December 15, 2010
Fire department under
review
by Kay McQuade
In light of the tragic house fire that claimed the life of
three-year-old Hayden Charlebois in October, Deep River Mayor Dave
Thompson issued a press release last week designed to bring local
residents up-to-date on developments.
Thompson said Charlebois' death occurred “despite the heroic efforts of
our firefighters,” and that the fatality has prompted investigations
from both the Fire Marshal’s Office and the Ministry of Labour.
“It is anticipated that the Fire Marshal’s investigation will be
concluded at the end of January and the results will be presented to
council during our first meeting in February,” he continued.
“The Fire Marshal’s Office has made it explicitly clear, their
investigation has nothing to do with either the skill level or
dedication of our firefighters; neither is in question.
“But rather, it is important to recognize that the Deep River fire
department is the smallest full time fire department in the entire
province of Ontario.
“In addition, the town of Deep River is the smallest municipality in
all of Ontario to have a full-time fire department.
“Despite an operating budget in excess of $1,000,000 we are currently
unable to meet current Fire Marshal guidelines.
“We will never have the staff complement required to meet the 10 in 10
recommendation of having 10 firefighters respond to a fire call within
10 minutes.
“In addition, in response to Ministry of Labour expectations of
providing instruction and supervision on the requirement for Rapid
Intervention Training (RIT), the town of Deep River has developed a
procedure for the emergency extraction of a firefighter who may become
lost or trapped.
“In the procedure it was determined that a minimum of six personnel
must be present at the scene before entering a burning building.
“Again, given our current complement, that will be a very difficult
criteria to meet.
“Laurentian Hills, in the spirit of cooperation of neighbours helping
neighbours, has been very generous in their support during this time of
need.
“A more formalized agreement will be negotiated when the new council of
Laurentian Hills is sworn in.
“As a reminder, our residents need to take personal responsibility to
help ensure their own safety.
“Especially during this holiday season, all residents should:
• “Ensure their smoke alarms are fully functional and placed
appropriately throughout the home;
• “Plan, discuss, and practice a fire evacuation route with each member
of the household; and
• “Remain diligent when dealing with combustible materials including
candles, cigarettes, and during food preparation.”
“As we await the Fire Marshal’s report and explore a variety of
options, we do so with the desire to protect both our residents and the
health and safety of our valued employees,” Thompson concluded.
During the ensuing discussion, Deputy Mayor Mary MacCafferty wanted
residents to know that council has been directed to publicize public
safety messages.
CAO Michelle Larose reported that public safety messages and a safety
blitz would be forthcoming.
Councillor Chris Carroll said “it is never a bad time to remind people
of public safety.”
Councillor Terry Myers concurred, saying he “was very glad to see this,
(as it) speaks to transparency and communication.”
Thompson said it is “essential for council as employers and residents
to understand this six firefighters limitation that firefighters are
operating under – this is no reflection on the skill of our
firefighters.”
Councillor Daniel Banks questioned the wording in the verbal automatic
aid agreement in place with Laurentian Hills, requiring Deep River to
call the Laurentian Hills fire department in cases of “structural
fires.”
Larose replied that there is a list for staff and the command centre on
the criteria for a structural fire and she will circulate copies to
council.
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