PERIOD REPORT
DATE: January 08, 2019 Report No. FIRE-19-001
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Chris Jancowski, Fire Chief
SUBJECT:TITLE Fire Department - 2018 Third Period Report Body
The following is a report on the activities pertaining to the Fire Department from September 01, 2018 to December 31, 2018.
I. DIVISION ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
1. Operations Division
|
Call Type and Volume |
Routine Activities |
|
Alarm calls |
32 |
Assist other agencies |
0 |
|
Assist public |
19 |
Bylaw inquiries |
4 |
|
Burning complaints |
8 |
General inquiries |
12 |
|
Hazardous materials |
8 |
Oil tank inspections |
17 |
|
Structure fires |
11 |
Placed on standby (C.S.R., Fire) |
1 |
|
Other fires |
6 |
Plan review |
4 |
|
Other responses |
10 |
Public ed. I hall tour |
6 |
|
Medical aid |
198 |
Fire investigations |
1 |
|
MVI |
20 |
Business licenses |
25 |
|
Rescue |
0 |
Car seat inspection |
12 |
|
Electrical emergency |
4 |
|
|
|
Total Period |
316 |
Total Period |
82 |
|
Responses YTD |
1105 |
Activities YTD |
119 |
2. Community Services
Prevention Activities
In October, the Department held its Annual Open House that was part of the National Fire Prevention Week. This event was well attended by our members and the citizens of the Township. The Open House event displayed Fire Department Tools, Apparatus and Technical Rescue Setups. In addition, the event also provided a bouncy castle from Parks and Recreation, and the Lions Club distributed an assortment of snacks and beverages provided by the Fire Department.
In November, the Fire Department held its Annual Fire Chief for a Day contest. This year’s winner was Aleks. The Fire Chief for a Day event starts with a pickup from their home and ride to their school in a Fire Truck. Fire Department staff then picks up the student from school at lunch and takes them to a local restaurant for lunch followed by a private tour of the Fire Station.
In addition to the Fire Chief for a day contest, all Elementary Schools’ students are invited to create a Fire Safety Home Escape Plan. The completion of these plans enters them into a Provincial Draw for a new IPad.
In December, the Department entered the Townships Celebration of Lights Event. In preparation for the event the membership increased the lighting display on Engine 12 in hopes of becoming the lucky winner. We look forward to the 2019 event.
The following table below outlines the Company Level Inspection activities during 2018.
|
2018 Company Inspections |
|
Platoon |
Total Premises |
Inspections Completed |
Inspections Ongoing |
|
A |
131 |
131 |
0 |
|
B |
145 |
145 |
0 |
|
C |
140 |
140 |
0 |
|
D |
132 |
129 |
3 |
3. Department Services
In October, staff from the Department attended a workshop based on online E Learning. This style of learning has become more accepted in the fire service for cognitive learning as an alternative to traditional classroom learning. This approach does not replace hands-on psychomotor skills that are practiced weekly. In 2019, the Department will be phasing in this type of learning as part of our quarterly training objectives.
In November, the Department hosted an internal Roco Rope Rescue 1 class. This class was a first for some newer members and a refresher with certification for other senior members. Members of the Department practiced skills that included: building anchor points, mechanical advantages, patient packaging and lowering systems. It is anticipated that the Department will continue skill development into 2019 with a focus on Confined Space Rescue and Entry.
The Department continued its training in November with the assistance of Gary Charlton. This advanced training was focused on advanced ventilation techniques and tactics for fire suppression along with the importance of controlling ventilation in high rise fires.
In December, the Department observed an Active Shooter exercise. This type of unfortunate event is becoming a reality for several cities in North America. The Department will further explore this type of response as we move into 2019 while ensuring the safety of our members and providing emergency medical assistance.
4. Administrative Services
In September, the Department completed the Fire Dispatch transition by “Going Live” with our new Fire Dispatch Provider. Our first emergency call from Surrey Fire Dispatch was received with excitement on September 18th. The transition also included four other municipal Fire Departments (Colwood, North Saanich, Sidney and View Royal). Since the day of transition, Surrey Fire has provided excellent customer service.
In October, the Department met with members of IAFF Local 4264 and began collective bargaining for a new Collective Agreement that expired December 31, 2016. Also in October the Department was invited to participate in the Provincial led Wildfire Structural debrief. This debrief was an opportunity to share what worked well and areas of future improvements.
On October 18th the Department participated in the Provincial and Township Shakeout Drill. This was an opportunity to remind members of the importance of being prepared for the potential impact of earthquakes within our region.
In November, the Department continued its preparation for its role in Emergency Management by participating in a Township wide exercise. This type of exercise prepares all departments to co-ordinate their responses within the Township while highlighting the importance of improving communication.
In December, the Department initiated the Office of the Fire Commissioner’s “Fire Department Audit” checklist. This checklist combines several industry areas such as: regulatory requirements, best practices and requirements for effective record keeping. Members of D Platoon took the lead on the project with support from the Office of the Fire Commissioner and Chief Officers.
It is expected that this audit may identify several areas of improvement or focus for the Department as we move into 2019.
II. COMMITTEES
Esquimalt Fire Department members are actively involved with numerous local and regional initiatives, including:
• Greater Victoria Fire Chiefs’ Association
• British Columbia Fire Chiefs’ Association
• CRD Regional Hazardous Materials Response Planning Committee
• Greater Victoria Fire Training Officers’ Association
• Fire Training Officers’ Association of BC
• Fire Prevention Officers’ Association of BC
• Greater Victoria Fire Prevention Officers’ Association
• Department Safety Committee
• BC Burn Fund