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Message from the Chief

To Mayor Chris Friel and Members of Council:

I am extremely proud of the one hundred and thirty one men and women who comprise our department. They are a dedicated, efficient, highly skilled, specially trained and educated group of individuals who work in six separate divisions to form our team. They consistently strive to offer a service that our community can be proud of. It is my belief that their efforts allow the City of Brantford to have one of the best fire services in the Province of Ontario, and we have been doing it for 126 years. In 2015 our department was one of a number of departments that increased our focus on educating the public on the benefits of residential sprinklers. As part of Fire Prevention Week activities, our fire prevention division conducted a side-by-side burn demonstration depicting the effectiveness of residential sprinkler systems in controlling the spread of fire and reducing property damage. The demonstration was well attended by members of our community, local builders, and media. A video of this demonstration was placed on our social media account and was well viewed by the public. With an anticipated increase in the number of housing starts in Brantford that are expected in the next few years, our department will continue to seek Council and industry support to see the installation of residential sprinkler systems become more prevalent. Our efforts to keep our citizens safe are greatly enhanced due to the terrific support our department receives from the Brantford Police Services, Brant County Ambulance, and the Ontario Provincial Police. We are also fortunate that we can count on the support from the County of Brant Fire Department when necessary. Our department functions well within the Corporation of the City of Brantford, where we enjoy great working relationships with all the other departments and their dedicated staff. We know that we are but one piece of the overall team that makes this city great. I would like to thank council for their continued support of our efforts and achievements. We appreciate that it is Council that determines the service level that we provide and, further, that council recognizes the important role we play in making this a safe city in which to live. We look forward to your continued support in the years to come. Please take the time to thoroughly peruse this report, and feel free to follow up with any questions, comments or concerns that you may have. Jeff McCormick Fire Chief

“On behalf of Deputy Chief Todd Binkley, Deputy Chief Andrew Lillico and the rest of the staff at the Brantford Fire Department, I am pleased to submit the annual report for 2015. The report offers an insight into the efforts and achievements that the department has accomplished in the past year. The report allows its readers to gain an understanding of the services we offer to our citizens.”

ADMINISTRATION

• Capital and operational budget preparations

• Processing revenue generating and cost recovery

• Purchase requirements, payments and accounting services

• Facilities maintenance and repair co-ordination

• Recruitment and payroll forms processing

• Administrative support for chief and two deputy chiefs

Department Organization

Present Department Locations Main Fire Station

60 Clarence Street #2 Fire Station

311 St. Paul Avenue #3 Fire Station

7 Lynden Road #4 Fire Station

400 Colborne Street West

Contact Information Administration 519-752-4122 Fire Prevention 519-752-0540 Facsimile 519-752-7083 E-mail fire@brantford.ca Internet www.brantfordfire.ca City of Brantford Data City Population: 93,650 (2011 census) Area: Est. 72.47 sq. km

Department Staffing Assignments – December 31, 2014

ADMINISTRATION Jeff McCormick Fire Chief Cam Stephenson Deputy Fire Chief Grant Dix Deputy Fire Chief* Sue Curtis Executive Assistant

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR Thomas Rolfe FIRE PREVENTION Dwayne Armstrong Chief Fire Prevention Officer Bob Sproul Fire Prevention Officer Scott Hardwick Fire Prevention Officer Julie Drong Fire Prevention Officer Darren Zettler Fire Prevention Officer Elise Oxford Fire Prevention Officer Michael Owen Fire Prevention Officer Jen Fredenburgh Support Services Assistant

TRAINING Murray Detlor Training Officer Todd Binkley Assistant to Training Officer

MECHANICAL Mark Latty Mechanic Shawn Cavin Assistant to the Mechanic

Brantford Fire Department Organizational Chart

as of December 31, 2015

Fire Chief J. McCormick

Deputy Chief G. Dix

Deputy Chief C. Stephenson

Executive Assistant S. Curtis

Community Emergency

Management Coordinator

T. Rolfe

Suppression Communications Fire Prevention Mechanical

Platoon Chiefs (4) 1 per platoon A Group: E Glover B Group: B. Clark C Group: R. Bowen D Group: H. Vandermade

Captains (20) 5 per platoon

Firefighters (84) 21 per platoon

Communications Centre Staff (8)

Training Officer M. Detlor

Assistant to the Training Officer

T. Binkley

Chief Fire Prevention Officer

D. Armstrong

Fire Prevention Officers (6)

Mechanic M. Latty

Assistant Mechanic S. Cavin

Support Services

Assistant (1)

Training

Staff assigned to Shift: 126 Staff assigned to Days: 17 Total: 131

Platoons A and C consists of: 1 Platoon Chief, 5 Captains, 23 Firefighters, 2 Communications Centre Operators Platoons B and D consists of: 1 Platoon Chief, 5 Captains, 24 Firefighters, 2 Communications Centre Operators

Suppression Assignments – December 31, 2015 Platoon Chiefs

R. Bowen B. Clark E. Glover H. Vandermade

Captains

Brimmer, W. Bruce, P. Cockerill, J. Duckworth, D. Earl, D.

Easveld, D. Fairless, B. Findlay, R. Foster, S. Fowler, C.

Gambacort, V. Kostuk, S. Lemay, N. Loewig, M. Mills, D.

Mitton, P. Monarch, G. Quick, S. Sitzer, G. Spencer, J.

Firefighters

Aasla, K. Barker, A. Bibby, K. Boschman, M. Botosh, B. Boudreault, K. Bowen, J. Brown, F. Brubacher, M. Bruce, K. Bruder, D. Cline, C. Cloet, S. Collard, J. Collin, B. Cook, J. Csordas, M. Cummerson, T. Davenport, C. Dickie, R.

Donohue, S. Franklin, B. Gage, B. Gall, W. Godbout, C. Grantham, T. Greenwood, C. Gyurits, R. Harrison, T. Hesmer, C. Hoekman, R. Hunt, J. Hurley, J. Innes, S. Jacklyn, G. Jackson, A. Jackson, M. Jones, K. Kirk, D. Kissner, M. Klunder, J.

Kukla, R. Kwist, B. Larose, M. MacDonnell, A. MacKinnon, G. Madgwick, G. Martin, J. Martin, T. McMorrow, J. Mills, M. Moczulski, J. Oakes, J. Pakulis, J. Pikula, J. Pope, R. Rachar, C. Rattray, S. Robinson, T. Robinson, W. Schaefer, R. Schouten, A.

Schumacher, M. Searles, D. Skelcher, R. Skowron, M. Smith, Rich Smith, Ryan Smith, T. Strohack, M. Tatarka M. Taylor, Steve Taylor, Stuart Thomas, A. Turner, B. Varhaug, M. Vincze, P. Walsh, J. White, B. Wilkinson, G. Wilson, C. Wilson, M.

Communication Centre Operators

Blaj, J. Bradley, J.

Duckworth, A. Etherington, L.

Faulkner, E. Gal, S.

Wilkinson, G. Wood, M.

Appointments The following appointments were made during the year 2015 to fill various vacancies: Community Emergency Management Coordinator Tom Rolfe Communications Centre Operator Michelle Pearson Communications Centre Operator Luanne Etherington Retirements The following retirements took place during 2015: Platoon Chief Dave Churchill Communications Centre Operator MaryAnn Truckle Deputy Chief Grant Dix Resignations The following resignations took place in 2015: Community Emergency Management Coordinator Mike O’Brien Communications Centre Operator Michelle Pearson Firefighter Ryan Caughlin Contract positions Deputy Chief Grant Dix Promotions Captain Rob Bowen was promoted to Platoon Chief Firefighter Rob Findlay was promoted to Captain

Fire Department Apparatus Emergency Vehicles Rescue Equipment 1997 Freightliner Pumper/Rescue 1999 16’ Fortuna (Oceanid) 1997 Freightliner Pumper/Rescue 2007 16’ Fortuna (Oceanid) 2005 Spartan/Seagrave Pumper/Rescue 2014 Zodiac 2006 Ferraro/Smeal 100’ Platform 2014 Zodiac 2008 Spartan/Smeal 55’ ladder 2015 John Deere UTV 2008 Spartan/Crimson Pumper/Rescue 2008 Spartan/Crimson Pumper/Rescue Trailers 2009 Sprinter Command Vehicle 1994 14’ White Trail-Craft Trailer 2010 Dependable/Freightliner Water Tanker 1995 Black Utility Trailer (Custom Made) 2011 Chevy Mini-Pumper 2004 Red Enclosed Trailer (Fire Prevention) 2015 Spartan/Smeal Pumper/Rescue 2005 Mobile Emergency Management Trailer 2008 Hazardous Material Trailer 2015 UTV Trailer Non-Emergency Vehicles 2005 Ford Pick-up Truck 2006 Chevy Uplander 2006 Chevy Silverado 2008 Chevy Equinox 2008 Ford Pick-up Truck 2009 Chevy Uplander 2009 Chevy Uplander 2011 Chevy Equinox 2012 Chevy Pick-up Truck 2013 Ford Edge 2013 Ford Pick-up Truck 2013 Ford Pick-up Truck 2014 Chevy Pick-up Truck

• Public Relations • Elementary School Fire Safety Education

• Community Events

PUBLIC EDUCATION

EDUCATING THE PUBLIC

Fire Protection & Prevention Act The Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (FPPA) was proclaimed into law on October 29, 1997 and introduced a new framework for the provision of fire protection in Ontario. This includes specific roles for the province and municipalities. Within this framework, municipalities are responsible for funding and delivering services and the province is responsible for providing advice, guidance and support to

municipalities. The vision of the FPPA is that every resident of Ontario will receive an appropriate level of fire protection. The goal of the Brantford Fire Department is to reduce the loss of life and property and the protection of the environment. One way in which this is achieved, is through public fire and life safety education to the children and citizens of our community. Public fire and life safety education are very important parts of the overall

activities of the fire department and the fire prevention division. Our public education initiatives strive to teach every person who lives, learns, works and plays in our community, fire and life safety. Our fire prevention officers and firefighters bring life-saving messages to the community through our many programs, from school and business lectures, to our innovative home safety program, “Smoke Alarms Save Lives”. The fire department works in conjunction with a variety of community groups and organizations, and provides leadership in public education within the community. The fire prevention division has six fire prevention officers, four of which are certified public fire and life safety educators, and five are certified public information officers all through the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management. There has been an increase in public demand for fire and life safety education. To help fulfill the needs of citizens, fire suppression crews have stepped in to assist the fire prevention division in the delivery of education through a number of in-service inspection and educational programs, such as: Smoke Alarms Save Lives Brant TAPP-C World Series of Fire Safety Fire Station Tours

School Lecture Programs Educational programs remain the most cost effective way to prevent fires. The School Lecture Program is held at the Children’s Safety Village from September to June and is an effective way to teach City of Brantford children within the Grand Erie District, the Brant Haldimand-Norfolk Catholic District, and private school boards. Co-operation between the Fire Department and school boards ensure children’s needs are met. Safety Signs The Brantford Fire Department has 3 sign boards, located at Central Services and #3 & #4 Fire Stations. Fire and life safety messages are updated weekly, providing relevant seasonal tips, along with community event information. Also, the Fire Department continues the use of overhead street banners to disseminate fire safety information. In 2015, the department purchased space on 2 electronic billboards within the city, giving fire safety advertisements during the month of October. In-Service Smoke Alarm Inspections Our in-service smoke alarm inspection program continued throughout 2015. The program targets areas directly adjacent to where a structural fire has occurred and continued to run a full 12 months of the year. We believe that by gearing the program in the area adjacent to where a fire occurred, residents are able to directly relate to information that we give to them. In 2015, the “Smoke Alarms Save Lives” inspection program saw approximately 1281 visits being made to homes within the City of Brantford; 185 smoke alarms were installed, 203 carbon monoxide alarms were installed and there was a total of 151 batteries installed in existing devices. Station Tours The fire department provides fire station tours to school children, families, and a number of diverse community groups. These tours provide the fire department with an invaluable opportunity to educate many groups within the community. During these tours, children are taught the importance of not playing with matches and lighters, knowing the sound of a smoke alarm and what to do if they hear it; to ‘stop, drop and roll’ if their clothes catch on fire, and more. During all station tours, participants are taught important fire safety information and they get a closer look at the fire trucks, the equipment and how they are used.

Community Events During the year, our firefighters, fire prevention officers, and ‘Sparky’® the Fire Safety Dog, who is our fire safety mascot, attended many community, organization and social events, such as the Tim Horton’s Camp Day fund-raiser, Jaycee Christmas Parade, Canada Day festivities, day camps, Kids Street Festival, Best Start Parent Information Fair, CARP Senior’s Resource Fair, Kids Summer Celebration Day, and Fire Prevention Week. The fire department is always prepared to provide resources when a community group or organization needs assistance or requires our help. Each event offers a new opportunity to educate more of our citizens. All these types of events allow us unique and informal opportunities to answer any questions our citizens may have about the fire department, fire safety, or simply give the public a closer look at the fire trucks, equipment and learn what their uses are. Fire Prevention Week History On the evening of October 8, 1871 a small fire started in the barn of Patrick and Catherine O'Leary. The fire, aided by a strong wind, spread at lightning speed through the predominantly wooden structures of greater Chicago. By the following day - October 9 - when the fire was finally brought under control by the use of explosives, much of Chicago had been devastated. Thereafter, on each October 9th, the people of Chicago commemorated the fire with parades and ceremonies. In 1911, The Fire Marshals Association of North America officially declared that date as Fire Prevention Day. Ontario became the first jurisdiction to observe Fire Prevention Week during the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9th falls. Fire Prevention Week In Brantford October 4 to 10, 2015 “Hear the Beep Where You Sleep” was the theme for Fire Prevention Week. The focus of the campaign was on the importance of testing your smoke alarms each month. During Fire Prevention Week, members of the Brantford Fire Department set up displays at five locations in Brantford (Brantford Seniors’ Centre, Wilfrid Laurier University, Lynden Park Mall, the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, and the Brantford Public Library). The display consisted of 2 pull-up banners, a display board with a number of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to show the different types available, with advantages and disadvantages of each listed, as well as a number of handouts and promotional items. Fire department staff was also available to answer any questions the public may have had. The fire prevention division would like to take this time to thank all the members of the suppression division, and our sponsors, for their continued support and help in providing fire and life safety information to the citizens of Brantford again this year.

Social Media The fire department has a comprehensive web site containing a vast array of fire safety and fire service information at: www.brantfordfire.ca. The Department continues to educate the public by posting fire safety messages and information about community events on Facebook (Brantford Fire Department) and Twitter (@brantfordfire). Media Resources The fire prevention division incorporates various methods of communication to assist in fire department programs. The local newspapers, publications and radio station are used to promote fire safety throughout the year. Sample Media Advertising

SUPPRESSION

• Emergency Firefighting Operations

• Water and Ice Rescue

• Search and Rescue

• Extrication of Trapped and Injured

• Emergency Medical Services

• Protection from Hazardous Material Incidents

• Accident Extrication

• Public Education of Fire Safety

• Home Fire Protection Inspections

• Public Relations

SUPPRESSION

The highly skilled and motivated suppression division of the Brantford Fire department provides emergency response to the citizens and visitors of this community. Firefighters respond to a variety of emergency situations, including all fire related calls, various types of rescue calls, hazardous materials incidents, motor vehicle extrications, ice/water rescue responses, as well as public education, public relations activities, and an increasing number of medical calls as the city’s population expands. These broadening demands on the fire service have made it necessary for

firefighters to continually upgrade their skills through professional development programs to ensure that we continue to provide, and the citizens continue to receive, the courteous and professional service that they have been accustomed to, as well as a level of service supported by Council.

About the Job To be a firefighter, one must have the instinct to help others, because really, that is what this job is all about; helping people during difficult times. Through education, training and many hours of practice, firefighters become mentally and physically strong when responding to emergency situations, while still having the caring, sensitive side that is required when dealing with citizens, and when performing public relations and public education duties. Firefighters are spouses, brothers/sisters, fathers/mothers, sons/daughters, friends and neighbours, just doing what they consider to be an ordinary job under somewhat extraordinary conditions. Teamwork, compassion, loyalty, honesty, bravery, integrity, accountability, camaraderie, and the ability to react and adapt very quickly under stressful situations are all qualities firefighters possess. No dictionary accurately describes today’s firefighter. From the dispatcher who takes a 911 call in the middle of the night, to the fire prevention officer who inspects a property to ensure compliance with fire safety requirements; that is a firefighter. From those who maintain our emergency vehicles or provide customer service, to those who are creating leading edge training programs; that is a firefighter. Whether we are training, extinguishing a fire, preventing one from starting, writing a report, teaching fire safety education or simply attending a community event; we are firefighting.

Divisional Assistance

In addition to their specific suppression duties, personnel also assist other divisions in the following areas:

Education

In order to maintain a high level of proficiency within the department, our members attend professional development courses. Educational opportunities exist in a wide spectrum of specialization including, leadership and management, high-rise firefighting, pump operations, hazardous materials and emergency site management. As well, suppression personnel with the Brantford Fire Department train to many NFPA standards recognized throughout the fire service.

Equipment In conjunction with, and under the direction of the mechanical division, suppression is responsible for all daily and regular maintenance associated with the four fire stations. As well, daily vehicle and equipment checks are carried out to ensure a state of readiness in the event of an emergency call.

Suppression personnel, being mechanically oriented, also undertake many large scale projects on behalf of the fire department, such as renovations to fire stations, landscaping and minor construction projects.

Fire Prevention • conduct lectures and tours • assist with inspections • assist in fire investigations • various educational programs • Smoke Alarms Save Lives program • training

Mechanical • building maintenance • building renovations • assist with vehicle maintenance/repair • assist in equipment maintenance/repair

Training • deliver specialized training programs • driver/operation training • CPR, first-aid, and De-fib training • firefighter certification • new recruit training

Communications • provide back-up service and relief duties • computer programming and updates

Training Every firefighter receives training on a daily basis, whether it be a formal training setting or during actual fireground or emergency operations. From the time a new recruit reports for duty

until the time a senior member retires, he/she is on a continual learning experience.

Many of our staff engage in specialized courses to become trainer/facilitators for the department, enabling them to share their expertise and knowledge to crew members on their respective groups.

In conjunction with, and under the auspices of the training division, many suppression staff from various platoons are seconded to assist in the training of new recruits during their orientation and introduction to the fire service due to their proficiency and excellence in particular fields of firefighting and extrication practices.

Department Programs

The fire department suppression staff is very visible throughout the community year round. They are involved in many department programs from in-service inspections, building profiling, street construction and hydrant checks, to many varied public education and public relations events. Throughout the year, firefighters are in neighborhoods that have had structural fires delivering the highly successful and beneficial “Smoke Alarms Save Lives” program, checking homes to ensure that each and every home they are invited into are aware of the smoke alarm legislation, and will be compliant to that legislation, when they leave. As well, it is an opportunity for the fire department to promote the use of carbon monoxide detectors, and emphasize the potential danger posed in the home by this silent deadly killer. All four fire stations host visits and tours by numerous groups and associations throughout the year to educate citizens of all ages in fire safety practices.

COMMUNICATIONS

• Communication with apparatus during alarms

• Dispatch of emergency apparatus to each incident

• Maintenance of records on CriSys® System

• Maintaining apparatus status information

• Maintenance of emergency contact information and maps

• Relaying information regarding hazardous material and situations

COMMUNICATIONS The Brantford Fire Department operates and maintains a communications centre that serves the City of Brantford. There are currently eight communications centre operators assigned to the communications division. Two communications centre operators are assigned to a full-time platoon of firefighters and are provided with relief by the firefighters when they are on vacation or other leave. The communication division has the overall responsibility of receiving and recording of all fire alarms, switchboard activities, providing the public with general information, receiving emergency calls, and the dispatching of fire apparatus and equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures. The communications centre operator is multi-task capable, incorporating the functions and responsibilities of administrative receptionist, call-taker, dispatcher and public relations within the communications centre. The operators receive and disperse all emergency communications including the emergency 911 systems, department radios, and telephone system. They actively dispatch emergency vehicles, receive and re-route all administrative phone calls, act as a liaison between on-site officers and other persons and agencies off site through the use of our various communications systems, and provide advice and support to callers regarding emergencies. These operators notify and communicate with local fire departments, alarm companies, EMS and other government agencies during major emergencies and hazardous material incidents and assist in resolving simpler problems such as fire hydrant locations/issues. The communications centre operator also deals with the police department or engineering department concerns when warranted. Operators maintain records, including fire safety plans and upkeep of contact information for various businesses and industries located in our city. They assist with the training needs of other fire department personnel in communications centre operations and also assist in co-op training opportunities that are requested from time to time by educational facilities such as Conestoga and Mohawk Colleges. Communications Centre Operator Responsibilities 1. Communications centre operators will be under the direct control and command of the fire chief,

deputy fire chief, training officer and their designate, and/or platoon chief or their designate.

2. Communications centre operators reporting for duty shall be briefed by the staff on duty as to operations that have taken place since the on-coming CCO’s last tour of duty.

3. Communications centre operators will be responsible for the receiving of all calls (radio, telephone,

alarm panel, etc.) entering the communications centre and for the proper disposition of such calls that are of a routine nature, considering the normal day-to-day operations of the control centre. Calls of a non-routine nature which require the making of decisions by another more qualified person will be referred to the officer-in-charge of the platoon for his consideration.

4. Shall keep the platoon chief informed of all emergency calls and the dispatching of apparatus and/or

personnel from outlying stations within the department. 5. Shall ensure that all equipment in the communications centre is operational and effective, report any

deficiencies immediately to the officer-in-charge of the platoon, and record the incident in the appropriate place.

6. Communications centre operators on duty will be responsible for maintaining all control room

records, lists, log books, key counts etc. and the updating of same as required.

7. Communications centre operators shall familiarize themselves with the department communications

centre manuals, streets, various station areas in the city and county, protected premises alarm systems, hydrant records, street blockages, status of their platoon personnel, and all orders and notices that are in effect or may be issued from time to time.

8. Communications centre operators will be familiar with their duties regarding all Mutual Aid Systems

to which the department may respond and the City of Brantford Emergency Disaster Plan. 9. Communications centre operators will perform other duties as assigned when such other duties will

not affect the efficient operations of the communications centre. Most of our CCO’s have college level training in emergency communications and strive to keep up to date with community knowledge, new streets, industries, and equipment familiarization. CriSys® Dispatch System Our communications staff use a computer based IntelliMap/911 dispatch program developed by CriSys® to assist them in ensuring that the appropriate emergency response is sent accurately and timely to any incident. From the time a call is received, our communicators strive to dispatch emergency vehicles within a 60 second benchmark, as established by industry standard. CriSys® has developed IntelliMap/911, the most sophisticated system for public safety agencies. IntelliMap/911 was designed to be fully mapped and graphical user interface based. This innovative design creates a seamless, interactive and easy to use system that allows the operator to quickly and effortlessly dispatch units when every second counts. The CriSys® Computer Aided Dispatch system receives all incoming 911 emergency calls and interactively identifies the appropriate fire station and apparatus response needs. All phone calls and radio messages are voice logged and recorded within this system and may be replayed or otherwise copied for municipal purposes. Our upgraded CriSys® allows our emergency dispatch service to move forward and take advantage of newer technology, as well as giving us the ability to develop new features offered by the CriSys® system. These features include station alert and vehicle bay displays, dispatch reporting, duty rostering and roster reports, personnel and training records, fire prevention and equipment records and pre-planning. The upgraded system will allow us to be efficient and accountable by generating documents and reports that can be appropriately analyzed in reviewing performance measurements and criteria. The centre is equipped with 24” & 22” monitors that allow for easier viewing of the large amount of information on each monitor screen. Our current phone system was upgraded to a BCM Nortel system that provides the latest in technology and a guarantee in system maintenance. This system will do everything a large PBS VOIP system will, although it is scaled and based on our call needs and volume requirements. Furthermore this provides us with the ability in the future to deal effectively with technological advancements and ensures the most effective and efficient phone service available.

Radio System Dispatching of fire vehicles and all fire ground communications are conducted on an 800 MHz trunked radio system. This trunked radio system is used on a shared basis in partnership with the Brantford Police Services. In 2012, Brantford City Council entered into an Agreement with Harris Corporation to upgrade the existing EDACS trucked radio system to a P25 radio communication system for the Brantford Police and Fire Departments. This Joint Radio Project between the Brantford Police Department and the Brantford Fire Department was completed in June, 2015.

The radio system contains a main fire dispatch talk group for paging out the stations, and four working or tactical talk groups, as well as interconnection with the Ontario Fire Marshal’s radio channel and the County of Brant radio system. We also share an Emergency Measures Operations channel (EMO) with the Brantford Police Services to be used in case of larger emergencies that may require combined radio communications needs.

MECHANICAL

• Annual testing of vehicles and equipment

• Preventative vehicle maintenance programs

• Research and preparation of apparatus replacement specifications

• Maintenance of all fire stations

MECHANICAL Mandate

The mechanical division has the overall responsibility for the care, maintenance and management of all apparatus and equipment belonging to the fire department, as well as the coordination and conducting of building maintenance and related equipment as set out in the Municipal Code.

• All mandatory Ministry of Transportation inspections completed on schedule • Conduct major service purity test twice a year on four high pressure compressors and

complete regular maintenance. • All fire suppression vehicles serviced on schedule • Service and repair to Holmatro rescue tools • Nozzles and ladders • All support vehicles serviced on schedule • Attend to approximately 300 unscheduled vehicle repairs, 150 repairs to stations

buildings and station equipment per year. • Service all rescue equipment; boats, trailers etc. • Conduct pre and post-delivery inspections of all fire engines and aerial ladder trucks • Maintenance of all building exhaust evacuation equipment (Nederman) • Lawnmowers – riders – lawn maintenance equipment • Member of vehicle specs committee • Pump testing of all front line pumper rescue trucks • ULC inspections on aerial devices • SCBA Maintenance • Hose testing and repair

Education The mechanic and the assistant mechanic continue their education with the Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) certification program, attend the Ontario Fire College for the annual Mechanical Officers seminar and attend the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs trade show in

Toronto as well as the FDIC conference. The mechanic has also received training to become a specialized trainer for the department from Smeal Fire Apparatus – Aerial Platform and Seagrave Fire Trucks Crimson – Vmux (Vista – Multiplex Display Unit), as well as Spartan Chassis. Assisted with the training of:

• Air brake course-practical inspections • Pumpers - auxiliary devices etc. • Aerials - emergency operations • Driver training on trailer operations and Aerial

driver training • New equipment on vehicles

2015 Projects #1 Station

• New (SCBA) breathing air compressor • New washer and Dryer for station wear

#2 Station

• New lawnmower

#3 Station • New washer and dryer for station wear

#4 Station

• New washer and dryer for station wear Equipment All the maintenance for all the equipment used by the fire suppression division was completed:

14 Generators 5 Power units 2 Boats & motors 3 Portable pumps 6 Air compressors Lawn mowers

Other Duties

• Emergency command vehicle – repair, maintenance & safety • Order and maintain parts and supplies for vehicle repairs • Order lubricants and industrial cleaning supplies • Maintain purchase and repair records • Emergency response vehicle training • Assist in writing the specs for the procurement of new vehicles and equipment

Purchases For 2015

• New gas powered rescue saws and chain saws • New electric rescue saw and chain saw • New washer and dryers for three fire stations • New fire hose and nozzles for new pumper • Two new zodiac boats and motors • New John Deere UTV and trailer • New Smeal pumper rescue • New Holmatro equipment for new pumper

2015 Projections for 2016 Budget

• Roof replacement at Station 3 • Updated to electronic sign boards at Station 1, 3 and 4 • Replacement of two non-emergency vehicles • Update Quint 12 Holmatro to CORE technology

Facilities Management All regular maintenance of stations was completed, including:

• Heating and air conditioning • Building structures and roofs • Windows • Flooring and accessories • Plumbing and electrical • Overhead door maintenance program / monthly and annual • Parking facilities and lawn maintenance – snow ploughing etc. • 4 building emergency generators

Recommendations from the Mechanic

• Due to increasing technology of vehicles, the mechanic recommends continued advanced training for the mechanical division.

• The department is starting to run out of room for storage of specialized and seasonal equipment. A suitable storage facility may be required.

• Functionality at #2 Station is being reduced as the apparatus floor will not support the weight of our tanker vehicle. Door heights and entry ramps restrict Aerial 9 and Quint 12 from entering the station. As new vehicles are acquired we can expect them to be taller, wider and heavier therefore making this an increasing issue.

• The Nederman exhaust system at #2 station needs to be upgraded or replaced in the next year or so.

• In the future to receive factory training from Smeal for our aerial apparatus • In the future to go to Spartan Motors for factory training on our chassis

Stations The Brantford Fire Department has four full-time fire stations operating twenty-four hours a day. The oldest operating station is Number Two Station, built in 1960. Number Three Station is the next oldest station being built in 1976. Number One Station (Central Services) was built in 2000 and our newest station Number Four was completed in December 2005.

Central Services- 60 Clarence

Number Two Station- 311 St. Paul

Number Three Station- 7 Lynden Road

Number Four Station- 400 Colborne Street West

TRAINING

• Background

• Structure and Summary of Responsibilities

• Goals and Objectives

• Training, Achievements and Certification

• Equipment Testing

• Comments

• 2015 Training Partners

TRAINING Background Since the late 1980’s, the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management (OFMEM) have been instrumental in the development of the professionalization process of the Ontario fire service. In partnership with the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC), and in collaborations with fire service stakeholders, a unique training and educational system was established around a set of nine comprehensive Ontario Fire Service Standards. As time shifts, so will our training needs and requirements, which are shaped by “best practices” as deemed by the Fire Service community, experiential learning, legislation, and public expectation of service. In 2013 this shift caused the OFMEM to evaluate the current uniquely developed Ontario standard and consider a more internationally recognized standard. As of January 1st, 2015, the OFMEM have completely adopted the National Fire Protection Association Professional Qualifications (NFPA Pro-Qual). These standards are now considered “best practice” for Ontario Professional Qualifications and are internationally recognized in the Fire Service. As a Professional Fire Service in the City of Brantford, we now train to these accredited standards. The Training Division The Training Division is responsible for the training and education of all personnel in the skills, knowledge and techniques required by the Brantford Fire Department. Department personnel are trained under the direction of the Chief Training Officer who has the responsibility to lay out the curriculum of training and education for the fire department, and conduct this training in conjunction with the platoon/division officers It is the responsibility of the Training Division to review, research, develop, prepare and conduct training programs and promotional examinations while maintaining records as required by the chief and applicable legislation. To keep relevant and up-to-date information within the examination process, the written, practical, oral and city information portions of the examination are reviewed and updated yearly. Goals and Objectives The Brantford Fire Department has, and will continue in the future to make available, certification for all officers and acting officers, and will be providers of core specific training to ensure that Brantford Fire Department attains compliance with the fire service standards. The shift from the Ontario Fire Service Standards to the NFPA certification has generated a backlog in Ontario to achieve the level of certification required for the various ranks. The training focus in 2015 was to minimize the gap between the two standards and develop a system to achieve the NFPA qualifications in the most cost effective manner.

The NFPA standards that are deemed as a requirement for Brantford Fire Department personnel are listed below in Table ‘A’ Table A

Training Requirement Training Hours Required BFD * Division

NFPA 472 Hazardous Materials Awareness 8 Once Annually All NFPA 472 Hazardous Materials Core Ops 16 Once Annually Suppression NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level I 120 Once On-going Suppression NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level II 80 Once On-going Suppression NFPA 1021 Fire Officer I – Captains 80 Once On-going Suppression NFPA 1021 Fire Officer II – Platoon Chief 80 Once On-going Suppression NFPA 1021 Fire Officer III – Deputy Chief 80 Once Once Admin NFPA 1021 Fire Officer IV – Chief 80 Once Once Admin NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector I 40 Once On-going Prevention NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector II 40 Once On-going Prevention NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector III 40 Once On-going Prevention NFPA 1033 Fire Investigator 40 Once On-going Prevention NFPA 1035 Fire and Life Safety Educator I 24 Once On-going Prevention NFPA 1035 Fire and Life Safety Educator II 32 Once On-going Prevention NFPA 1035 Public Information Officer 8 Once On-going Prevention NFPA 1041 Fire Instructor I 40 Once On-going T/S/P ** NFPA 1041 Fire Instructor II 40 Once On-going T/P ** NFPA 1002 Apparatus Equipped with a Fire Pump 40 Once On-going Suppression

* The Brantford Fire Department practices a more frequent training schedule then required to maintain proficiency and professionalism in order to deliver a high level of quality to the public served.

** T = Training / S = Suppression / P = Prevention / A = Administration

Additional training as required by The City of Brantford, Brantford Fire Department, OFMEM and/or from legislative requirements are outlined in Table ‘B’ Table B

Training Requirement Training Hours Required BFD * Division

AODA/ Harassment/Violence in the Workplace 3.5 Once On-going All

Health & Safety Orientation / Asbestos Management 7 Once On-going All

Customer Service Part I & II 4 Once On-going All Code of Conduct 4 Once On-going All Legislative Responsibilities – OFMEM 8 Once Annually All Health and Safety Awareness – OH&S Act 1 Monthly Monthly All Personal Protective Equipment – OH&S Act 4 Once Annually All First Aid / CPR ‘C’ / HCP 8 3 years Annually All Automatic External Defibrillation - AED 6 Annually Annually All Fire Code Div. B Parts 2 & 6 and Fire Protection Equipment - OFMEM 40 Once On-going Prevention

Fire Code Div. B Parts 3 & 5 - OFMEM 40 Once On-going Prevention Fire Code Div. B part 4 - OFMEM 40 Once On-going Prevention Fire Code Div. B Part 9 – OFMEM 40 Once On-going Prevention Courtroom Procedures - OFMEM 24 Once On-going Prevention NFPA 1521 Incident Safety Officer 16 Once On-going T/S ** Supervisors Toolbox 27 Once On-going All *** Incident Management System – IMS 100 8 Once On-going T/S/A ** Incident Management System – IMS 200 16 Once On-going T/S/A ** Live Fire Training 8 On-going On-going Suppression NFPA 1006 Ice Rescue Level I 16 Once On-going Suppression NFPA 1006 Ice Rescue Level II 16 Once On-going Suppression NFPA 1006 Surface Water Rescue Level I 24 Once On-going Suppression NFPA 1006 Surface Water Rescue Level II 16 Once On-going Suppression TAPP-C Workshop 16 On-going Annually Prevention * The Brantford Fire Department practices a more frequent training schedule then required to

maintain proficiency and professionalism in order to deliver a high level of quality to the public served.

** T = Training / S = Suppression / P = Prevention / A = Administration *** Supervisors only in each Division.

Specialty training required for due diligence and to deliver the public perceived level of service is outlined in Table ‘C’

Table C

Training Requirement Training Hours Required BFD * Division

NFPA 1407 Rapid Intervention Crew 32 - On-going Suppression Elevator Rescue – TSSA 16 - On-going Suppression Emergency Vehicle Technician Workshop 32 - Annually Mechanical Fire Prevention and Public Education Workshop 32 - Annually Prevention

Training Officers Workshop 40 - Annually Training Vulnerable Occupancies Seminar 8 - Annually Prevention Community and Environmental Impact of Fire 16 - On-going Prevention

Effective Inspections of Commercial Cooking Systems 24 - On-going Prevention

Managing a High-Rise Emergency 80 - On-going S/A ** Solar Photovoltaic Systems, Wind Turbines & Firefighter Safety 8 - On-going Suppression

Railroad Emergency Response Management 8 - On-going Suppression

Crude & Ethanol Fire Fighting for Rail 8 - On-going Suppression NFPA 1670 and 1006 Vehicle / Machinery Extrication 8 - On-going Suppression

UTV Operation 8 Once On-going Suppression Slope Rescue – Rope Rigging 8 - On-going Suppression * The Brantford Fire Department practices a more frequent training schedule then required to maintain proficiency and professionalism in order to deliver a high level of quality to the public served. ** T = Training / S = Suppression / P = Prevention / A = Administration Tables ‘A’ and ‘B’ are considered mandatory training while Table ‘C’ is the additional specialty training to provide the highest level of service possible.

Training, Achievements and Certification Certification formally acknowledges that a firefighter in Ontario meets the recognized job performance standards and educational/training and job experience requirements as approved by the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management and agreed to by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs. Certification is based on the candidate's ability to:

• Meet established educational/training qualifications • Provide proof of current employment in a fire department in Ontario • Meet job experience requirements • Demonstrate competencies to the standard (JPR)

The Brantford Fire Department follows the certification program and teaches to the Firefighters NFPA standard as set out by the Job Performance Requirements (JPR) of the NFPA Pro-Qual and the Authority having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Currently, all Suppression and Fire Prevention personnel are involved in the certification process. The Communication Division will also be partaking as we develop the lesson plans and recognize the level of certification required. First Aid / CPR / AED HCP – First aid, cardio pulmonary resuscitation and automatic external defibrillation (health care provider) training are delivered to all members annually. We certify to the standards as set out by the Canadian Red Cross under the direction of the assistant to the Chief Training Officer, Captain Todd Binkley. Medical oversight for defibrillation protocols are provided by Peter Deryk, Executive Director of Life Support Systems. Ice / Swift Water Rescue – With the changing conditions of the Grand River, ice and water training are an annual event. Each platoon will have a minimum of 2 personnel certified to NFPA 1006 and NFPA 1670 to deliver training instruction to their Platoons. Re-certification of our instructors has been delivered by Equinox Adventures. Members of the public can observe our ice rescue training that gets delivered in the winter months while we have ice on Mohawk Lake. The department is fully equipped to respond to ice emergencies. Swift water rescue training is delivered annually as we coordinate this training with high water levels such as spring run-off. Our training sites are on the Grand River either at the Cockshutt Bridge or on Gilkison Street under the Veterans Memorial Parkway Bridge.

2015 Training Hours – all divisions

15,654 Total

Elevator Rescue – many thanks to council whom recognized a need to provide additional training budgetary funds in 2014 to enhance the department’s response to elevator emergencies. In 2015, 655 hours of elevator training was completed and delivered to 106 personnel. The training was delivered by the original 16 members that received the elevator rescue training from Technical Safety Standards Association (TSSA). The skills and knowledge obtained will benefit the department and the citizens of Brantford from this time forward. Previous to this, unless there was a medical emergency with a trapped occupant in the stalled elevator car, our crew would stand by until trained elevator personnel arrived from the elevator company. This generally took an hour of stand-by time. In 2015, our Suppression Division responded to 8 incidents involving elevator rescue. Hazardous Materials – In-house instructors train members with an approved curriculum that provides for First Responder Awareness Training. The Fire Department also trains at the Operations Level (Defensive mode) as outlined in NFPA 472 and recognized by the OFMEM. The Training Division relies on shift instructors to provide ongoing platoon training. NFPA 472 is the standard we strive to meet. Personnel selected from each platoon will assist in this training. At a minimum, all suppression personnel are trained to an awareness level for Hazardous Materials. Recruit firefighters will participate in an independent study training package that is provided by the OFMEM, entitled “Hazardous Materials Awareness for Ontario firefighters”. Rail Emergencies – with the increased public interest regarding crude oil shipping by rail, CN Rail and Southern Ontario Rail continue to offer training opportunities in partnership with the Rail Association of Canada (TransCAER).

Vehicle Extrication – Due to ever-changing designs and safety components, such as various styles of air bags and safety restraint systems that provide for driver and passenger safety when a vehicle is involved in a collision, the members train in basic and advanced auto extrication techniques. Training is achieved with the assistance of community partners that allow us to hone our skills at their auto establishments. NFPA 1006 and NFPA 1670 are the standards we have our Train the Trainer’s certified to. Driver Training and Licensing – the Chief Training Officer keeps a record of the status of all members’ driving licenses. The Training Division delivers training and monitors vehicle inspection to ensure compliance with pre-trip and air brake inspections. The Ministry of Transportation guidelines are strictly adhered to. The fire department also has the ability to obtain and review driver’s abstracts on a regular basis in order to ensure qualified drivers are operating fire department vehicles under a valid license. Health and Safety & WHMIS – all evolutions in training include safety components as outlined by the Ministry of Labour in the Health and Safety Guidelines for Ontario’s Fire Service and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Additional Training Activities Covered – The remaining hours of training are used for self-study and practising the responsibilities, procedures, equipment, strategy and tactics of firefighting. Additional subjects include, but are not limited to, chemistry of combustion, pumping and aerial operations, aerial rescue, incident command and accountability, fire cause determination, ventilation, pre-incident planning and building profiling, computer and data entry, public relations, public education, communications, elevating devices, apparatus maintenance, automatic sprinkler systems, chemistry of combustion, electrical hazards, fire suppression, fire department organization, fire behaviour, fire streams, fire cause determination, fire safety inspections part 1 and 2, fire alarm protection systems, first responder EMS, fixed extinguishing systems, forcible entry, hazardous materials, hoses and appliances, introduction into the fire services, ladders, overhaul, portable pumps, portable fire extinguishers, pre-fire planning, professionalism, public education, public relations, ropes and knots, self-contained breathing apparatus, safety, salvage, search and rescue, size up, standpipe hose, tanker operations, ventilation, and water supply to name a few.

Examination Process – the Chief Training Officer, as part of his responsibilities, conducts examinations under the direction of the Deputy Chief. Personnel hired by the Brantford Fire Department must participate in annual exams to advance to First Class status.

The examination process in most cases is a two-day process due to the number of participants and the class or type of examination to be proctored. On occasion, the examination process may be completed in a single day. In most cases, the assistant Training Officer may assist or proctor promotional examinations from probationary firefighter to captain.

The Training Division administered the following examinations to the corresponding number of participants:

1st Class Exam FF 8 persons 2nd Class Exam FF 4 persons 3rd Class Exam FF 3 persons 3rd Class Communication Centre Operator 1 person 4th Class Communication Centre Operator 1 person 3rd Class Fire Prevention Officer 1 person 4th Class Fire Prevention Officer 1 person

Recruit training – In 2015 one Communication Centre Operator recruit received the recruit-training program that dealt with many subjects of the curriculum, addressing knowledge, and practical skill applications. This program is three weeks in length that finishes with the candidate acquiring the competencies as a Communication Centre Operator.

As with all programs conducted either by or through the auspices of the Training Division, the recruit course may vary in length depending on the number of recruits hired. The program is dynamic and has been developed in such a manner to be efficient and flexible in order to meet the department’s needs.

The Brantford Fire Department provides new recruits with an in-house training program that encompasses the training requirements as set out in the NFPA job performance requirements. This program must be completed and an examination passed before the recruits are assigned to active duty.

New recruits in 2015 were trained in the City’s mandatory Asbestos Awareness, Sensitivity to Disabilities, Code of Conduct, Customer Service and Harassment, and Workplace Violence and Security Training by human resources staff.

Ontario Fire College Summary - The Ontario Fire College has been in operation since 1949 with the primary responsibility being the development and delivery of academically sound

educational and training programs meeting the current and future needs of the fire service. Ontario Fire College programs and courses have one main objective, and that is to assist all fire service personnel in becoming the best-trained and most professional fire service personnel possible. During 2015 personnel attended the Ontario Fire College in Gravenhurst, Ontario, and also participated in regional courses as sponsored by the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management or any other provincial organization. Brantford Fire personnel have attended and completed OFM courses in the following subject areas:

• Managing a High-rise Incident • NFPA 1021 Fire Officer • Hazardous Materials Awareness • Legislation (Fire Service) • Emergency Vehicle Technician Workshop • NFPA 1041 Fire Instructor II • Training Officer Workshop • NFPA 472 Haz. Mat’l Core Ops Plus • Rail Emergencies CN / CP • NFPA 472 Haz. Mat’l Tech • Fire Prevention Workshop • Fire Code

Additional Training Programs

• Ontario Association of Fire Chief Conference – Toronto • Fire Department Instructors Conference – Indianapolis • CN / CP / SOR – Rail tanker awareness at various locations in our area • Slope Rescue • Rapid Intervention Crew Training with Fire Fighter Survival • Utility Trail Vehicle (UTV) – Canadian Safety Council • Aircraft Emergencies

In the adjacent photos, Fire Personnel are receiving detailed instructions on extrication procedure during an aircraft entrapment. This information is valuable for personnel Safety during specialized rescue.

Equipment Testing – Annual testing of Fire Department hoses is the responsibility of the Training Division to ensure that fire department hoses are maintained and in good repair. In 2015 all hose inventory was tested and repairs were made as per NFPA 1962 standard for the care, use, inspection, service testing, and replacement of fire hose, coupling, nozzles and fire hose appliances. The department’s gas detection equipment can sample for the presence of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen cyanide (HCN), hydrogen sulphide (H2S), concentration of oxygen and lower explosive limits (LEL) of hydrocarbons. This equipment must be regularly bump tested and calibrated. The Training Division oversees and maintains the testing equipment for our gas monitors. Gas monitors in service are MSA Altair 4x multi-gas and MSA Altair HCN single gas. Level A (fully encapsulated) hazardous chemical suits are annually pressure tested by qualified personnel to ensure zero exposure when the suits are deployed during a hazmat incident. The Training Division conducts fit testing annually for our Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) face pieces. A sensitivity test is annually conducted on personnel for N95 masks to ensure proper fit. Comments The Training Division continues to enjoy the improvement in service delivery that was recognized when the training office was relocated from a basement office to the main floor office. This facilitated improved interaction with all divisions of the Brantford Fire Department. To maintain a high level of competency, every effort is made to ensure that training conducted and the locations, provide diversity and realism allowing firefighters to train in ‘real life’ settings found in actual emergency situations. On-going training is critical for firefighter safety and performance competencies, but classroom training is not enough to prepare for real life emergencies. We recognize that experiential training in a safe and controlled environment takes training to the next level where knowledge is applied and skills are practiced. Therefore, Fire Department personnel can be seen training throughout the city, at different locations. However, practical evolutions in fire ground operations are becoming more difficult, almost impossible to perform on fire department property. We are basically landlocked and have been forced to outsource fire ground operations training to other municipalities, such as Cambridge, Fort Erie, St Catharines, Waterloo and Hamilton at a considerable cost to the department.

Acknowledgement of Training Partners in 2015

A1 auto Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) Akron Nozzle Green for Life (GFL) Brant Conservation Area Ken’s Towing Brant County Ambulance MSA Safety Brant County Fire Newalta Corporation Brantford Airport Office of the Fire Marshall and Emergency

Management (OFMEM) Brantford General Hospital Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) Canadian National Rail (CN) Ontario Fire College Canadian Pacific Rail (CP) Rail Association of Canada (RAC) City of Brantford – Facilities Red Cross City of Brantford – Human Resources S.C. Johnson Enbridge Scott Safety - Breathing Apparatus Equinox Adventures / Rescue Techniques Southern Ontario Rail (SOR) Fort Erie Fire Department TSSA Wayne Gretzky Sports Complex - Pool Union Gas

• Enforcement of the Ontario Fire Code • Enforcement of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act

• Fire Investigations • Fire Safety Educational Programs

• Elementary School Fire Safety Education • Retrofit Inspections

• Investigation and Resolution of Inquiries and Complaints • Fire Safety Plan Review and Approval

• Enforcement of Fire-related Municipal By-laws • Inspection of Specialized Occupancies

• Plans Review and Approval, New Buildings and Site Plan Control • Records Management for Fire Calls and Statistical Data

• Inspections Related to Licensing and Premises for Liquor Licenses, and Municipal Business Licenses

FIRE PREVENTION

FIRE PREVENTION Once again, the fire prevention division has successfully met the mandate of the fire department and the demands of the community. We were able to deliver an effective and efficient level of service throughout the city.

The ever expanding role of the fire prevention division includes fire prevention, public education and fire investigation services. These initiatives are accomplished by enforcement of various codes, performing routine fire safety and complaint inspections, dealing with mandated code compliance issues, enforcing municipal by-laws, issuing and approval of various permits, review and approval of construction plans, site plans and subdivision/development agreements.

On a daily basis, the fire prevention division is also responsible for conducting fire investigations, general inspections, retrofit inspections, business licence inspections, the review of fire safety plans, site development plans, new construction plans, public education and the investigation of complaints. Many other inspections were conducted at the request of law firms, mortgage companies, day care centres, lodging houses and those needing liquor licenses.

Our fire prevention officers have a commitment to educate owners of their responsibilities under the Ontario Fire Code. Every effort is made to help owners gain compliance. There are times, however, when owners refuse to comply. In these instances, fire prevention staff pursue the matters in Provincial Offences Court.

In 2015, 25 charges were laid against property owners. Of those 25 charges, 14 are still before the courts, 7 charges were withdrawn in 2015 and 4 charges were settled for a total of $2,500.

Fire safety planning and plans review are also important functions of the fire prevention division. Fire Safety Plans provide instructions and procedures for dealing with the various aspects of fire safety relating to a specific building or property. When designed and implemented correctly, they can significantly reduce the incidences and impact of fire to improve safety in their facility. With this in mind, our fire prevention officers assist owners with this responsibility.

In an effort to ensure that a minimum standard of fire and life safety is maintained throughout the City of Brantford, the fire prevention division conducted inspections of numerous types of building occupancies to make certain that building owners were complying with the requirements of the Ontario Fire Code. Routine Fire Code inspections of apartments, schools, day cares, group homes, public halls and institutional occupancies were also completed.

The fire prevention division is also responsible for the inspection and approval of pyrotechnical displays and open burning permits.

In addition to these major undertakings, the fire prevention division provided training and support for the Fire Suppression Division for any issues discovered during their responses, regarding fire protection systems, storage or other fire prevention matters.

Continuing Education Due to constantly changing trends in construction, industry, equipment and materials, the fire prevention division has been, and remains committed to, the concept of ‘lifelong learning.’ Fire prevention officers are required to continually upgrade and enhance their knowledge in a variety of subject areas. Currently, fire prevention officers are involved in a number of courses including: fire prevention officer certification courses offered by the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, Ontario Building Code courses, as well as Public Fire & Life Safety Educator courses and fire investigation courses. Our continued commitment to this idea is backed by the desire to deliver effective and efficient fire prevention and public education services to meet the needs of the people of Brantford. Cooperation with Other Agencies Fire prevention staff are responsible for reviewing working drawings of fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, fire routes, hydrants, site plan proposals and hazardous operations. Co-operation with city departments, such as: the Building Department, Planning Department, Clerks Department, Engineering, Water, Hydro and Legal will continue to ensure the highest level of service to our citizens. Fire prevention also deals with the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of the Environment, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, the Electrical Safety Authority and Brantford Police Services to ensure that fire matters and complaints are resolved. Approvals of fireworks applications, tent permits, demolition applications and liquor license applications are also routine matters. The fire prevention division assists other city departments with this approval process.

Fire Investigations The fire prevention division is available at all times to investigate fires. The fire prevention division now has 6 staff members certified as Fire and Explosion Investigators. In 2015, there were 279 fires, which resulted in a dollar loss of $3,646,011. Of these fires, 101 were structural and totalled $3,362,999, 38 were vehicle fires and totalled $257,900 and 53 were property/outdoor storage and totalled $36,062. These fires resulted in 3 fatalities and 7 injuries to civilians. All fires were followed up or investigated, with the exception of motor vehicle fires. The Office of the Fire Marshal assisted with 4 fire investigations for the year ending 2015.

Programs, Lectures and Seminars Fire safety lectures are an invaluable tool and allow the fire prevention division to provide fire safety information to many groups and organizations throughout the city such as industries, institutions, day care providers, students, day campers, home care workers, real estate agents, special needs adults, seniors, baby-sitters and foster parents. Throughout the year, fire prevention officers delivered 84 lectures, educating approximately 2,691 persons on fire safety. Children’s Safety Village When you think of the word “accident,” what immediately comes to mind? Do you think of a predictable event that could have been prevented? Probably not. More likely, you picture a chance, random event, maybe something controlled by fate. Recent research supports the fact that the great majority of injuries are predictable and preventable.

Since the fall of 2005, the Children’s Safety Village of Brant has been welcoming eager classes of Grade’s 2, 4 and 6. The teaching plan developed by fire prevention meets both the curriculum guidelines of the various school boards, and also utilizes all the resources of the Safety Village. We continued with the JK/SK program that remains well received by students and teachers. Programs taught in the fire classroom focus on fire prevention, smoke alarms, home escape planning, cooking safety, candle safety, home hazards,

dangerous materials, seasonal fire safety and carbon monoxide and burn prevention. The first portion of the lesson is taught in the classroom and then children are encouraged to express information learned in the classroom as they navigate through the fire hazards in Sparky’s® apartment. Sparky’s® apartment consists of a kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, all of which contain fire hazards that children identify and are discussed. The tour of Sparky’s® apartment is concluded when the bedroom fills with artificial smoke and the children have to escape the apartment by climbing through the bedroom window. Our hope is that the children will take the knowledge learned at the Safety Village home and discuss it with their family.

Class Participation - January to December 2015 January – March

Grade 6 April – June

Grade 4 May/June

JK/SK September – December

Grade 2 Number of

Classes Attendance Number of Classes Attendance Number of

Classes Attendance Number of Classes Attendance

16 276 24 494 21 425 25 511 On-site Fire Extinguisher Training In an effort to make this training more accessible to a greater number of people, the department has an enclosed cargo trailer capable of carrying our training equipment and supplies. This allowed prevention staff to take the training directly to factories, businesses and agencies. Eighteen of these sessions were conducted in 2015.

World Series of Fire Safety In the summer of 2015, the Brantford Fire Department continued to provide their public education program for children called ‘The World Series of Fire Safety’. The World Series of Fire Safety game is a fun, interactive way for students to learn about fire safety topics. The Children are divided into two separate teams, the Smoke and the Flames, and face off in a test of their fire safety knowledge. One player from each team starts off at "home plate". A fire department representative rolls special dice to determine if the question’s value will be a single, double, triple or home run question. The question is asked and the first player at home plate to buzz in has the opportunity to answer. A correct answer progresses the player along the bases, however, an incorrect answer allows the opposing team player an opportunity to answer. The team with the most number of runs at the end of the game wins.

2015 BRANTFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT

STATISTICS

In Ontario, all fire departments are required to report information to the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management on every call they attend. It is from this information submitted that the OFMEM can track fire loss and report on fire trends throughout the Province.

Recent statistics from 2009 - 2013 released from the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management show that the most common cause of preventable structure fires is cooking, while heating is second, and electrical is third. Preventable fires are defined as fires that were not set deliberately. These are a result of human error, such as using an ignition source too close to combustibles, leaving an ignition source unattended, faulty installation or maintenance of an ignition source, or using an ignition source unsafely.

These provincial fire cause trends also reflect the City of Brantford’s own statistics. In 2015, the City of Brantford experienced 101 structural fires. Of those 101 fires, 23 were cooking fires, 2 were caused by heating equipment, and 6 by electrical. Those 101 fires represent a dollar loss of $3,362,999. These statistics reinforce the continued need for education to reduce the number of preventable fires.

The total fire loss for the year 2015 is estimated at $3,646,011, resulting from 279 fires. An Investigator from the OFMEM assisted with the investigation of 4 fires in 2015. Unfortunately, we report that there were 3 fatalities in 2015 as a result of fire.

This chart indicates a five-year summary of the fire loss and the number of responses made by this department on an annual basis.

Year Dollar Loss Number of Incidents

2015 $3,646,011 3,830

2014 $4,455,858 3,829

2013 $6,363,395 4,099

2012 $2,692,555 4,181

2011 $5,689,899 4,104

3830

3829

4099

4181

4104

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

Emergency Responses

Response Type 2015 2014 2013 Property fires/Explosions 279 183 242 Burning (controlled) 159 164 135 CO false calls 263 318 283 False fire calls 685 707 812 Medical/resuscitator call 546 506 519 Other response 234 222 223 Overpressure rupture/explosion (no fire) 6 2 5

Pre-fire conditions/no fire 159 169 177 Public Hazard 115 172 137 CO Call (CO present) 24 - - Rescue 190 139 153 Total 2660 2582 2686

False Alarm Responses

Response Type 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 Alarm Equipment - Malfunction 256 299 369 279 330

Alarm Equipment - Accidental 171 156 138 154 165

Human - Malicious 37 29 38 52 44 Human - Perceived Emergency 117 112 146 126 154

Human - Accidental 74 80 89 81 77 Other False Fire Calls 30 31 32 36 30

Total 685 707 812 728 800

Total Incident Responses (including training and miscellaneous)

$39,062.00 $3,349,049.00

$257,900.00

Fire Loss – 2015 by Fire Dollar Loss

PROPERTY/OUTDOOR STORAGE

STRUCTURE

VEHICLE

$0.00

$500,000.00

$1,000,000.00

$1,500,000.00

$2,000,000.00

$2,500,000.00

$3,000,000.00

$3,500,000.00

$4,000,000.00

$4,500,000.00

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Dolla

r Am

ount

Year

Fire with Loss – 2015 Summary by Occupancy Type

Assembly

Institutional

Residential

Business/Personal

Mercantile

Industrial

Miscellaneous

Vehicles

Fire with Loss – 2015 Summary by Occupancy Type

Occupancy Type # of losses total $ loss % of yearly totalAssembly Occupancies 4 $269,900 7.40%Business and Personal Services Occupancies 2 $12,500 0.34%Industrial Occupancies 14 $118,608 3.25%Institutional 0 $0 0.00%Mercantile 4 $950,100 26.06%Residential 65 $1,997,941 54.80%Structures/Properties not classified by O.B.C. 53 $39,062 1.07%Vehicles 38 $257,900 7.07%

Totals 180 $3,646,011 100.00%

FIRE CAUSE CLASSIFICATION Losses Dollar loss Intentional 1 $500 Vandalism 11 $13,250 Undetermined 25 $1,164,331 Misuse of Ignition Source / Material First Ignited 29 $753,705 Mechanical / Electrical Failure 15 $1,241,975 Design / Construction / Maintenance Deficiency 10 $101,488 Other 6 $66,400 Other Unintentional 4 $21,350

Fire with Loss – 2015 Large Fires $20,000 and over

Fire with Loss – 2015 Summary by Cause (Structure Fires Only)

Dollar Loss Month Day Address $150,000 January 14 182 George Street, Unit 1 $900,000 January 23 70 Roy Boulevard $120,000 January 24 14 Sheridan Street

$50,000 February 14 15 Farringford Drive $250,000 March 10 51 Ashgrove Avenue

$40,000 March 27 392 Chatham Street $45,000 April 12 347 Dalhousie Street

$250,000 April 16 615 West Street $150,000 May 13 118 West Street

$31,000 May 21 55 Albion Street $89,738 July 27 1 Ferrero Boulevard $55,000 July 28 488 Grey Street, Unit 26

$150,000 August 8 287 Brock Street $50,000 August 14 7 Shellard Lane $60,000 August 25 16 Linden Avenue $60,000 September 28 70 Park Road North $45,000 September 29 125 Tollgate Road $20,000 October 17 76 Hill Avenue $60,000 October 20 37 Clench Avenue $99,000 October 26 130 Golf Road $50,000 November 3 165 Hachborn Road $20,000 November 4 49 Palmerston Avenue

$120,000 November 7 113 Brant Avenue $100,000 November 22 266 Brantwood Park Road

$75,000 December 11 31 Glanville Avenue $250,000 December 27 128 East Avenue

“Smoke Alarms Save Lives Program” – Number of Visits

“Smoke Alarms Save Lives” Program – Smoke Alarms, Carbon Monoxide Alarms and Batteries Installed

Fire with Loss – 2015 Ignition Class (Structure Fires Only)

2015 “Smoke Alarms Save Lives” Program Stats

2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 Total 1,281 2,211 1,232 966 3,321

Installed 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 Smoke Alarm(s) 185 280 250 247 471 Carbon Monoxide Alarm(s) 203 317 134 99 203 Batteries 151 256 n/a n/a n/a

20%

4%

5%

19%

7% 6%

2%

2%

22%

13% Open flame tools, smokers articles

Lighting equipment

Appliances

Cooking equipment

Processing equipment

Electrical distribution equipment

Other electrical, mechanical

Miscellaneous

Undetermined

Exposure

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800

Entry gained to ensure compliance with legislation

Verbal compliance

Persons not at home

763

174

343

2015 Status of Smoke Alarms

OFFICE OF THE

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR

The Community Emergency Management Coordinator reports to the Fire Chief, and is responsible to formulate, implement and manage a comprehensive and ever evolving emergency management program for the City of Brantford.

The CEMC, who is mandated under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (R.S.O. 1990) and subsequent Ontario Regulation 380/04, dedicates his/her time to be a liaison and ambassador for the City in all matters of Emergency Preparedness. He/She manages the City’s Emergency Response Plan, the Emergency Operations Centre, The Fire Department’s Incident Command Post, and acts as a central resource for the entire City in times of crisis. Though not a first responder himself/herself, the CEMC must be able to work effectively well with first responders in the field, maintaining calm under pressure, coordinate the how to, and facilitate the response to a major incident from a strategic and operational point of view. The CEMC continually upgrades his/her knowledge by communicating with other Emergency Management Coordinators, the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management, and completing courses through the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management and external agencies.

At the end of 2015, it was identified that the City of Brantford did not have specific persons in the roles of Business Continuity, and that the Emergency Coordinator was the best person to begin this very large initiative. By the end of 2015, a four year strategic plan was developed, which outlined ways to align the emergency management program with the corporate strategic direction, and looked at key performance milestones to achieve community resilience.

The world of Emergency Management is ever changing and it is the CEMC’s job to stay on top of those changes as well as make recommendations towards best practices.

About the Job

To be a Community Emergency Management Coordinator, one must be a Jack-of-all-trades. Through education, training, and a general ability to grasp concepts quickly, the CEMC becomes the facilitator for the City. He/She is the bridge which connects everyone during a major incident. This requires the CEMC to have knowledge of the four pillars of organizational resilience:

• Physical Security

• Business Continuity

• IT Disaster Recovery

• Crisis Communications

The CEMC must also understand the ins and outs of Risk Management, Fire Operations, Police Operations for Major Incidents, Ambulatory Response in large incidents, and how the City runs and operates its internal departments. Then the CEMC has to make sure he/she can continue to provide his/her critical services and save lives in a ‘worst case scenario’.

Teamwork, team building, cooperation, integrity, accountability, tenacity, a continued pursuit of higher learning, and a strategic operating mind, are key traits of a CEMC.

Emergency Managers come from all walks of life. Many are former firefighters, police officers, or like our current one, are military personnel who continue to look for ways to serve his/her community. He/She reminds us that although it is sunny today, the sky will inevitably darken and that storms will always come. He/She engages in community discussions, and reminds you that you should always have an emergency kit packed just in case.

Whether it is a tornado, ice storm, major power outage or a train derailment, you can be sure that the CEMC has been planning for it and making sure that we are all ready. He/She reminds us that the “It’ll never happen here”, has already happened and continues to happen.

An overview of the CEMC’s Responsibilities

1. Plans and coordinates the personnel, procedures, materials, resources and facilities required by the City to enable them to respond in a coordinated manner to any major emergency situation involving a threat to life, safety, convenience, or property.

2. Regularly reviews and evaluates the City’s Emergency Plan and related plans to ensure that they are current and to recommend modifications. Assess the operational capabilities and general state of readiness of the City and undertakes initiatives to ensure its readiness. Develops plans and protocols for major incidents involving City departments, emergency services and volunteer organizations. Tracks and records the distribution of the Emergency Plans and contact lists to ensure accurate, updated plans are in use.

3. Responsible for monitoring, coordinating and assisting in the development and implementation of emergency management programs. Participates with the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management to establish guidelines and best practices for these programs. Participates on Committees reviewing, recommending and instituting programs in the areas of risk management emergency planning.

4. Establishes and chairs an emergency management program committee of emergency preparedness representatives to create, develop and maintain comprehensive community hazard identification and risk assessment for determining mitigation and preparedness priorities.

5. Identifies and assesses the City’s emergency preparedness training and education needs. Develops and hosts in-house training courses, workshops and seminars for staff, elected officials, and other agencies, in conjunction with emergency services and community organizations to ensure that appropriate and progressive training in the areas of emergency preparedness is received.

6. Conducts emergency management exercises with municipal staff, emergency services, volunteer groups, and other agencies such as school boards, Red Cross, Salvation Army, St. John Ambulance and Victim Services to ensure the effective implementation of emergency plans.

7. Participates as a member of the City’s and joint City/County’s (Emergency Operational Advisory Group) as an advisor to the “EOAG” Coordinator on emergency operations and preparedness matters.

8. Establishes an emergency preparedness communications strategy, including maintaining the emergency notification system.

9. Assists in the Budget process for the emergency planning needs of the community through forecasting, recommending, and monitoring the budget relating to emergency preparedness, authorizing payments against budget, and carrying out financial analysis and other cost/benefit analysis for various programs and technology where required.

10. Assists in the requisition and purchasing process of vehicles, facilities, equipment and supplies for emergency preparedness matters relating to the position and the City.

11. Promotes and facilitates public relations, public education, and media relations by providing assistance, making presentations, participating in special activities, and projecting a professional image. Develops and promotes public awareness. Prepares and distributes public emergency information and education materials.

12. Develops, implements, monitors and reviews programs and procedures to ensure compliance with legislative requirements for emergency management and preparedness.

13. Performs work relating to this position as required by the Fire Chief.

Projects in 2015

The Office of the Community Emergency Management Coordinator made significant progress over the year of 2015. Some of the things started and/or completed in 2015 were:

• A new CEMC was hired in March 2015.

• The Vulnerable Sector Task Force reassessed its role, and looked at ways to ensure that we are able to assist those who are in need and require additional assistance during a large emergency due to things such as injury or illness. These include, but are not limited to, places such as John Noble Home, Participation House, St. Joseph’s, W. Ross MacDonald School, and more.

• The task force began to take on a role of assisting Emergency Social Services, and it was identified that the ESS Plan needed updating, and needed to look at how to communicate to our stakeholders in the community in accordance with AODA regulations.

• The Continuity of Operations Team developed risk assessment guidelines and business impact analysis tools to be implemented in the near future.

• A formal four (4) year strategy was developed

• A formal training plan and required competencies was laid out for the City. The Emergency Management Program Committee determined that training should become a measured requirement of all staff members.

• In May 2015, the CEMC provided mutual aid assistance to the Six Nations of the Grand River during their declared state of emergency. The CEMC and Fire Chief Matt Miller developed evacuation contingencies and emergency information plans for communication to the media. This event strengthened relations with the Six Nations of the Grand River and their Elected Council.

• Six Nations of the Grand River and the County of Brant attended our annual training exercise. This also strengthened our relations with both groups. The City CEMC has now instructed personnel from both groups in emergency management and complex incident management. It was determined that an annual joint exercise should take place between all three groups.

• The City’s Critical Infrastructure was reviewed.

• A comprehensive risk assessment was completed for the City.

• IMS 200 courses were taught to the City of Brantford employees.

• IMS 250 courses were taught to the City of Brantford employees.

• IMS 300 courses were taught to the City of Brantford employees.

• Basic Emergency Management Courses were taught to the City of Brantford employees.

• Community outreach was completed to educate the residents of Brantford about emergency preparedness.

Looking Forward

As the emergency management program looks forward in 2016 and beyond, we have taken on some fantastic initiatives. From furthering our aid to our vulnerable sectors, to protecting our infrastructure, we are looking at more hazard specific plans to address the ever growing amount of hazardous chemical rail traffic through the City, as well as implementing the recommendations from the Elliot Lake inquest. Building cohesive plans between the EOC and how he/she supports operations at an incident site will be major focuses of the program moving forward to ensure that we are fully functional and following best practice guidelines.