2010

ANNUAL REPORT

STRATFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT

1913

2003

2003

2007 2009

April 2011 His Worship Mayor Dan Mathieson and Members of City Council City Hall, P.O. Box 818 Stratford, Ontario N5A 6W1 Mayor Mathieson and Members of Council: The Stratford Fire Department’s mission “… provide a range of programs to protect the lives and property of the inhabitants of the City of Stratford from the adverse effects of fires, sudden medical emergencies or exposure to dangerous conditions created by man or nature”. Our commitment to this responsibility has remained strong. A reflection of this pledge to the community we serve is our Annual Report for 2010. It is filled with statistics and information that identifies ways in which we continue to meet our mission statement through highly trained personnel in all divisions; communications, training, suppression, fire prevention and public education. Successes are due to the commitment of all the members of the Stratford Fire Department and the cooperation we receive from City Council and the community. We couldn’t meet our mission without this dedication and support. We look forward to establishing a sound relationship with our new City Council. I invite Mayor Mathieson and Councillors to visit Stratford’s fire stations at any time and would be pleased to address any questions and demonstrate any of the apparatus or equipment. Richard Young Fire Chief

STRATFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION

FIRE CHIEF R. YOUNG

DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF M. GORNYICZKI

DIRECTOR OF TRAINING AND PUBLIC EDUCATION P. BUTSON

DIRECTOR OF FIRE PREVENTION T. ADAIR

FIRE INSPECTOR S. McCORMICK

"A" GROUP "B" GROUP

Capt. A. Paul Capt. J. McCaffery Lt. B. Chadwick Lt. J. Mavity

Lt. R. Micks F.F. K. Aitcheson F.F. S. Dekok

R. Niezen C. Gaylor S. Petrie M. Lukachko K. Cobb R. MacDonald

B. McCann B. Fairweather K. Hare N. Monaghan

B. Mayer A. Rogerson

"C" GROUP "D" GROUP Capt. L. Landreth Capt. M. Salt

Lt. B. Wakelin Lt. W. Adair Lt. P. Boudreau Lt. E. Schuett F.F. R. Mazzanti Lt. T. Cottenie

T. Hislop F.F. K. Smith C. Beach J. Lane

T. Schieckoff J. Canning M. Handley S. Ford

R. Steele G. Ankenmann S. McIntyre J. Allen

C. Keller

CIVILIAN DISPATCHERS M. Hansford K. White L. Baker I. Doig

SECRETARIES/DISPATCHERS J. Franks J. Paterson S. Core

PERSONNEL CHANGES

I. Doig commenced employment as Dispatcher on January 4, 2010

Captain B. Dahms retired August 31, 2010

Lieutenant L. Landreth promoted to Captain November 1, 2010

Fire Fighter T. Cottenie promoted to Lieutenant November 28, 2010

C.P.R. INSTRUCTORS

J. Allen

B. McCann

CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs - M. Gornyiczki CFO Designation Dalhousie University - M. Gornyiczki Incident Command Certificate in Theoretical Foundations of Incident Command Thinking Incident Command Certificate in Theoretical Foundations of Incident Command Acting E. K. Gillin & Associates Inc. JHSC Part I Basic Certification Health & Safety Training - T. Cottenie - C. Gaylor - B. McCann Ontario Fire College - K. Aitcheson Comprehensive Review & Exam - G. Ankenmann Trainer Facilitator Presentation Skills - C. Beach Career Development Correspondence Leadership & Communication

Ontario Fire College Continued - J. Canning Career Development Correspondence Leadership & Communication - T. Cottenie Trainer Facilitator Presentation Skills - S. Dekok Specialized Rescue Operations Hazardous Materials Comprehensive Review & Exam - C. Gaylor Training Administration and Program Planning Trainer Facilitator Presentation Skills Pumper Operations Master Trainer Facilitator - T. Hislop Specialized Rescue Operations Hazardous Materials Training Administration & Program Planning Principles of Adult Learning Application of Adult Education Principles Career Development Correspondence Forcible Entry Comprehensive Review & Exam - J. Lane Fire Scene Assessment - M. Lukachko Trainer Facilitator Presentation Skills - R. Mazzanti Comprehensive Review & Exam - S. McCormick Specialized Rescue Operations Hazardous Materials Introductory Fire Prevention Theory Leadership & Communications Career Development Correspondence Introductory Fire Inspections Fire Scene Assessment Trainer Facilitator Presentation Skills

Ontario Fire College Continued - S. Petrie Career Development Correspondence Leadership & Communication - K. Smith Specialized Rescue Operations Hazardous Materials Comprehensive Review & Exam Trainer Facilitator Presentation Skills Ontario Municipal Management Institute (OMMI) - M Gornyiczki CMM III Emergency Management Professional CMM III Fire Service Professional St. John Ambulance - J. Allen First Aid with CPR Level HCP Instructor Development Program - B. McCann First Aid with CPR Level HCP Instructor Development Program

Fire Fighter K. Smith, Deputy Chief M. Gornyiczki, Fire Fighter K. Aitcheson and Fire Fighter S. Dekok

TRAINING DIVISION REPORT

Director o f Training and Public Educat ion Paul Butson

The Training Division is responsible for developing and implementing programs for the Stratford Fire Department. In 2010, lesson plans were designed to complement the requirements specified by the Ontario Firefighter Standard. This Standard identifies job-related competencies, which all firefighters in the province must realize in order to be considered proficient. The performance objectives listed in the aforementioned document reflect the entire continuum of the firefighters’ role. In Stratford, fire suppression personnel inspect municipal properties in order to determine that an acceptable level of fire safety is achieved; therefore, they are required to participate in training which addresses fire prevention issues and public education initiatives. Topics include the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, the Ontario Fire Code, fire alarm and detection systems along with fire protection equipment such as sprinkler and fixed extinguishing systems. Training initiatives enabled firefighters to perform public education activities such as the Home Fire Safety Program, fire safety presentations to children and seniors, and participating in special activities and presentations. These opportunities assisted the Department in meeting our legal responsibility of promoting fire and life safety while enhancing the public’s perception of the fire service. The Training Division is also responsible for evaluating firefighters through a testing process to ensure that the candidates have the proper credentials to be recommended for promotion within the Department (i.e., 3rd class firefighter to 2nd class firefighter). Exams were developed and administered to those Lieutenants wishing to qualify for the position of Captain. Testing comprised of both written and oral questions, which along with a peer assessment of their emergency scene performance and station duties, determined their ability to fulfill the position. Participation by all members of the Stratford Fire Department in the training regimen allowed our fire service to maintain a high degree of capability. I am confident that City firefighters have received the necessary education in order to provide the level of professional service our community deserves while maintaining compliance with the applicable legislation, standards and procedures.

TRAINING EVOLUTIONS

Subjects

Professionalism Search and Rescue Auto Extrication Ventilation Fire Department Organization Heat Stress Awareness Safety in the Fire Service Home Fire Safety Program Theoretical Pump Calculations Fire Behaviour and Chemistry of Fire Ropes and Knots Boat and Water Rescue Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Firefighter Survival Fireground Pump Calculations Fire Suppression Techniques Salvage Building Construction Hoses and Appliances Size-up Ladders Water Supply Water/Ice Rescue Fire Scene Assessment First Aid Recertification Infection Control Aerial Ladder #1 Communicable Disease Lifting and Moving Patients Rapid Intervention Team Fire Inspection Head and Spine Injuries Fire Department Communications Portable Tank and Portable Pump Personal Protective Clothing Pre-Incident Planning Zoll AED Recertification Public Education and Relations Poisoning and Allergic Reactions Fire Alarms and Detection Systems Forcible Entry Reading Smoke Haz Mat Awareness Level Incident Management System Introduction

PUBLIC EDUCATION REPORT

Director o f Training and Public Educat ion Paul Butson

Public education, with regard to fire safety, is given high priority by the Stratford Fire Department. We have recognized that seniors and children are specific groups who are most at peril when fire strikes. The “Adopt-a-School” and “Adopt-a-Senior” programs were specifically developed to target these identified concerns. Firefighters delivered safety presentations at primary schools and seniors’ residences in order to educate these “at risk” persons. The training focused on identifying and correcting fire hazards along with implementing strategies to follow should a fire occur. Throughout the year, Fire Department personnel attended many community functions. These events included the Festival City 10k Run, Fire Prevention Week (Canadian Tire), Stratford Culliton Hockey games, Crime Stoppers Night (Stratford Festival Marketplace), and the Fire Safety Council Days (Canadian Tire). We also delivered training sessions at nursery schools and the Children’s Aid Society to convey fire safety information. Statistics have confirmed that single family dwelling fires are a major concern for our municipality. The Home Fire Safety Program (HFSP) which began in May of 1999 was created to address this situation and is conducted annually from the first of May to the end of August. All firefighters participate in the program four nights a week (Monday to Thursday), from the hours of 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Firefighters have visited 8,281 homes since 1999. Information packages were handed out which contained pamphlets on smoke alarms, carbon monoxide, and a return questionnaire. The HFSP assists our Department in meeting the legislated obligations (Fire Protection and Prevention Act) regarding public education, while conveying our concern for fire safety to our constituents. In the past year, the Stratford Fire Department installed 10 smoke alarms and replaced nine batteries in the homes of our citizens. Listed below are additional statistics compiled from last year’s campaign:

495 dwellings were visited and left with fire safety information

276 houses were inspected for fire safety

181 homes had “fire escape plans”

561 persons were in attendance during the inspections

195 homeowners had maintenance plans for their smoke alarms

181 of the dwelling units checked for smoke alarms also had carbon

monoxide detectors

FIRE PREVENTION REPORT

Director o f Fire Prevent ion Tim Adair

The year saw the introduction of a fire prevention fire safety program for adolescents called, “What’s Cooking for Teens”. This interactive presentation focuses on the leading causes of kitchen fires and also includes information about smoke alarms and home fire escape planning. Our target audience was Grade 9 students, who are often left responsible for preparing meals for themselves and their families. The Fire Prevention Bureau, in co-operation with the firefighters, also participated in the following fire prevention public education:

Older and Wiser Program for Seniors Learn Not to Burn Program for Elementary Schools Fire Extinguisher Training Fire Prevention Week Christmas Fire Safety Messages through Local Media Carbon Monoxide Detection and Safety Smoke Alarm Maintenance Program for Apartment Owners and Tenants TAPP-C (The Arson Prevention Program for Children) Living in a Nurturing Community Parent Fair (L.I.N.C.) Fire Prevention Night at Stratford Jr. B Hockey Game Emergency Preparedness Week Reading Week at Elementary Schools Fire Safety and Prevention Presentations to Service Groups Fire Safety and Prevention Presentations to Health Care Facilities

Fire Prevention Report Continued Fire prevention continues to be the front line defense against the deadly effects of fire. With the application of the fire safety codes and standards, the Stratford Fire Department again assisted in the protection of our citizens. With the combined effort of the Fire Prevention Bureau and the firefighters, 1,742 inspections were completed within the City of Stratford. Annual inspections are conducted on businesses, industrial, assembly, institutional, mercantile, multi-dwelling (three or more units) residential occupancies and individual dwelling units. The main focus of inspections is as follows:

Maintain and improve adequate detection of fire as early warning is essential to life safety

Maintain and improve containment of fire to reduce the spread of smoke and heat Reduce fire occurrence by identifying and removing potential fire hazards Maintain means of egress to ensure quick and safe escape from fire To educate all citizens of the laws regarding the Ontario Fire Code Maintain fire suppression systems to contain or extinguish fire before it spreads Ensure appropriate fire safety planning for all buildings Instill in owners the importance of their responsibility for the fire safety of their tenants Instill in tenants of all residential occupancies the importance of their responsibility for

their own fire safety Determining the cause of fire can be a very technical and complicated process requiring the assistance of outside agencies. In 2010, this Department called on the services of the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), the Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA) and fire investigators with Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office in order to pin-point the origin of some fires. It is important to evaluate every fire in order to assist in the continued education of the public and fire department personnel. Forming a cause will also address hazardous or defective appliances and equipment, leading to the removal of such items from general service or sale through a recall of the product. The Fire Prevention Bureau participates in the following committees in order to remain current in local fire safety issues or concerns:

Bed and Breakfast Review Stratford Summer Music Utilities Coordinating Site Plan Review Home Builders’ Association

Although it is the local fire departments that initiate the fire prevention process, the residents of the City of Stratford must take responsibility for their own fire safety. Through this Depart- ment’s continued commitment to fire prevention and education, the public will become more diligent, not only for their own fire safety but, for their families, tenants, employees and co-workers. With this combined effort, our City will become continually safer against the deadly products of fire.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Deputy Fire Chief Michael Gornyiczki This year welcomed a new Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) communications system. Members of the Emergency Control Group (ECG) utilize the radios to communicate with the emergency site as well as one another. The new digital radio format is more reliable and provides security/privacy when transmitting. Purchase of the hardware was made possible by a grant from the Joint Emergency Preparedness Program (JEPP). This federally operated program covered 45% of the upgrading cost.

The Emergency Management Program Committee (EMPC) works collectively to ensure compliance with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. In order to enhance our emergency management training and comply with the training component, all members of the Emergency Control Group and Stratford Fire Department staff completed the IMS 100 Introduction to Incident Management System on-line training course.

The City of Stratford has partnered with our local branch of the Canadian Red Cross by providing storage space for 252 cots and 525 blankets. These supplies could be used within our sector in the event an emergency shelter is required. On January 24, 2011, the City of Stratford received confirmation that we were in compliance with all of the requirements of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act for 2010.

HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE

Deputy Fire Chief Michael Gornyiczki

Co-chairs of the Committee are Deputy Fire Chief Michael Gornyiczki and Fire Fighter Chris Beach. Members include Fire Chief Richard Young, Fire Fighters Chris Gaylor, Brad McCann and Steve Ford. Health and Safety certified members are Richard Young, Michael Gornyiczki, Paul Butson, Brent Chadwick, Byron Wakelin, Chris Beach and Rod MacDonald. The Fire Department’s Designated Officers are Fire Chief Richard Young, Lieutenant Brent Chadwick and Fire Fighter Kevin Aitcheson. During the course of 2010:

The Terms of Reference were renewed

The City of Stratford Health and Safety Policy was reviewed

Personal protective equipment (PPE) inspections were conducted by the Director of

Training and Education

Routine workplace inspections were carried out

Annual inspections were conducted by CAO Ron Shaw and Fire Chief Young

Breathing air compressor, filters and fill system were maintained in accordance with

applicable standards

The Training Division provided annual WHMIS, electrical safety, PPE, new employee

orientation, traffic protect and driver training

Staff reviewed H.1.6 Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Policy and H.1.23

Workplace Violence Policy and were educated in regards to violence and harassment in

the workplace

Lieutenant Tom Cottenie, Fire Fighters Chris Gaylor and Brad McCann successfully

completed their Part One (Basic Certification Training)

On July 19, 2010, two asbestos re-assessments (Station #1 and Station #2), completed by T. Harris Environmental Management Inc., were received. The objective of the reassessment survey was to determine/confirm locations and conditions of materials known to contain asbestos, a designated substance as defined under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, and recommend remedial measures where necessary. Only the assessment of Station #1 revealed asbestos. Technicians from Smith Construction in Seaforth were contracted to remove and/or repair the Priority 1 friable asbestos identified in the survey at Station #1. The asbestos abatement was completed on October 20, 2010.

Health and Safety Committee Continued

As the result of a health and safety concern, both station compressors were replaced with safer, more efficient, units on June 8, 2010

New security feature - coded door lock

A capitol project for 2010 saw the retirement of our three aging defibrillators. Zoll AED pro automated external defibrillators were purchased which offer superior AED design with built-in internal memory and external USB memory technology, allowing expanded data storage capability and maximum flexibility for record management and transfer.

Five personal injury accidents were reported in 2010, accounting for zero lost shifts. One vehicle incident/accident occurred which did not result in personal injuries. Three Exposure Reports were received. Our Joint Health and Safety Committee is committed to working together in order to eliminate all accidents and injuries in the workplace.

FACILITIES

Deputy Fire Chief Michael Gornyiczki

One of our capital projects this past year was to begin the replacement of the aging roof at Fire Station #1, 388 Erie Street. The roof located above administration and living quarters of the building was replaced. Subject to budget approval, the remaining area above the apparatus floor will be resurfaced in 2011, completing this project.

Fire Station #1 The final stage of the heating upgrades at both fire stations was completed in 2010 with the replacement of four unit heaters at Station #1 and one at Station #2. These new modern units will be more reliable and efficient.

Pair of New Unit Heaters Management continues to address one of the key threats as outlined in the BMA High Level Core Service Review of the Fire Department by advocating annually for funds to be placed in reserves for future expansion/replacement of our aging facilities.

JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. TOTAL

911 15 14 13 9 16 18 23 18 10 19 15 11 181

Ambulance 79 62 70 69 115 84 103 107 100 73 84 95 1041

Police 3 1 4 1 2 3 5 5 0 1 5 7 37

DirectConnect toFire Dept.

8 4 9 7 11 11 10 11 6 2 2 7 88

Still(Verbal toStation)

1 0 0 1 1 4 1 1 1 0 0 1 11

TelephoneFire Dept.Dispatch

5 11 8 13 13 14 11 17 11 19 11 12 145

TelephoneFrom OtherEmerg. Prot.

5 12 11 7 13 8 7 7 21 8 15 13 127

Other 9 3 4 3 5 1 5 6 10 1 2 2 51

TOTAL

2010 125 107 119 110 176 143 165 172 159 123 134 148 1681

2009 147 135 128 128 152 163 121 154 138 136 118 119 1639

ALARMS RECEIVED

Fire Station #1388 Erie Street

Fire Station #244 McCarthy Road

Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Total2010 4 7 13 9 15 18 18 19 14 13 13 13 1562009 7 10 6 11 20 19 8 13 17 16 8 8 143

2010 2 1 3 1 1 3 9 4 2 2 5 3 362009 7 3 2 3 1 5 2 3 4 1 2 1 34

2010 0 1 2 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 2 82009 0 1 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 3 0 8

2010 83 64 71 69 121 90 113 108 103 73 85 99 10792009 95 78 88 79 90 92 85 86 87 88 73 70 1011

2010 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 22009 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2010 36 34 30 31 39 30 25 40 39 35 30 31 4002009 38 43 32 33 41 46 25 52 30 31 32 40 443

2010 125 107 119 110 176 143 165 172 159 123 134 148 16812009 147 135 128 128 152 163 121 154 138 136 118 119 1639

2009 2010

0 04 3

257 2290 02 22 0

13 218 48 91 29 5

12 1027 4162 43

1019 108721 10

116 11978 94

0 2

1639 1681

RESPONSE TYPES

Medical

VehicleFiresOther Responses

Fire/Pre-FireExplosionsPublicHazard

Rescue

Automatic Alarm ActivationBomb Scare

Careless Smoking

Total

Acetylene Torch/PropaneArson/Vandalism

CO Detectors

Miscellaneous

Cooking/Grease/Oven

Candles/Lighters/Matches

False Telephone CallsFireplace/Chimney/Incinerator

Vehicle Fires

TOTAL

CAUSE OF ALARMS

Rescue/First Aid/Medical AssistRubbish/GrassSmoke/Gas/Odour InvestigationsOther Fire Related

Flammable Liquid SpillsHazardous MaterialMachinery/Appliances Overheat

EQUIPMENT USED IN 2010 Aero Fog 1 Extinguishers 16 Extrication Equipment 14 Ladders 36 Portable Generator (Lighting, etc.) 26 Pumping from Hydrant 3 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus 560 Slik Wik Absorbent Pads 29 Smoke Ejector/Tempest Power 45 Tarps 2 Thermal Equipment 60 Vapor/Gas Detectors 169

Medical Equipment – Defibrillators 9 First Aid 219 Oxygen 173 Ventilators/Resuscitators 1

HOSE USED

38mm 1,185m100mm 735mBooster Line 170mTrash Line 120mHose Reel 255mTurret Nozzle 3

VEHICLE MILEAGE

1992 Aerial 13,369 mi.

2007 Mini Pumper 39,008 km 2007 Pumper 39,361 km 1999 Pumper 89,890 km 1995 Pumper 43,037 mi. 1946 Pumper 12,719 mi. 1923 LaFrance Pumper 6,053 mi.

1987 Rescue 46,248 km

2009 Car 16,240 km

2003 Car 56,815 km 2006 Van 38,314 km 2001 Van 105,162 km

2010 4x4 Pickup 5,144 km

2009 2010

113 14183 67

190 18661 8233 47

945 932214 226

1639 1681

2009 2010

1343 132960 1062 0

16 913 144 111 03 4

0 3131 14666 59

1639 1681

BrickConcrete/Cement BlockFrame

Siding

Stucco

Metal

TOTAL

Vehicle

TOTAL

PROPERTY CLASSIFICATION OF ALARMS

TYPES OF STRUCTURES

Other Than Buildings

AssemblyBusiness and Personal ServiceCare and DetentionIndustrialMercantileResidential

Open Area

Other Categories

Steel

Wood

Miscellaneous

FIRE LOSSES IN 2010 OVER $30,000

678 Erie Street 300 John Street South

240 Graff Avenue 21 Inverness Street

30 Sargint Street 277 Greenwood Drive

ESTIMATED LOSSES

Buildings/Contents $919,450

Vehicles 7,500

ALARMS AND LOSSES FOR THE PAST TEN YEARS

YEAR ALARMS LOSSES

2001 1,258 $ 165,000 2002 1,261 309,300 2003 1,320 2,524,340 2004 1,427 431,700 2005 1,558 219,875 2006 1,784 1,665,660 2007 1,589 595,645 2008 1,608 223,600 2009 1,639 740,920 2010 1,681 926,950

$0

$500,000

$1,000,000

$1,500,000

$2,000,000

$2,500,000

$3,000,000

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Message from Chaplain’s Desk Reverend Terry Hastings

As you may expect, one of the regular routines of the firefighter’s life is training. Each crew spends a portion of numerous shifts a year in preparation, education, and hands-on experience. They will hone old skills, learn new skills, and constantly familiarize themselves with procedures and equipment. As a firefighter may go many days, even weeks, between using specific techniques, it is important for them to keep their abilities and knowledge sharp and ready. One of the essential goals of all this training is to provide each firefighter with the ability to carry out any job he may be called upon to perform. Every firefighter has the training and skills to serve in almost any capacity. The one who works the pump can also provide fire suppression, first aid, or search and rescue. That way, no matter who is on shift that day, we can have the confidence to know they will be able to handle any emergency that may confront them. If a firefighter is injured or sick, another crew member can step in to serve. If more help is needed performing a particular emergency function, other members can lend the needed hands. The crews work as a team, and the team is successful because each person is skilled and experienced in the roles of every other person. I came to understand this very well in the past year. I have been off since last April due to health issues and, although there is no other chaplain on the Fire Department to step in to fulfill my duties, I have been impressed by the continuing ability of the Department members to look out for one another. The firefighters serve as chaplain to one another; ensuring their fellow crew members are supported and encouraged during times of struggle, sorrow, or illness. In the same way, they have also been a chaplain to me when I needed encouragement and support. As the people of the City of Stratford, we can take strength in the knowledge we have a highly professional and skilled Fire Department providing protection for our lives and property. And I acknowledge with sincere gratitude those firefighters who served me, and one another, in ways that often go unnoticed, but are no less valued.

Message from Fire Chief Richard Young

Once again, the Stratford Fire Department has followed the Ontario Fire Marshal’s leadership using the three lines of defense against the perils of fire. We have continued to make strides in the areas of public education, Fire Safety Standards and emergency response. As you have seen in this report, the men and women of the Fire Department have a specific goal in mind….that of providing the residents of Stratford with a superior level of service in a safe and efficient manner.

Public Education and Prevention – A partnership was established with Ideal Supply and Orr Insurance to promote carbon monoxide safety. Detectors were awarded as prizes at Junior B hockey games as part of their program draw. The Fire Prevention Division also initiated a new public education program targeting Grade 9 students. “What’s Cooking for Teens” centres around preparing meals and also includes a segment on “No Time To Spare” escape planning.

Fire Safety Standards and Enforcement – A review of fire routes within the City has been started by the Fire Prevention Division. The designation and correct signage of an additional 13 fire routes through By-law was accomplished this year which will help ensure firefighters have access to buildings in the event of any emergency. A new fee for responding to malfunctioning automatic or false alarms was approved by City Council. By initiating this charge, it is foreseen that building owners will ensure proper maintenance of systems. This will in-turn increase building safety, reduce the chance of a motor vehicle collision when fire trucks are responding to a false alarm and free up crews for other emergencies.

Emergency Response – Firefighter safety was enhanced through the implementation of an emergency self-rescue program delivered by our Training Division. The newly developed skills also incorporate the use of a complimentary rapid intervention team kit which includes rescue tools and additional air supply. New semi-automatic defibrillators were placed on lead trucks. The up-to-date technology will maintain reliability and compatibility with Perth County Emergency Medical Services.

Through the dedication of all Department members, the support of City Council and our business community, we have made Stratford a safer place to work, play and live.

Population 32,164

Streets 181 km

112 miles

Fire Area 6,716 acres

2,718 hectares

10.5 square miles

Hydrants 878 public

135 private