Embrace tougher new regulations to protect citizens
News
Posted By SEAN CHASE SCHASE@THEDAILYOBSERVER.CA
Posted 4 months ago
Area fire chiefs support the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs' efforts to persuade the federal government to amend national building and fire codes and designate exclusive radio bands for first responders.
Recently, the association went to Ottawa to urge the government to stick with its commitment in the Throne Speech to protect the health and safety of Canadians by following through on six major priorities.
They include passage of the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act, which died on the order paper in the last Parliament, amendments to the national building and fire codes, designation of exclusive radio broadband for first responders, the creation of a mechanism for the national co-ordination of emergency responders and adequate funding for the Joint Emergency Preparedness Program.
Of interest to most departments in the county is the association's backing of modest tax relief for volunteer firefighters, which provides 90 per cent of fire protection across Canada.
Petawawa fire chief Steve Knot wholeheartedly embraces the call for a tougher building code that would make the installation of automatic sprinkler systems in new homes mandatory.
The association states studies have shown building materials now being used in new homes have significantly less heat resistance in fires before they collapse.
"The sprinkler system gives you early detection and suppression and allows us the opportunity to attack the fire," said Chief Knot.
"A sprinkler puts a fire in a holding state until we arrive."
Chief Knot explained there have been concerns with Industry Canada, the national regulators, about narrowing the band width for emergency services.
He added first responders need to learn the lessons of the Sept. 11 disaster when emergency services could not communicate effectively with each other.
"We currently have no inter-operability," he said.
"We can't talk to each other on a fire scene. Unified command is what we are after."
Chief Knot said while volunteers do make an hourly salary they do not receive a benefit package and thus any tax relief would be appreciated.
However, Laurentian Valley chief John Primeau said his members do receive a minor tax deduction but he hopes the government will eventually raise the amount.
He lauded the national association's efforts and expects to hear how much progress they've made when the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs meets in May.
Given the pace of new home construction in the area, he welcomed any improved building standards.
"They are important issues to all firefighters," he said.
"The better fire safety measures they can put in these homes will save a lot of grief in the end."
Sean Chase is a Daily Observer reporter
