies can be regarded as ways of reducing the risk of unwanted fire, whether it be risk to the lives and health of people, risk to property, risk to the continuity of businesses or other organizations, or its impact on cultural heritage or the environment. Risk involves considerations of likelihood of fire occurrence and severity of harm if fire occurs. Likelihood is reduced through fire prevention programs, whether changes in behaviour through education or engineered changes in products that provide initial heat sources or first fuels.
All fire safety strategies can be regarded as ways of reducing the risk of unwanted fire, whether it be risk to the lives and health of people, risk to property, risk to the continuity of businesses or other organizations, or its impact on cultural heritage or the environment. Risk involves considerations of likelihood of fire occurrence and severity of harm if fire occurs. Likelihood is reduced through fire prevention programs, whether changes in behaviour through education or engineered changes in products that provide initial heat sources or first fuels.
NFPA Impact: A modest proposal for reporting fire losses
In the past it had been very difficult to put a finger on the number of unreported fires in Canada. These unreported fires also make it more difficult for the fire service to properly convey the serious threat that fire plays in our daily lives. Many were and remain unaware of the magnitude of the threat.
In the past it had been very difficult to put a finger on the number of unreported fires in Canada. These unreported fires also make it more difficult for the fire service to properly convey the serious threat that fire plays in our daily lives. Many were and remain unaware of the magnitude of the threat.
NFPA Impact: Fire service must respond to lack of statistics
One of the greatest hurdles in effecting change in fire safety in Canada is the lack of reliable statistics. Anyone who attempts to use the available statistics is dealing with little information, out-of-date data and data of little value in comparing performance among the provinces. This makes it more difficult for the fire service to convince others of its value to public safety.
One of the greatest hurdles in effecting change in fire safety in Canada is the lack of reliable statistics. Anyone who attempts to use the available statistics is dealing with little information, out-of-date data and data of little value in comparing performance among the provinces. This makes it more difficult for the fire service to convince others of its value to public safety.
Fire-code flexibility: Objective-based format better for firefighters
The new Ontario Fire Code, which comes into force on Nov. 21, represents more than 200 technical changes made through public consultation since 2003, and a radical change in fire- and life-safety policy from a strictly prescriptive format to one that is objective based. According to its press release, the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) believes that the new format will promote "greater flexibility and more uniform enforcement."
The new Ontario Fire Code, which comes into force on Nov. 21, represents more than 200 technical changes made through public consultation since 2003, and a radical change in fire- and life-safety policy from a strictly prescriptive format to one that is objective based. According to its press release, the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) believes that the new format will promote "greater flexibility and more uniform enforcement."
Flashpoint: Compliance with standards is a good thing
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway. - Dr. Kent M. Keith, The Paradoxical Commandments
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway. - Dr. Kent M. Keith, The Paradoxical Commandments
NFPA Impact: SCBA and PASS changes protect hazmat responders
The National Fire Protection Association has released its second edition of "A Needs Assessment of the U.S. Fire Service". It is unfortunate but we have no equivalent study on Canadian fire service needs. I believe, however, that culturally there is little difference in the operations of fire services across the border. It is therefore not a big leap in logic to assume that the same deficiencies found in the U.S. fire service might be found in Canada.
The National Fire Protection Association has released its second edition of "A Needs Assessment of the U.S. Fire Service". It is unfortunate but we have no equivalent study on Canadian fire service needs. I believe, however, that culturally there is little difference in the operations of fire services across the border. It is therefore not a big leap in logic to assume that the same deficiencies found in the U.S. fire service might be found in Canada.
NFPA Impact: Pandemic preparations and the fire service
If your department has not already done so, it is time that you made your preparations for the anticipated pandemic. Most experts agree that we are overdue. It would stretch the existing social fabric to its capacity. Essential services such as fire and medical response would be greatly challenged with increased calls, expanded roles, and greater personal risk.
If your department has not already done so, it is time that you made your preparations for the anticipated pandemic. Most experts agree that we are overdue. It would stretch the existing social fabric to its capacity. Essential services such as fire and medical response would be greatly challenged with increased calls, expanded roles, and greater personal risk.
Major changes to NFPA codes approved by membership
In keeping with this edition's theme of fire prevention and public education, I thought it appropriate to give you a very brief update on the major changes recently approved by the NFPA membership at the World Safety Conference and Exposition, held in June.
In keeping with this edition's theme of fire prevention and public education, I thought it appropriate to give you a very brief update on the major changes recently approved by the NFPA membership at the World Safety Conference and Exposition, held in June.
Fire Service Elevators; Are We Using them Safely?
The harmonization of two codes regarding elevators in co-operation with the North American Free Trade Agreement has brought about a number of changes to elevators on both sides of the border. The Canadian Standards Association's B44 code and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (AMSE) A-17 code have been brought in line with one another and the resulting changes should improve our safety during fire operations in high buildings.
The harmonization of two codes regarding elevators in co-operation with the North American Free Trade Agreement has brought about a number of changes to elevators on both sides of the border. The Canadian Standards Association's B44 code and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (AMSE) A-17 code have been brought in line with one another and the resulting changes should improve our safety during fire operations in high buildings.
