A marriage of the IT and fire departments in Brampton, Ont., has led to better response times, improved fire-ground safety and a new outlook on technology. By Laura King.
26
EXTERIOR FIRE ATTACK
Training Officer Neil Campbell of Kamloops Fire Rescue reports on positive pressure attack, a fireground tactic that can be initiated by a minimum-manning response with one engine.
46 BURNING ISSUES
Stephen Gamble, the fire chief in Langley, B.C., became president of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs during the Fire-Rescue Canada conference in September. As editor Laura King found out during an interview with Gamble, residential sprinklers and building codes are top of mind.
54 SCIENCE-BACKED TRAINING
Sweden’s research into compartment fire behaviour training has permeated the globe and is saving firefighter lives. As Ian Bolton explains, large and expensive fire buildings are not needed for CFBT, which makes the training more affordable and accessible.
BY LAURA KING Editor lking@annexweb.com
S
COMMENT
New voices of experience
everal weeks ago I put out a plea on Twitter and LinkedIn for new writers, new faces, new voices. Our stable of columnists and writers is full of insightful, progressive, focused and incredibly dedicated firefighters and chief officers but as with the fire service, change is good. Right?
Don’t worry, we’re keeping the writers and columnists we have –some have come on board recently and some are wily veterans who have figured out how to skirt my deadlines! –but I knew there were others out there with lots to contribute.
The goal was to better serve the almost 90,000 volunteer firefighters across Canada who make up the bulk of the fire service. How could we provide more tools for volunteer fire departments? Who was developing techniques to help volunteer departments better do their jobs with often limited resources?
Enter Neil Campbell and Ian Bolton, both, coincidentally, from British Columbia.
helping the fire service help itself.
Ian Bolton is a firefighter with the District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue and the resident expert – perhaps the national expert! – on compartment fire behaviour training, or CFBT.
As with Campbell’s research on positivepressure attack, Bolton’s incredible library of information on CFBT is aimed at volunteer departments that may not have access to burn towers.
What’s more, Bolton and others who are passionate about CFBT believe this kind of training can eliminate firefighter deaths.
PRESIDENT MIKE FREDERICKS mfredericks@annexweb.com
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ON THE COVER
Brampton IT guru Rob Meikle (left) and Deputy Chief Matt Pegg have worked together to improve the city’s response system. See story page 10.
Campbell is the training officer for Kamloops Fire Rescue and offered up a piece on exterior fire fighting using positive-pressure attack. We’ve written about positive-pressure attack before, but not in the context that Campbell and PPA guru Kriss Garcia have recently embraced.
As Campbell writes on page 26, positive-pressure attack can be a terrific tool for volunteer departments that face manpower shortages at fire scenes. I won’t give away all the details – Campbell’s story is a great read with lots of explanation and a video that supplements the story is on our website – but after reading the piece and seeing the time and energy Campbell put into making the videos that accompany his training, I see he is dedicated to and passionate about
“Imparting in-depth knowledge to firefighters by bringing the science to the street is the ultimate goal of any CFBT program,” Bolton explains in our story on page 54.
“Through classroom lectures, videos and studies, small-scale fire behaviour props and carefully controlled live fire training, firefighters are given the knowledge and skills needed to keep them safe on an increasingly dangerous fire ground. CFBT teaches firefighters not just how, but why.”
That’s just the tip of the editorial iceberg – we’ve got more new writers, more great training techniques and more hard-hitting insight and opinion on fire-service issues coming in the next few months.
Meantime, enjoy our new voices, their fresh perspectives and their enthusiasm for firefighter safety. While you’re at it, check out our apparatus showcase starting on page 67 – it’s a truck junkie’s heaven full of aerials, pumpers and rescues with some cool new toys thrown in. Enjoy!
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PHOTO BY LAURA KING
STATIONtoSTATION
ACROSS CANADA: Regional news briefs
New Port Burwell station meets department’s
The Bayham Fire and Emergency Services in Bayham, Ont., opened a new, larger fire station in Port Burwell in April that has space for its trucks and equipment.
The station, which operates with 18 volunteer firefighters, is equipped with a 2005 pumper truck, a 2000 tanker truck with 1,700-gallon water
capacity and a rescue van.
“We had outgrown the old facility,” said Fire Chief Gord Roesch. “We didn’t have room for all our old trucks, we didn’t have proper training space; there was no office space, no showers for the firefighters.
“In the new station, we have three bays for future expansion, and a training tower for the
THE BRASS POLE
Promotions & Appointments
KEVIN NICHOLSON has been appointed district chief of the White Lake station for the McNab-Braeside Volunteer Fire Department in the Township of McNab/Braeside in Ontario. Nicholson, who is an electrician by trade, has been a firefighter with the department for the past nine years and a captain for the last three.
SEAN TRACEY has been appointed assistant deputy chief for community services with Ottawa Fire Services. Tracey was the Canadian regional director for the NFPA for the last 12 years,
high-angle guys. We’ve incorporated an SCBA fill and repair station, and a bunker gear cleaning area.”
Roesch said the department used to send out its air tanks for repairs and filling, and its bunker gear for cleaning, but all that can be done in house at the new station.
The department has also
and was formerly the Canadian Armed Forces fire marshal.
HAROLD POTHIER is the new fire marshal for the province of Nova Scotia. Pothier, who has 35 years of fire-service experi-
needs
started storing its volunteer firefighters’ gear on site.
“It’s set up in such a way that the volunteers can walk in, get dressed and go right out onto the trucks,” Roesch said.
The station has proven to be a great hub for the neighbourhood. It has boosted the department’s visibility in the community, hosting several events such as public tours and a pancake breakfast.
“As far as the firefighters,” Roesch said, “it was a big boost in morale, going into a new, state-of-the-art fire hall.”
The Port Burwell station provides several services including fire suppression, auto extrication, medical assistance, shore-based water rescue, and public education and awareness.
The department’s second station in Staffordville, Ont., operates with 19 volunteer firefighters, a 2009 pumper/ rescue truck with 2,000-gallon water capacity, and a 2003 tanker truck with 1,700-gallon water capacity.
– Olivia D’Orazio
ence, says he will continue to work to improve the province’s inspections system, which was called into question in a 2011 auditor general’s report.
SHAWN RIPLEY is the new fire chief for the Town of Yarmouth, N.S. Ripley brings 32 years of experience in the fire service, and was the longtime volunteer chief for the Kentville Fire Department, before being named the department’s first full-time chief in 2010.
The new Bayham Fire and Emergency Services station in Port Burwell, Ont., opened in April, and houses a pumper truck, a tanker truck and a rescue van.
Training day and career expo a
success
On Sept. 29, the Fire Fighting in Canada team hosted its first firefighter training day at the Waterloo Region Emergency Services Training and Research Complex (WRESTRC) in Waterloo, Ont., along with the fall 2012 career expo.
Editor Laura King and sales manager Catherine Connolly greeted delegates to the career expo before Kitchener Fire Chief Tim Beckett and Waterloo Fire Chief Lyle Quan formally welcomed the group to the day-long event.
The seminar portion of the day was kicked off by Kory Pearn, firefighter and founder of the Becoming a Firefighter website (www.becomingafirefighter. com). Pearn talked about the recruitment process and how to start on the journey to becoming a firefighter. Next, Caledon Fire Chief Brad Bigrigg and Chief Beckett gave an engaging lecture on today’s recruitment trends.
After a short lunch break, BodyBreak’s Hal Johnson, and Madeleine Noble, from the University of Waterloo, talked about what it means to be firefighter fit. The career expo ended with a panel discussion and firefighter reach-out session.
The second event at the WRESTRC was the training day, which was attended by
more than 100 firefighters and featured trainers from southwestern Ontario, along with auto-extrication guru and Canadian Firefighter columnist Randy Schmitz from Calgary, and several U.S.-based instructors, to teach four hands-on courses.
Mark van der Feyst and his group of instructors taught a residential fire class, with live fire training. The firefighter survival course was taught by Kingston, Ont., firefighter Claude Duval and his group of instructors, while Andrew Brassard and his trainers from Brotherhood Instructors taught the forcible entry class. Schmitz and Jim Wilson headed the auto extrication class.
Take a look at photos from both events online at www. firefightingincanada.com and at our Facebook pages!
– Olivia D’Orazio
Retirements
BARRY MALMSTEN, longtime executive director of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, will retire at the end of November.
Malmsten, well known for his knack for numbers and his analytical approach to fire-service issues, has focused on the 24-hour shift and labour relations in the last few years.
FRED ELDER, district fire chief and training co-ordinator for the Kawartha Lakes Fire Service in Fenelon Falls, Ont., retired in August after 38 years of service. Elder is credited with bringing consistency in training to the various fire halls.
More than 100 firefighters and 30 trainers pose for a group shot after Fire Fighting in Canada’s first training day in Waterloo, Ont., on Sept. 29.
Fire Chief Brad Bigrigg of Caledon, Ont., give interview tips to participants at the Becoming a Firefighter fall 2012 career expo.
Last Alarm
ROBERT SUTPHEN, 89, passed away Sept. 10. A veteran of the Second World War, Sutphen headed the family-owned fire truck business, Sutphen Corp.
TERRY MURPHY, retired district chief, passed away Aug. 23, at the age of 78. Murphy, who was an accomplished musician, rose through the ranks of the Windsor Fire Department in Ontario before retiring in 1994.
CRAIG HOFLAND died Aug. 3 after a battle with cancer. Hofland, 57, joined Innisfil Fire and Rescue Services in Ontario as a volunteer in 1981 and was hired full time in 1995.
BOB RAINBOTH SR., retired deputy fire chief, died on his 79th birthday, July 24. He spent 39 years with Ottawa Fire Services.
ALAN WILLIAMS, retired deputy fire marshal and head of investigation for the OFM, died Aug. 9 after battling cancer.
PHOTOS BY LAURA KING
STATIONtoSTATION
ACROSS CANADA: Regional news briefs
CFFF unveils monument in Ottawa to commemorate the fallen
Not everyone goes home, and with the unveiling of the Canadian Firefighters Memorial in Ottawa in September, those who have answered their last alarms will be permanently commemorated as selfless professionals who gave their lives doing what they loved.
The $5-million memorial monument – a six-metre-tall firefighter created partly from brass couplings donated by fire departments from across Canada, and a granite wall of names designed to mirror the rugged Canadian landscape –was dedicated in a ceremony on Sept. 9 to the 1,111 firefighters who have died in the line of duty since 1848 on the job or from work-related illnesses.
The names of 12 firefighters were added to the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation (CFFF) list of line-of-duty deaths, including 25-year-old
The 1,111 Canadian firefighters who have died in the line of duty or from work-related illnesses are permanently commemorated at the Canadian Fallen Firefighters monument in Ottawa. The monument was unveiled in a ceremony on Sept. 9.
captain and training officer
Daniel Botkin, who was killed in an explosion in Enderby, B.C. in December 2011, and Listowel, Ont., firefighter Ray Walter and Deputy District
Chief Kenneth Rea of the North Perth Fire Department, who died when the roof of a dollar store collapsed on top of them in March 2011. Helicopter pilot Jean-Luc
Mississauga opens new training centre
The new fire training centre in Mississauga, Ont., is open to several city departments that worked together to develop the facility.
The Garry W. Morden Centre – which was named for Mississauga’s fire chief, Garry Morden, who advocated for aggressive fire prevention and public education programs before his death in 2008 – officially opened in May and was jointly funded by municipal, regional, provincial and federal governments. The facility spans 37 acres in northwest Mississauga, and incorporates radiant heating in the garage bays, an energyefficient HVAC system, lowconsumption showers and air quality-monitoring systems.
As the city expanded, the need for a new training facility mounted. The facility had been contemplated for quite some time before the ground was broken in May 2010.
“We were looking to enlarge the facilities to provide different training opportunities,” Walsh said.
“It consolidated our training section with our mechanical section,” Walsh said. “So when our crews are up there training, we have trucks there, too. It provides infield areas where we have hazmat training, we have a confined-space prop, a trench-rescue prop, an auto-ex pad, a storm-water management pond for training in the winter months.
“It allows us to maintain
Deba died fighting the wildfire in Slave Lake in May 2011. Fire Chief Kurt Gantner of the Tagish Fire Department in Yukon died of an unknown medical condition while on scene investigating a fire in August 2011.
Acting Capt. David Gray, 48, of the Toronto Fire Services, Battalion Chief James Banting, 51, of the Fort McMurray Fire Department, Capt. Bill Duncan, 56, of the Kitchener Fire Department, firefighter John Gordon, 55, of the Prescott Fire Department in Ontario, Fire Chief Ken Day, 47,of the LaSalle Fire Services in Ontario, Capt. Frank LeClair, 56, of Quinte West Fire & Emergency Services in Ontario, and firefighter Larry Pilkey, 52, of Markham Fire & Emergency Services all died of work-related illnesses.
– Laura King
The new Garry W. Morden centre in Mississauga, Ont., offers a state-ofthe-art training space, where the city’s training and mechanical divisions have been consolidated.
our competencies [and] to develop the props that our crews train on.”
Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services shares the facility with the Department of National Defence. The centre also houses reservists
from the Toronto Scottish Regiment and members of the Canadian Forces who are training for domestic and international commitments. The Peel Regional Police also use the facility’s driver training circuit. – Olivia D’Orazio
PHOTO BY LAURA KING
ROAD TO
For Brampton Fire and Emergency Services, the information highway was the solution to the city’s traffic and response problems.
According to the 2011 census, Brampton, Ont., had the second-highest growth rate among Canada’s 50 largest cities. Expansion and ever-changing traffic patterns in the sprawling metropolis of 524,000 northwest of Toronto was complicating response times as myriad factors from weather to an increase in the number of tall buildings played havoc with traffic light preemption signals from its fire trucks.
Marriage of IT and fire in high-growth Brampton improves safety, response times TO SUCCESS
BY LAURA KING
A partnership between IT guru Rob Meikle
and Brampton Deputy Chief Matt Pegg and their respective departments has resulted in an improved incident dispatch and traffic-management system that means trucks get to incidents more quickly and crews have more details about the call.
For Brampton Deputy Chief Matt Pegg, a get-it-done type-A personality, the task was obvious: find a way to route the truck closest to the incident to the call, no matter which of the city’s 12 stations the apparatus or squad was from, and feed crews information about the call en route so they could respond more efficiently and effectively.
The idea made sense; the problem was figuring out how to merge computer-aided dispatch, automatic vehicle location, and routing technology with enhanced traffic-signal pre-emption that was being implemented with the Brampton rapid transit system but had to be adapted to fire. Combine that with the obvious need to put critical information in the hands of responding emergency crews over a wireless mobile data unit system, and the need for a package of mobile applications for Fire and Emergency Services became apparent.
Enter Brampton IT guru Rob Meikle, a soft-spoken visionary whose language is peppered with tech-talk that would befuddle even the most computer-savvy firefighters.
The two were a good fit: Pegg, the deputy chief, needed a reliable, accurate, cost-efficient, system that city officials and firefighters at the fifth largest fire and emergency service in Ontario would support; Meikle, Brampton’s chief information officer, embraced the challenge, putting all the know-how of his IT team to use and drawing on the city’s emerging transit technology to create a routing system for fire.
Pegg’s mantra through the project? “In the world of fire, the only thing worse than not giving me a tool I need is giving me a tool I can’t rely upon.”
The result: Brampton’s integrated automatic vehicle locationbased dispatch system – the first of its kind in Canada – for which the City of Brampton has won multiple awards from both IT and municipal organizations.
After some initial hesitation among crews who were used to having certain trucks from certain stations respond to calls in certain areas, the age-old system of dispatching fire trucks to calls based on pre-determined geographic regions was replaced with a stateof-the-art automatic vehicle location dispatch system. Pegg and Meikle boast that the new system is indeed reliable and accurate and response times have improved. Here’s how it works.
There are three facets to the new system:
1. AUTOMATIC VEHICLE LOCATION (AVL)
In both Brampton and Mississauga, both of which are dispatched
(left)
PHOTOS BY LAURA KING
by the Joint Fire Communications Centre, all fire-response vehicles are fitted with a GPS. The trucks are continuously monitored for location and availability to respond to a call. This information is tied into the upgraded CAD system so the trucks that can reach the incident first are automatically, and instantly, identified for the dispatcher.
2. TRAFFIC SIGNAL PRE-EMPTIONS (TSP)
Fairly common in larger Canadian cities, TSP changes traffic lights out of their normal cycles so that fire trucks responding to calls can proceed on green lights. But in Brampton, where the aging signal preemption system was becoming increasingly unreliable, an enhanced TSP system was being implemented with the city’s rapidtransit system to maintain bus schedules. The technology predicts arrival time based on location and speed and is not affected by line-of-sight issues such as wind, rain or snow. The fire system is live on major traffic corridors in Brampton, with more intersections coming online.
3. MOBILE DATA UNITS (MDU)
In Brampton, laptops in trucks are connected to the CAD system through a secure, private network. The laptops provide touch-screen
access to incident location, caution notes, dispatch details, and multi-layer digital mapping that includes fire-hydrant locations, adjacent buildings, and any potential hazards. AVL is integrated into the laptops and provides live mapping information and directional data to the responding crew.
Essentially, Pegg and Meikle explained in an interview, all this technology accomplishes that simple goal: it helps firefighters reach emergencies faster, and it gives them critical information immediately so they can better plan their response before arriving at the scene.
As Meikle outlined in a submission to an IT journal whose readers can rebuild hard drives but may not know a Halligan from a hose, to understand the new system, it’s important to grasp computer-aided dispatch used by most metropolitan fire departments and the domino effect that occurs when the traditional first-responding truck is out on a call and a dispatcher has to page the nextclosest station.
“The traditional dispatch system is cumbersome,” Meikle said. “Yet it continues to be the standard in fire services across the country. In an effort to change that, a whole suite of technology solutions was developed for Brampton Fire. The CAD system was upgraded to allow all the new systems to
function. But the real innovation begins with how the vehicles are dispatched.”
Meikle’s team, along with partners from Community Services (under which the fire department falls) and fire, tweaked the CAD system so that in addition to AVL, an algorithm determines the response – including the numbers and types of trucks – based on pre-determined response information stored in a database.
Simply put, if, for example, a truck happens to be returning from a call or from another station – meaning its crew is already on the road –and is closer to the next call than the traditionally paged station, that truck will be assigned to respond to the emergency. There are two time savings: the call-to-departure time from the station, because the closest crew may already be mobile; and the travel time to the incident, which is reduced because the truck is already closer to the incident than the apparatus that would traditionally respond under the old dispatch system.
Then, the mobile data units’ laptops use the real-time mapping and give the crews to access the the dispatcher’s notes and information about hazards, which reduces the amount of radio traffic; this also allows responding captains to plan their strategies and understand known hazards before they
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Further, an automated staff scheduling system has eliminated the old Excel spreadsheets used by district chiefs to track personnel. In Brampton’s case, district chiefs can now instantly see which of their almost 90 staff who are expected to be on duty at a given time are sick, at training or working. (Brampton Fire has about 430 full-time staff servicing 270 square kilometres.)
For some, the technology has been daunting.
“We recognized yeah, you can have integrated solutions . . . but you have to look at how you’re deploying it,” Meikle told IT World Canada magazine for its story about the project.
Meikle recalled being the not-so-welcome speaker at a Brampton district chiefs meeting to explain the new technology, but chuckles about it now that the walking-on-eggshells period has lapsed.
To develop and implement this fundamental change, IT and Community Services staff rode along on trucks to better understand the needs of responding captains and district chiefs, and to grasp the potential benefits of faster responses and improved fire-ground safety, a result of the enhanced information available to crews en route to calls.
Pegg says a key part of the project has been helping firefighters understand the level of technical support available from the IT department.
“Once (the technology is) there, I expect it to work,” he says. “It needs to work all the time, and it’s being operated by a number of people who may not be overly comfortable using the new technology. The one thing I know from personal experience is that if there is a weakness with a tool or system, firefighters will find it. The demands placed on these tools and solutions are often extreme.”
Meikle agrees that it wasn’t exactly a marriage made in the truck bay with a honeymoon in the IT room. In fact, making the project work was a bit of an exercise in diplomacy.
“You’ve got to build a bridge of trust,” Meikle explained to the Municipal Information Systems Association at its annual conference in May. “This was a multi-year journey.”
Pegg sees the project as the start of a lengthy relationship between fire and IT.
“Technology is the solution but the real message is about finding innovative solutions by being able to force yourself out of your comfort zone,” he said in the interview.
Previously, as with other departments, Brampton bought prepackaged technology that looked impressive at trade shows but rarely discussed the purchases with the IT department, only to find out later that the new equipment wasn’t necessarily the best fit.
This time, with co-operation between fire and IT, the routing system is meeting Brampton’s financial and operational expectations. And, in an era of growing municipalities with higher demands and, therefore, limited fire budget growth, combining technology with improved response times and fire-ground safety resonates with politicians and city staff.
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Mid-West USa (Detroit, Mi) 1-866-877-6688
With stories out of Toronto and Calgary about response times failing to meet NFPA standards, Pegg notes that Brampton’s investment in traffic management and the re-purposing of the existing traffic light pre-emption technology has resulted in a cost-efficient solution that will better enable Brampton to meet the ever-increasing demands and challenges of big-city emergency response.
According to Meikle, the elimination of the current and aging traffic pre-emption system has reduced maintenance cost of between $5,000 and $10,000 a year; the move to GPS-based technology has reduced the amount of equipment necessary at intersections, and that reduces operating costs. As TSP comes online at more intersections, operating costs will be reduced further.
The city has spent about $376,000 on automated vehicle location-
Continued on page 24
12-06-08 9:03 AM
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BY WILLIAM STEWART
Public safety hinges on budget-backed services
ity managers and chief administration officers have sounded the alarm once again to do more with less, run cities and towns as businesses and try to be as cost effective as the private sector.
Division heads and general managers are again scrambling to provide service to their respective communities. We are all aware of the fiscal challenges, and the impact on public safety hangs in the balance.
Councils have ratified collective agreements with their unions or have been impacted by arbitration awards. Elected officials are instructing CAOs to maintain 2012 budgets for 2013, knowing that there are increased labour costs associated with the collective agreements.
In Ontario, legislation has been passed to freeze wages for teachers and further action has been started that will impact the greater public sector. (Labour costs account for between 90 and 92 per cent of firedepartment operating budgets.)
My concern hinges on the ability of fire services now and in the future to respond to the citizens we serve. I firmly believe that fire services continue to be underfunded and understaffed at the municipal level and do not receive sufficient funding to ensure public safety. Unlike our emergency-service partners, there is no additional funding provided by the province to offset the municipal tax base for the fire service in Ontario. How long the provincial funding will remain in place is unknown. Given the size of operating and capital budgets for fire and EMS, there is a move to consider amalgamating the services. In Toronto, the administrative and financial accounting functions for fire and EMS were amalgamated as a result of a 2008 consultant’s review. Another study is underway to determine future opportunities for amalgamation. Is there duplication on the street in sending fire, EMS and police to medical emergencies? The answer from my perspective is no: the fire service must respond to life-threatening medical emergencies to assist citizens. The fire service is equipped, trained and more than capable of providing basic life support until paramedics arrive.
effective services that ensure public safety and firefighter health and safety based on the municipality’s risk assessment. I argue that there are many cities across the country that have not done a recent fire-risk analysis and are not aware of the risks for firefighters as they face lightweight construction, flashover in three minutes and floor collapse in lightweight construction in the six- to seven-minute range.
Elected officials are either not being informed through the budget process or they are ignoring the reality that is facing fire departments as they arrive on scene in excess of seven, eight or 10 minutes. Response times and NFPA 1710 will be debated across the country along with various scientific fire-ground studies that will impact firefighter staffing and result in an increase – not a decrease – of firefighters on a vehicle.
In large centres, we are seeing an increase in highrise condominium construction. Toronto is now second in North America for residential highrises. As firefighters, we take into account the vertical response time once the fire vehicle has arrived. Scientific studies have taken place to determine crew size, equipment required, search and rescue, along with the deployment of an effective hose layout and fire attack for highrise buildings. I predict there will once again be great debate by the elected officials and senior bureaucrats as the fire service comes forward with additional budget requests based on these studies. The bureaucracy must be made aware of the potential impact to public
My concern hinges on the ability of fire services now and in the future to respond to the citizens we serve. ‘‘ ’’
City managers, CAOs and elected officials continue to ask why duplicate services. From their perspective, reducing emergency incidents to which fire responds will, in effect, reduce fire-department budgets. Politicians argue that the numbers of fires are down, therefore why have fire departments? Why not at least reduce staffing, thereby reducing cost. Is there really a need for new fire stations and the ongoing replacement of firefighting equipment as the population density along with building stock increases? Is there really a need to recruit and maintain current staffing levels? From my perspective the answer is yes; we must continue to serve the public by providing cost-
Retired Chief William Stewart, FIFireE, CFO, CMM, has more than 39 years of fire-service experience, having served in the former City of North York Fire Department for 26 years prior to the amalgamation of the new City of Toronto on Jan. 1, 1998. E-mail him at chiefstewart397@rogers.com
safety should staffing be reduced or delayed as a result of gapping firefighter positions to offset the operating budget of the fire department. The bureaucrats and politicians are gambling that there will not be an impact to the public or firefighter safety by not providing the funding or undertaking fire-risk assessments of their municipalities.
In accordance with the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, the fire chief is the person responsible to city council in Ontario, not the city manager or CAO. Ensure that your elected officials and senior bureaucrats are aware of provincial acts or regulations and their responsibilities under the legislation. Ultimately, city council will determine the level of service to be provided and, as such, councillors must be informed to provide due diligence for their decisions on firedepartment budgets. The fire chief will provide a professional opinion based on the needs of the service and the community. Underfunded fire departments will face the potential for civil litigation due to delayed response or trucks out of service.
TRAINER’SCORNER
Are we jacks of all trades?
By ED BROUWER
As if there weren’t enough on the plates of volunteer firefighters, they are falling into a new role: emergency-scene traffic controllers (flagging). The risks associated with working in or near moving traffic are increasing and traffic management has become the newest challenge for emergency responders. There are times when we barely have enough manpower to do multi-vehicle extrication and first-response medical. Can we realistically expect the fire services to do everything? What’s next? Are we going to provide towing services as well? Don’t get me wrong; I appreciate the new emphasis on actual emergency-scene traffic-control training. I just wonder at what point are we asking too much of volunteers.
In British Columbia, WorkSafeBC has changed the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) guideline 18.4.1 Section (3) Emergency Scene Management regarding traffic control. According to the guideline, “Emergency services’ workers are often called upon to control traffic around the site of an emergency or accident.” In such situations, the guideline says it is expected that emergency services’ workers be trained in:
• traffic-control equipment
• equipment setup and takedown
• principles of traffic management outlined in the trafficcontrol manual
• use of a buffer vehicle to protect the workplace
• other appropriate safe work procedures
• instruction on personal protective clothing and safety equipment
The guideline says that, where the traffic-control situation will persist for more than two hours, and traffic must be directed through sections of a two-way road temporarily reduced to one lane, it is expected that the emergency-services worker directing traffic would be trained in the manner of the high-risk traffic control person, or TCP.
This training may include in-class coursework and a practical component, such as practice sessions in a controlled environment, and on-the-job training, where appropriate. Training may be delivered by the employer or by a third party. Training must be documented adequately.
The BC Construction Safety Alliance, which was approached by first responders, administers the two-day, high-risk traffic controlperson course for WorkSafeBC.
I would like to give special mention to the British Columbia Fire Training Officers Association, the Fire Chiefs Association of B.C., the B.C. fire commissioner, the IAFF, the Langley City Fire-Rescue Service, the Langley Township Fire Department and Frontline Fire Department Training Inc. for their parts in the development of the emergency-scene traffic-controller course.
WorkSafe Saskatchewan reports on its website that highway workers are at a high risk of being injured or even killed while flagging. It says this is due in large part to the high speed of vehicles and can become especially dangerous in high-traffic areas where there is a greater risk of aggressive drivers. Each year in Canada, motorists kill about 20 flaggers.
In August, an 18-year-old woman from New Brunswick died
More and more, firefighters are being asked to be traffic controllers at collision scenes but many have not been trained in accordance with provincial regulations.
after being hit by an SUV in a construction zone in Saskatchewan. RCMP say Ashley Dawn Richards of Lakeside, Sask., was working as a flag person on a highway when she was hit.
Emergency-service workers are often called upon to control traffic around the site of an emergency or accident. These incidents can be located on roadways where motorists travel at relatively slow speeds or on highways with posted speeds of 100 kilometres per hour (km/h).
All fire departments should have policies regarding traffic control. If you are going to flag, you might as well do it to the expected standards. Train to provincial standards, wear the appropriate PPE and use proper traffic-control measures at all emergency scenes that directly affect traffic on public roads.
I have heard stories of firefighters directing traffic for more than six hours. According to the emergency-scene traffic-control training manual, “Where the traffic control situation will persist for longer than two hours, and it is necessary to direct traffic through sections of a two-way road temporarily reduced to one lane, it is expected that the emergency service worker directing traffic would be trained in the manner of the high-risk traffic control person.”
Firefighters controlling traffic must wear appropriate turnout gear including helmet and high visibility garments – but not just any high visibility garments. To give you an idea on how specific this has become, check out this excerpt from the Traffic Control Manual for Work on Roadways issued by the B.C. Ministry of Transportation: “An approved high-visibility garment must be on a fluorescentcoloured background (lime green/orange); A vertical band of reflective material on either side of the chest, an X on the back and a horizontal stripe around the waist. This band must also have a fluorescent trim of the opposite color of the vest (either lime green or orange). Reflective material on turnout gear must be kept clean and visible reflective bands must be a minimum of five centimetres wide and combine for a total of 200 square inches.”
Other than your PPE being dirty, there are some common pitfalls of reflective garments: colours are not contrasting enough, there is no side bar, or the X on the back is too small.
Even our old stop signs, now called traffic-control paddles, must conform to the manual, which states that paddles must be the standard C-27 stop/slow and have encapsulated lens reflectivity sheeting (high intensity). Support staffs or poles can be used as required at any time if the person directing traffic desires, in order to reduce fatigue and prevent repetitive strain injuries. These support tools must be non-conductive (plastic, wood or metal with a rubber foot).
Signs should be used especially at speeds of 70 km/h and up, and should be placed where they are visible but not where they could obstruct traffic.
The risks associated with working in moving traffic and the ever-changing emergencyscene environment can be reduced through pre-incident training. Firefighters directing traffic must use appropriate devices, which may include channelling devices, control signs and paddles, flashlights and/or wands, portable radios and other necessary equipment, according to operational guidelines.
One item I highly recommend is a marine air horn. The horn emits a loud shrill that can be heard up to 1.6 kilometres away and can be used to signal members involved in the emergency scene if a vehicle fails to respond to traffic-control devices.
There are essentially five parts to the emergency scene:
1. Advance warning area: to warn motorists of a potential hazard ahead.
2. Transition area: contains a taper of no less than four cones or tubular markers that direct traffic away from the accident scene and into the clear open lane.
3. Buffer space: area prior to the accident scene that is free from obstruction where motorists may regain control of or stop their vehicle if they fail to respond to traffic-control devices.
4. Emergency scene (work area): should be clearly identified, including the debris fields, and closed off to the public using channelling devices.
5. Termination area: contains a taper to direct traffic back into its normal path. The greatest risk to emergency responders occurs during setup and takedown. Until warning devices are in position, approaching motorists may not be expecting to find emergency responders and their equipment on the highway. During the take-down phase, tasks are performed under non-emergency conditions, yet the removal of equipment and personnel is just as critical as the setup.
Primary consideration should be leav-
ing the scene safer for those awaiting police attendance or dealing with vehicle recovery. When an incident scene is completely finished with all hazards removed, you can clear the scene. First move fire department apparatuses off the travelled portion of the roadway and clear the traffic lane. Completely stop or slow traffic while an assistant picks up the channelling devices, depending on the location and the amount of traffic. If necessary, use a fire-department vehicle to protect emergency workers while performing this task. Pick up the emergency scene sign last.
When traffic control is to be taken over by another agency, have the relieving agency set up its warning devices and equipment. Once the relieving agency is set up and ready to take over, have fire-department personnel pick up the fire-department equipment and leave the scene.
The preceding points are in no way the complete picture of emergency-scene traffic-control procedures. I urge training officers to first research the following points: motor vehicle act/regulations, local authorization and operational guidelines.
When you have the administrative part down, continue with the practical part – training your department in the following areas:
• scene setup
• scene safety
• personal protective equipment
• tools for directing traffic
• spacing and distance
• safe direction of traffic
• clearing of the scene
• recording and reporting of incidents
SOME GREAT RESOURCES
• Emergency Traffic Management developed by the Calgary Fire Department: http://www.tac-atc.ca/english/ resourcecentre/readingroom/conference/conf2003/pdfs/elvley.pdf
• Emergency Scene Traffic Control, BC Construction Safety Alliance: www. bccsa.ca
Ed Brouwer is the chief instructor for Canwest Fire in Osoyoos, B.C., and Greenwood Fire and Rescue. A 21-year veteran of the fire service, Brouwer is a fire warden with the B.C. Ministry of Forests, a wildland urban interface fire-service instructor/evaluator and an ordained disaster-response chaplain. E-mail him at akaopa@hotmail.com
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ATVs: the new toys in the garage
BY CHRIS DENNIS
Now for something different: all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the fire service.
Recently, I became the proud owner of a new ATV. As a kid, I was involved with all things motorized, and I have had a few ATVs – including some that were meant to be on water and some that go off-road. I have always had a passion for things that go places where people were not intended to go, and I know I am not the only person who feels this way. Recreational vehicles have become as common as mp3 players and cellphones, and can be seen driving up and down the road or being hauled on trailers. These machines are also becoming common in our fire stations. Along with big red rigs are boats, planes, helicopters, snowmobiles and whatever else we can muster up to make the job safer and more productive.
Across the country, Canadians will forever venture out to do things outdoors that make them happy. Unfortunately, at times, things go wrong. When we are called to duty, no matter what the incident, we can be sure the individual or individuals involved did not plan to get into that situation.
The following is a typical example. One November, a gentleman takes a walk into the forest after dinner. A couple of hours later, he still has not come back. The fire communication centre answers the phone, “911; what is your emergency?” The caller says, “My father has gone for a walk into the bush as he has done before to relax after dinner and has not come back. He has never been gone this long before and it’s getting dark and cold outside. I am worried.” The 911 dispatcher goes into action and asks the questions he or she has been trained to ask in such an emergency. The dispatcher assures the caller all will be fine, that fire, police and EMS are on their way and that the caller should stay by the phone in case of a call. The tones go off in the fire hall and the firefighters move into action, listening for the message over the radio. “Rescue 729, Technical Rescue 759, Chief 74, Utility 720, ATV 1: Respond to 123 ABC Side Road for person possibly lost in the forest.”
As emergency responders, you know that the adrenalin meter moves up a bit and you do what you where trained to do. All units arrive on scene within a few minutes of receiving the call. At this time, a command centre is developed and a plan is devised. It is dark now, at 2000 hours. This person has now been in the elements for more than two hours. The bush is thick and dark. Behind Utility 720 is a trailer, and on that trailer is the four-wheel-drive ATV 1. The ATV and crew head into the dense bush. With trailer in tow and full radio communication, a call comes from incident command (IC) to ATV 1. Police have a helicopter in the area and have reported nothing found at this time. About 10 minutes into the forest with the crew of ATV 1, the radio opens with a report: “ATV 1 to command.” ATV 1 has come across a large hill. It is too dark to tell how steep.
“We are setting up our remote generator and overhead lighting,” ATV 1 says. “We can see the helicopter searchlight overhead.”
With GPS in hand, they give IC their co-ordinates.
“Command, we see what appears to be a heat image on our
Manufacturer Kawasaki
Year 2009
Model Mule 4010 4x4
Engine type 4-stroke
Cylinder V2
Power 20 hp @ 3,600 rpm
Torque 35 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm
Starter Electric
Drive system 2WD/4WD
Front brakes Hydraulic drums
Rear brakes Hydraulic drums
PHOTO
Vaughan Fire & Rescue Services’ Kawasaki Mule, before it was outfitted to suit the department’s needs.
The Kawasaki Mule after adding emergency lights, aluminum plate, and Vaughan Fire & Rescue Services decals.
thermal imaging camera. We have made visual contact with our scene lights to a person waving us down the hill. The person from here appears to be in distress and is not vocally answering our calls to him. We are disconnecting the trailer and moving down the hill in ATV 1. Stand by.
“We have made patient contact. The patient is tired, cold and tells us he is hungry again. Request second ATV team to come to our location to help with extrication of the patient.”
So, all is good. The father sustained minor injuries and goes home from hospital a couple of days later, proving once again that, when the fire department involved is well trained, with great tools at its disposal, a safe and happy ending is possible for everybody.
To help make ATVs even more effective for rescuers, Kawasaki also offers a lot of add-ons. The best features are the engine size – 617-cc, V-twin engine, liquid-cooled; and the 60-litre, sealed storage compartment in the dash, featuring dual-sealed glove boxes and cup holders on both sides of the cabin. The steel dump box and seating configuration work well for fire-department purposes. The lighting and siren system are all Whelen and provide great illumination when responding or when used at public education events.
Over the years, at both FDIC and the
trade show at the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs conference, manufacturers have introduced more of these off-road units; just run emergency ATV through Google and see what comes up. Police, EMS and the fire service are finding a need for this type of vehicle. The options from the ATV builders are widening. At one time, you were restricted to a few manufacturers that made accessories for these vehicles. The manufacturers now have complete slide-in fire pump packages, as well as medical units and trailers.
So, as you can see, and I have said it before, we are an inventive lot. From tracks to tires, from four-wheel-drive to six-wheeldrive, the ATV has found a place in the emergency services. My December column will discuss care and maintenance of these multi-purpose vehicles.
Thanks to Fire Chief Wayne McIsaac of the Adjala-Tosorontio Fire Department in Ontario for showing me his ATVs and letting me photograph them.
Remember, my friends, rubber side down.
Chris Dennis is the chief mechanical officer for Vaughan Fire & Rescue Services in Ontario. E-mail him at Chris.Dennis@ vaughan.ca
The York Region EMS 2009 John Deere Gator has been outfitted to support the service’s needs.
PHOTOS BY CHRIS DENNIS
This Adjala-Tosorontio Fire Department rescue ATV has space to store equipment and to transport a patient.
This Ranger 2 ATV, which belongs to the Adjala-Tosorontio Fire Department in Ontario, is outfitted with a water tank and hose.
Another of Adjala-Tosorontio’s ATVs features track wheels to use during the winter, and a water tank and hose.
ROAD TO SUCCESS
Continued from page 14
based dispatch, traffic signal pre-emption and mobile data units plus about $447,000 in TSP-related infrastructure in conjunction with transit partners.
In addition, the industry standard for call-processing time between receiving a 911 call and a vehicle being dispatched is 60 seconds. In 2011, after the implementation of AVL-based dispatch, Brampton Fire’s average call processing time was 28 seconds. Brampton Fire and Emergency Services responded to 17,607 emergency calls in 2011, or an average of about 48 calls a day.
Also, Pegg says, since the implementation of AVL-based dispatch and TSP, travel time to calls for the busiest truck in the Brampton Fire fleet has dropped 9.48 per cent. What’s more, the response time for one centrally stationed squad is down 24 per cent.
“We are extremely pleased with these results,” says Brampton Fire Chief Andy MacDonald.
“This clearly demonstrates that the investment in this technology is directly translating into enhanced customer service within the City of Brampton.”
Even more significantly, say Pegg and Meikle, customer service – or response times – and firefighter safety have improved with the introduction of the new system.
“Staff are simultaneously and concurrently reducing response times and ensuring resources are put on scene of the emergency and at the same time this is increasing the level of safety of the firefighters when they are going at the scene and they are loaded with as much data and critical information as possible,” Meikle said in the IT journal submission.
“In the past they would not have access to any data other than what was provided over the radio by the communications operator.
In other words, Brampton has challenged the tired 200-years-of-traditionunimpeded-by-progress motto and despite early resistance, Meikle says, has proven that the patience required for IT and fire to learn each other’s specialties has paid dividends.
“Brampton Fire is the first in Ontario to empower its staff to leverage complex technology and challenge the status quo of the fire and emergency industry by integrating CAD and AVL information, intelligence, data, best practices and tactical procedures, and package them for front-line crews in one comprehensive suite of tools.”
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Exterior fire attack
A fire-ground tactic for minimum-manning response or volunteer fire departments
BY NEIL CAMPBELL
HABOVE: Testing has shown that positive-pressure attack is an option for fire departments with minimal manpower at a fire scene. The first step is correct positioning of the positive-pressure fan at the alpha door.
aving trained with many volunteer fire departments, I have always recognized the need for a minimum-manning emergency-response training program. I have taken a number of courses over the years, trying to find information that I could pass on, but could never find a training program that addressed the issues surrounding a single-engine response to a structure fire with three firefighters on board, and no one else coming any time soon.
As a training officer with Kamloops Fire Rescue in British Columbia, I had researched different ventilation techniques and came across positive-pressure attack. We had car-
ried positive-pressure fans on our engines for years, always using the fans to ventilate a structure after the fire was extinguished. The idea of using the fans before the fire was extinguished was something new. Kamloops Fire Rescue began training with positivepressure attack and the results were amazing: no more crawling through structures trying to find the fire and no more blind primary searches. Using positive-pressure attack, we were entering structures standing up and entering atmospheres hundreds of degrees cooler than before. We were able to find victims quickly because our visibility had improved dramatically. Fire control and extinguishment was quick and less dangerous for our firefighters, as the smoke and
super-heated gases had been replaced with cool, fresh air. Flashover potential had all but been eliminated. Kamloops Fire Rescue has been incorporating positive-pressure attack during fire ground operations ever since.
Recently, Kamloops Fire Rescue hosted a training weekend focused on positive-pressure attack. Kriss Garcia (retired battalion chief with the Salt Lake City Fire Department), one of the leading authorities on structural ventilation techniques, was the instructor; I co-instructed. The weekend was full of theory, discussions and hands-on, live-fire training. During the second day of training, one of the students asked if positive-pressure attack could be used with a defensive water application on the fire from outside the structure. With positive-pressure attack, the application of water on the fire is done by firefighters on the inside of the structure, but after a brief
discussion, Chief Garcia and I agreed that that we should try positive pressure with an exterior water application.
A fire was set in the first floor bravo/charlie corner and a positivepressure fan was positioned in front of a door on the alpha side. Once the fire was well established, a large window on the bravo side of the structure was opened, as was the alpha-side door. The fan was turned into the doorway and very quickly, effective ventilation through the structure and out the bravo window was achieved. A firefighter positioned outside the structure on the bravo side was instructed to give an indirect water application through the bravo window and into the ceiling of the fire room with a 20-degree fog pattern, then a straight stream water application to the seat of the fire. I had taken position inside the structure in a hallway just outside the burn room. As the hose stream hit the seat of the fire, the water turned
to steam. The steam and fire gases filled the room and all visibility in the room went to zero. The steam and fire gases approached the doorway at which I was positioned but because of the positive-pressure attack, the gases were turned back from the hallway and were forced out the bravo window of the burn room. The temperature in the hallway was cool and the visibility was excellent. The fan on the alpha side continued to run and, shortly after, the burn room was completely clear of any heat, smoke or steam. The fire had been extinguished. Further investigation discovered that there was very little smoke or heat found in the rest of the structure. A discussion followed and the chief and I agreed that the extinguishment of the fire from outside the structure while incorporating positive-pressure attack was extremely successful.
This was significant to me, as I had been training with a number of volunteer fire departments and was working on an exterior fire attack program for fire departments with minimum-manning and single-engine response. The issues for these fire departments had always been the same – they don’t get 12, 15 or 20 members to a fire; sometimes, the initial response is three or four firefighters with one engine, with no one arriving to help for another 20 minutes, if at all. For me, the question has always been the same: what can these few firefighters do to control or extinguish the fire from outside, while improving the conditions inside the structure for possible trapped or lost civilians? This new fire-ground tactic offered a solution.
Incorporating positive-pressure attack with an exterior water application is something new to the fire service, but the theory behind it is solid. The theory suggests that the positive-pressure attack would prevent fire, smoke and super-heated gases from traveling throughout the structure, and
help to confine the fire. The exterior fire attack would provide fire containment and possible extinguishment, and, as a bonus, no firefighter would have to enter the structure. I conducted training scenarios using this new fire-ground tactic.
The results of the training fires have consistently proved the theory to be accurate. Wooden pallets were used as fuel, taking ceiling temperatures inside the burn room to greater than 1,000 F. The doorway to the adjacent hallway was positioned open. Temperatures in the hallway exceeded 500 F at chest height, with visibility in the burn room and hallway at almost zero. In each scenario, positive-pressure attack was initiated through a doorway on the alpha side of the structure, with the exhaust opening in the bravo/charlie corner of the structure. Thirty seconds after positive-pressure attack was started, temperature in the hallway adjacent to the burn rooms had dropped to 150 F with visibility improving dramatically, as did the visibility in the burn room. An indirect attack to the ceiling with a one-and-threequarter-inch hoseline was applied through the exhaust opening in the bravo/charlie corner for 10 seconds, then the hose stream was applied to the seat of the fire. The fire was struck within 60 seconds. During the extinguishment, temperature in the hallway continued to drop and visibility continued to improve. The positivepressure attack prevented any heat, smoke or steam from leaving the burn room and entering the hallway, instead forcing the gases out of the burn room, through the exhaust opening to the atmosphere.
I contacted Chief Garcia with the findings of the testing I had done. The chief informed me that he had responded to a fire in his community that morning and that the fire had been struck using positive-pressure attack with an exterior extinguishment.
The final step is to initiate exterior fire attack, in this case through the bravo/charlie exhaust opening.
Chief Garcia followed up our conversation with an email describing the fire:
Fire originated in an outsidedetached garage and burned into the house located on the bravo side of the garage through an exterior door that was open. This door led into the kitchen.
When crews arrived they were faced with a garage fully involved burning into two exposures one being an attached carport on the delta side and the house on the bravo side.
At the same time the main attack line was finishing knockdown in the rear [positive-pressure attack] was initiated at the front door alpha side of the house. The crew member who was extinguishing the garage witnessed a single delta side five-foot by three-foot window fail as the fan was turned into the structure. The firefighter placed a straight stream through the lower half of the window into the kitchen area for a short period of time. The captain watching interior conditions after the fan had been placed noted that the kitchen filled with steam yet the flames that were once in the hallway leading to the bedrooms and front room were no longer apparent.
Within a short period of time the firefighter who hit the fire through the rear window brought the attack line to the front door and made entry, finishing extinguishment of the kitchen and the attic above. During their search, two dogs, both in kennels, were removed from the house with no apparent compromise. The first dog was in the front room with burned paint within 24 inches from the top of the kennel. The other dog was in a bedroom approximately 10 feet away from the kitchen. The hallway leading to the bedroom had extensive paint burns on all sides.
Kriss Garcia
September 2012 * * *
So what does all this mean? Positivepressure attack incorporating an exterior water application can provide effective fire control while preventing smoke and superheated fire gases from spreading throughout the structure. Survivability of civilians who maybe inside the structure is improved due to the smoke and super-heated fire gases being exhausted out of the structure quickly and replaced with clean, cool air. Firefighter safety is enhanced due to improved visibility and cooler interior temperatures.
Minimal-man response is a reality for the volunteer fire service. This is a fire-ground tactic that can be initiated by just three or four firefighters with one engine, and is a tactic that can make a significant difference in the outcome of the next fire to which these volunteer and minimum-manning fire departments and their members respond.
More information on exterior fire attack can be found at http://www.exteriorfireattack.com/
More information on positive-pressure attack can be found at http://www.positivepressureattack.com/
Neil Campbell is an 18-year fire-service veteran and has been a training officer for five years. He is an adjunct Instructor with the Justice Institute of BC. Campbell is a fifthgeneration firefighter with the City of Kamloops, a combination career/ auxiliary department, with seven halls,more than 120 career staff and 40 auxiliary staff.
Campbell runs Thompson Nicola Fire Training Ltd, and trains volunteer firefighters across British Columbia. Contact him at tnfiretraining@shaw.ca
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BY LES KARPLUK
Fire Chief, Prince Albert, Sask. AND LYLE QUAN
Fire Chief, Waterloo, Ont.
ILEADERSHIPFORUM
Choosing to be an authentic leader
n a well-known movie that is based on a comic book, which is based on Greek mythology, Morpheus offers a blue pill and a red pill to the movie’s main character, Neo. If Neo takes the blue pill he remains in the matrix, but if he takes the red pill he can escape the matrix and enter reality. OK, this example is a slight variation on the movie, but the analogy is a good topic for this column.
BLUE-PILL THEORY
The fire service enjoys a rich history and culture that is shaped by symbols, perceptions, values, assumptions and beliefs. Many myths are present in our organizational culture and, as such, many of us have been socialized to believe in and accept these myths over the years. Often these myths are so deeply embedded in our psyche that we feel uncomfortable when they are challenged or questioned.
For example, years ago, the conflict between career and volunteer firefighters was clearly evident. The myth was that volunteer fire departments just didn’t have the same level of training or competence as the career guys. By taking the blue pill and remaining in the matrix (the myth), the rift continues to exist between a career department and a volunteer department serving a neighbouring community. Obviously, the blue-pill theory keeps that antiquated mindset alive and creates roadblocks to effective partnerships and mutual-aid agreements with other departments. In effect, the blue pill keeps people locked to a mindset that is counterproductive to the growth of firefighters and to the profession.
Another myth is that the community cannot do without the career fire department. Too many of our career people have had a stash of blue pills on hand and have not looked around at other communities that are either making drastic reductions in staffing or changing to composite services from full-time departments. The reality is that many private organizations are vying to take on the coveted territory that has been solely assigned to career fire departments.
RED-PILL THEORY
attitudes. These leaders recognize and acknowledge that a concerted effort is required to improve the organization’s attitude. Having a positive attitude is the key ingredient to leadership and teamwork, and, as such, a lesson from Morpheus is needed here.
Morpheus believed that Neo was the one to free people from the matrix. One can surmise that Morpheus was well versed in the Pygmalion effect and appreciative of the fact that a teacher’s (Morpheus’) expectations influence a student’s (Neo’s) behaviour. The research of Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobson demonstrated that positive expectations will influence individual performance positively, and negative expectations will influence individual performance negatively. In other words, the Pygmalion effect is a self-fulfilling prophecy: people (firefighters) perform based upon the expectations placed on them.
The authentic leaders (red-pill believers) in our profession realize that there are no benefits to negative, pessimistic or what’s-in-it-for-me attitudes. When the fire-service leader takes the red pill he or she has little or no tolerance for the negative attitudes that create such things as the career-verses-volunteer divide or the they-can’t-do-without-us bravado. Even when faced with opposition and conflict, authentic leaders
The authentic leaders in our profession realize that there are no benefits to negative, pessimistic or what’s-in-it-for-me attitudes.
In the red-pill theory, true leaders exist and understand that the positive attitudes they have about themselves, their organizations and the communities they serve are paramount to ensuring that the right things are done. The authentic leaders in the fire station (no matter what their rank) are those who maintain realistic and optimistic
Les Karpluk is the fire chief of the Prince Albert Fire Department in Saskatchewan. Lyle Quan is the fire chief of Waterloo Fire Rescue in Ontario. Both are University graduates of leadership and business management programs. Email Les and Lyle at l.karpluk@sasktel.net / lyle. quan@waterloo.ca
cultivate positive thoughts because there is evidence that, when an individual thinks positively, the body, mind and spirit respond accordingly. In addition, the red-pill believers focus on individual and organizational success stories, learn from their mistakes, bounce back from disappointment and bruised feelings, and move forward.
There are those who say The Matrix was more than a movie because it challenged and put a spin on reality. Maybe in some profound way, when entering the profession, we subconsciously subscribed to the blue-pill theory. However, as time passed and we grew older and wiser, we realized that only the red-pill theory can change our profession and move it forward.
Expanding upon Morpheus’ words of wisdom, we leave you with a quote from The Matrix: “What you know you can’t explain, but you feel it. You’ve felt it your entire life, that there’s something wrong with the world. You don’t know what it is, but it’s there, like a splinter in your mind, driving you mad.”
■
TIC OFFERS 50 PER CENT BETTER PICTURE QUALITY
ISG Infrasys has launched its new E380 thermalimaging camera (TIC) worldwide. The TIC offers 100k super-high resolution and uses a new sensor technology that achieves a 50 per cent better picture quality. It also offers a Hot Spot Tracker as a standard feature, which immediately locates and tracks the hottest spot in the scene.
For more information visit www.isgfire.co.uk.
■ HAVIS LAUNCHES NEW DOCKING STATION FOR TABLET COMPUTER
Havis Inc. has released a new docking station for the Panasonic Toughbook H2 tablet computer. The rugged docking station offers a secure location for tablet charging and connection to peripherals, such as barcode scanners, printers and keyboards, making it ideal for mobile responders. The docking station’s thin design and top-facing ports allow it to be easily mounted to other equipment or directly to the wall. Visit www.havis.com for more information.
■ CARSON MANUFACTURING RELEASES LIGHT CONTROL SIREN
Carson Manufacturing has released the new SC-407 Enforcer siren, a 100/200-watt light control siren. The unit features a slide switch for 60 amps of primary light
IN THEWATCHROOM
control and four illuminated rockers for 20 amps each of auxiliary control. It also has a PA override feature, LED backlighting and a five-year limited warranty.
For more information visit www.carson-mfg.com.
■ ENVIRONICS OFFERS NEW CHEMPRO GAS SAMPLING CAP
Environics USA has released a new gas sampling cap for its ChemPro100 gas and vapour identifier. Many gas and vapour identifiers are frequently unable to accurately verify unknown gasses or vapours. This is largely due to random sample collection or the collection of a sample that is below the identifier’s threshold. The new sampling cap for the ChemPro100 allows users to collect a gas or vapour sample from an area with a higher concentration of gas for a more accurate analysis.
For more information, see www.environics.com.
■ HANNAY RELEASES SWINGOUT REEL FOR EASIER ACCESSIBILITY
Hannay Reels has released its new swingout reel for easier accessibility. The reel, which is designed to mount inside truck cabinets and swing out for hose deployment, is equipped with two pin-locks to hold the reel in place. The device is constructed of stainless steel internal plumbing and can be customized based on cabinet size and left- and right-hand setup.
For more information check out http://www.hannay.com/.
Continued on page 64
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Airdrie Fire Dept.
Sundre Fire Dept.
Leduc Fire Services
Pitt Meadows Fire Dept.
Township
Cutting with the vent saw BACKtoBASICS
BY MARK VAN DER FEYST
Ventilation saws are great tools to use when cutting open a roof or the side of a gable end for vertical ventilation. These saws speed up the ventilation process, allowing for quicker evacuation of hot gases, smoke and unburned particles of combustion. Vent saws are also useful for special operations such as RIT, in order to create an opening for rapid extrication of a mayday firefighter. Using a ventilation saw requires training to understand how to optimize the saw’s performance.
Ventilation saws manufactured specifically for the fire service differ greatly from regular chainsaws used for household or commercial functions. The biggest difference is the type of chain: on a fire-service ventilation saw, a specially designed chain, called a bullet chain, is used in place of a regular chain. The bullet chain has a beefier look to it and has different cutting properties built into it. In photo 1, you can see a close-up of a bullet chain. The bullet chain needs to be pushed into the material, rather than being pulled into it, as you would with a regular chain. The bullet chain produces a fine sawdust, instead of wood chips that are produced by a regular chain.
A bullet chain will cut through all types of materials when operated at a consistent speed. The speed needed to cut through three inches of material – be it wood, shingles, insulation, plastic pipe, metal pipe, nails or wire – is 74 feet per second (ft/s). This speed allows the chain to drive through the material. To achieve 74 ft/s, the ventilation saw needs to consistently operate at 10,200 rotations per minute (rpm). When the speed drops to 73 ft/s, the chain bounces off the material because it does not have the speed or power to cut into and through it. This effect, called chain chatter, can lead to kickback. The bullet chain is designed so that it will not produce kickback.
Two other distinctive features on a fire-service ventilation saw are the exhaust and intake ports. In photo 2, you can see the intake port; it is distinctive as it has a black foam cover around the filter. The air intake has been moved to the top of the saw because placing it there helps to increase performance speed and allows the saw to work in environments that are smoke-filled. The air is drawn in from behind the firefighter where it is cooler and cleaner than the air in front of the firefighter. The exhaust port is also on top, which blows smoke and heat away from the saw. The exhaust port works in conjunction with the black plate on the front of the saw body to deflect heat and debris up and away.
The ventilation saw also has a depth gauge attached around the bar of the saw that allows the firefighter to adjust the depth of the cut. This gauge works well when the roof’s thickness is known. Adjusting the depth can be accomplished by cutting an inspection hole with the gauge set back all the way. An inspection hole can be created by cutting a small triangle in the area where the vertical vent opening will be made. The triangle cut can be the width of the chain bar and can be made by plunging the blade of the saw straight into the roof in a three-sided fashion. Remember to operate the saw at full throttle to ensure its optimal performance. When the saw is operating at half throttle or thereabouts, the chain will not work as it is intended to and the saw engine will work a lot harder.
PHOTOS BY MARK VAN DER FEYST
Photo 1: A close-up of a bullet chain, manufactured specifically for the fire service.
Photo 2: The intake port of the ventilation saw is very distinctive, as it has a black foam cover around the filter.
Photo 3: Once the thickness of the roof is known, the gauge on the ventilation saw can be set so the roof joists aren’t cut all the way through.
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Once the thickness can be observed, the gauge can be set to cut the roof’s material without cutting the roof joists all the way through, as in photo 3. But what if the depth gauge malfunctions? What happens if the silver knob that tightens the gauge becomes loose, falls off or is missing altogether? This can be a reality as equipment/tools sometimes lose vital parts during operations. The saw can still be used to cut the roof without cutting the roof joists all the way through. This is where the positioning of the saw while cutting comes into play, along with the use of the bullet chain.
As you can see in photo 4, the firefighter holds the saw vertically rather than on an angle, as in photo 3. This vertical position allows the chain on the saw to come into complete contact with the roof joist. The depth of the joist comes into complete, full-surface contact with the chain. For example, if the roof joist is a 2x8, then the full seven-and-a-half inches of the wood joist will come into contact with the chain. Remember that the bullet chain must be pushed into the material and will want to repel from the material naturally. When the saw is being moved across the roof line during the cut, as it comes into contact with the roof joist, the operator will feel the saw resist the joist; this allows the operator to bring the saw up to roll over the joist and then plunge it back down. When the saw is on an angle without the depth gauge, the operator will not feel the resistance of the joist and will be more likely to cut all the way through it.
In photo 5, you can see black vertical marks on the roof joist. These black marks are from the bullet chain coming into contact with the joist. Notice the top of
the joist where there is just a small notch cut out from the saw rolling over it. This small notch will not compromise the joist as much as it would had it had been cut almost all the way through.
A ventilation saw looks like a regular chainsaw but the differences require knowhow. Training will accomplish this.
Mark van der Feyst is a 13-year veteran of the fire service who works for the City of Woodstock Fire Department in Ontario. Mark instructs in Canada, the United States and India. He is a local-level suppressino instructor for the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy and an instructor for the Justice Institute of B.C. Contact him at Mark@FireStarTraining.com
Photo 5: These black marks and small notches are from the bullet chain coming into contact with the roof joist.
Photo 4: Holding the saw vertically will cause the chain to stutter when it comes into contact with strong material, such as a roof joist. This is particularly useful if the thickness of the roof is unknown, or if the saw gauge is broken.
Burning
ISSUES
Editor’s note: Stephen Gamble, the fire chief for the Towship of Langley, B.C., became president of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs during the Fire-Rescue Canada conference in St. John’s in September. Fire Fighting in Canada editor Laura King sat down with Gamble between sessions at the 2012 CAFC conference to find out what the association’s priorities are for the next year.
QWhat is your role as CAFC president for the next year and what issues does the association need to tackle?
AI think the biggest thing right now for us is the work of the board for the last two years, which I’ve been on as first vice-president, to take those and make them work.
We’ve changed, administratively, some of the issues that we’ve had to deal with over time and now we’re able to move forward, and I think it’s exciting that we’re going to be bringing on a new executive director, and that person will work with me and the rest of the board in developing policies.
We really take that trusted advisor [of the federal government] role to heart; we had committed to a lot of other things and we didn’t really contemplate the amount of time that one of us is expected to be in Ottawa. [The bureaucrats] are not really comfortable doing things over the phone, so it means being in Ottawa, and being a national organization – with me being in B.C. and other people being in the Maritimes – that takes a considerable amount of time, so having someone in Ottawa full-time will make a big difference.
Much like we learned with the $3,000 tax credit for firefighters – which is a great thing for the volunteers – we learned through that process that on a federal level things take a lot longer, there’s a lot more research that goes into issues, and there are so many dynamics. I probably didn’t even appreciate the difference in the time zones but being here now in St. John’s, I’m sending e-mails home and expecting them to be answered and they’re still asleep and vice versa, so it’s been a learning curve for us but we’re now ready to move forward.
CAFC set to tackle residential sprinklers and building codes, and boost membership
CAFC president Stephen Gamble says the addition of an executive director position in Ottawa will improve the association’s relationship with the federal government and help bureaucrats better understand issues that affect emergency services.
PHOTO BY LAURA KING
We feel that what’s been really successful in the past – which helped us to get the $3,000 tax credit – is narrowing our focus down to one or two items, which helps the MPs who are hearing it.
’’
QOne of the unanticipated things that occurred in the last year was the removal of federal funding for the Joint Emergency Preparedness Plan (JEPP) and, therefore, Canada’s HUSAR teams. How will the CAFC better work with government with a new executive director coming on board to prevent these kinds of surprises?
A•
The recent announcement with the JEPP funding being taken out and the HUSAR teams and the impact on the fire service and the municipalities – I don’t think that was taken into account. Having someone in Ottawa on a regular basis to meet with [federal departments] . . . We have brought the significance of the JEPP announcement to the attention of government and we have made some suggestions to help them through this process, again, taking that trusted-advisor attitude and saying, how can we help government get what they want while also considering what communities across Canada want and need? We can be a facilitator as far as bringing the voices of the communities to Ottawa. They [the federal government] have to develop good policies and be fiscally responsible and I think everyone understands that.
QWhat are the issues that the CAFC is looking at in the short term? You’ve brought in the volunteer firefighter tax credit but in Ontario, for example, the OPFFA is looking at expanding presumptive legislation – which is very much a provincial issue but here in Newfoundland there is no presumptive legislation at all –and then we have the biggest issue for the fire service today, which is municipal budget cuts and everyone having to do more with less. How are you addressing those issue?
AFunding is one of the top things that came up in a recent survey, but we need to understand what that means. Is it budget constraints or things like the JEPP grants?
The other things is building codes; we’re talking about six-storey combustible buildings and higher – there’s one being contemplated in Prince George that’s over nine storeys – and there are residential sprinklers, which is a big one for me that I’d like to achieve.
It’s up to Ottawa now and we need to
see if we can get the national building code people to take a look at this.
Q How do you present yourselves to Ottawa then as the group or the united voice on this and get a presence in the building-code process?
A I think we’ve had success through our government relations week in Ottawa; meeting with the bureaucrats on a regular basis, getting to know them by face and they get to know us by face, and you develop a rapport with them and they feel comfortable that you’re coming to them to help them, and in the long run it’s going to help us with what they want we to achieve.
QSo is there still a move for a national fire advisor with the addition of the executive director in Ottawa, or is it on the back burner given that federal government has clearly indicated said it’s not ready for such a position.
AOur members have said that it’s still something they would like us to look at. We have heard rumblings that the government is not interested and so maybe there’s another way we can do it, and we’re hoping that through these dialogues we can find something that [the government] is more comfortable with that still achieves what we want.
In the discussions I’ve had with MPs one on one, they say it would help us if there were someone they could walk down the hall to and say, we’re thinking of doing this, and that person is in tune with all of us across Canada, so it’s a benefit to them, and I see it as more than just something that we want but as something that will benefit them too.
We’re not getting a clear message about why they don’t like it so you speculate that it’s because of adding another layer of bureaucracy, or they’re trying to keep things down – no new initiatives – maybe that’s what it is.
It was just one of those things, they were looking at the whole JEPP program – there were some problems with it – and they made the change but didn’t realize probably that some of the other stuff would be affected.
Continued on page 53
Continued from page 48
Again, had someone been there [in Ottawa] and been able to talk to them maybe they could have said hey, what are we going to do about this. And I think that’s the point where we are now – what are we going to do about it? They may want to look at some other way of doing things and I think we can work together to figure it out.
QIs there a move or a recognition at least given that there are about 1,000 members of the CAFC to increase the membership and provide services to some of the chiefs and smaller departments that clearly need them.
AAs we’re conducting this interview the membership committee is meeting with the provincial reps and one of the things that has come up is looking at a blended membership [with the provincial associations].
bit [an additional 10 MHz], so if it hasn’t been done by then I’m sure that will be one of the topics that we’ll be pushing for.
The HUSAR issue, again if it hasn’t been solved by then, will be one of the issues.
We feel that what’s been really successful in the past – which helped us to get the $3,000 tax credit – is narrowing our focus down to one or two items, which helps the MPs who are hearing it and also helps our members who are taking to MPs and bureaucrats who aren’t used to doing so, and this helps them stay focused on the issues. I know the first time I came here it was a laundry list, and you’ve got only few minutes with these people and you’re trying to hit on all the issues.
Also, we’ve lost a few people in this last year, but we’ve had the highest number of new members, so we want to find out why.
There are a number of areas in which we could probably increase our membership. Through the survey we heard that we could do better on communication, and people feel that at times they’re cut off from us, so we should be looking at some of the other successful associations across Canada and learning from them. I know some of them use share points and throw out a question and have people right across Canada say in this situation this is what we’ve found, so something like that – that’s something we discussed just recently with the membership committee, and now having a committee working specifically on this issue, we think we’ll get something good from them.
We’re also getting a lot of younger chiefs coming in who are involved in technology and that will help.
QYou mentioned government relations week in March. What’s the goal and the mission of that week and what do you want to come away with in 2013?
AWhat we’re leaning toward right now is sprinklers and building codes as being the No. 1 issues.
In the last [government relations week], even though we weren’t going to Ottawa with an ask, we got a portion [10 megahertz (MHz)] of the 700 MHz bandwidth that we were looking for [for first responders] and now we’re going after the last little
QWhat message do you want to get across to fire officers and firefighters across Canada, both volunteer and career?
AI think the biggest thing right now is that we’d like to feel that we are the voice of the Canadian fire service but we’d like to have more members so that when we say those numbers it really represents that. So I think it’s a drive for all of us who are current members, and past members too, to try to get as many people as we can to join us and see the benefits of the CAFC.
I think the $3,000 tax credit and the 700 MHz – people can now say yeah, I know what [the CAFC] is doing. If we really want to make a change in Ottawa that filters down – to use the sprinkler issue as an example, if we change the National Building Code we can change the provincial code, then the municipalities will be able to change. I think people can see that relationship.
Membership is a huge thing for us right now – we’ve moved away from a funding source [telemarketing], which a lot of people had issues with, and so we need to fill that gap because like anything it costs money to do these things and we want to make sure we’re able to carry on with these initiatives.
Stephen Gamble is the fire chief for the Township of Langley, B.C. He began his career with the City of Port Coquitlam in 1978 as a volunteer firefighter, was hired full-time in 1980 and became chief in 2003. He is an adjunct instructor with the Justice Institute of B.C. and president of the B.C. group of the Canadian Institute of Fire Engineers.
Science-backed training
Sweden’s research into compartment fire behaviour training has permeated the globe and is saving firefighter lives
BY IAN BOLTON
Sweden could be seen by North American firefighters as a somewhat strange country: University is free; the average worker gets a minimum of five weeks of paid vacation a year; and firefighters are rarely killed in the line of duty.
ABOVE : Fire instructors use a small-scale prop to demonstrate to firefighters various types of fire-behaviour events, in this case creating a backdraft.
“Fire fighting isn’t even seen as a dangerous job here,” explains Swedish firefighter Erik Elvermark. In fact, Sweden hasn’t lost a single firefighter due to fire progress in more than 30 years. However, this incredible safety record is the legacy of tragedy: In the late 1970s and early ’80s the Stockholm Fire Brigade lost numerous firefighters to extreme fire behaviour events.
In reaction to those deaths, the works of two Swedish fire engineers, Mats Rosander
and Krister Giselsson, were finally implemented as part of a new national firefightertraining program. Before the fatal incidents, Rosander and Giselsson’s in-depth research of extreme fire behaviour and the deadly nature of fire gases was considered radical and unwarranted; after the incidents, it was viewed as the solution to firefighter deaths.
It was through the implementation of a new firefighter-training program in Sweden that Compartment Fire Behaviour Training (CFBT) was born. Not only had Rosander and Giselsson been studying fire behaviour to a level never before witnessed, but they had also developed groundbreaking techniques to allow firefighters inside a burning structure to take control of the fire gases and the fire environment itself.
PHOTOS BY IAN BOLTON
Large and expensive burn buildings are not needed for compartment fire behaviour training programs; a modified shipping container is preferred for the live fire sessions. With minor modifications, these burn cells can be turned into a firefighter’s laboratory. Instructors are then able to create the exact conditions required for fire behaviour demonstrations, along with interior control and attack practice.
One unique aspect of the Swedish fire service is that it employs fire engineers to work directly in the fire service to do research and develop strategies, tactics and training for firefighters.
“In Sweden, we do what we have to do to save lives,” says Dr. Stefan Svensson, a fire captain who has a PhD in fire engineering. “But we try to do it safely, with science and thought behind it. We want [the firefighters] to understand the dynamics, the physics, the chemistry [of fires] and to handle situations based on that knowledge.”
The results of this training have been astounding: The Swedish fire service has reduced the number of firefighters killed from extreme fire behaviour to zero from three deaths every two years since the inception of these programs in the early 1980s.
WHAT IS CFBT?
One of the first fire departments in North America to introduce CFBT was Gresham Fire Rescue in Oregon under the direction of then Battalion Chief Ed Hartin after he trained and studied in Sweden in 2002. Now, the fire chief of Whidbey Island Fire in Washington, and widely considered internationally as a leading expert, Hartin describes CFBT as:
. . integrating the topics of fire behavior, fire streams and ventilation within a structural firefighting context. This training concept provides an integrated framework for developing structural firefighting knowledge and skills. The difference between live fire training in general and CFBT is the emphasis on developing an understanding of fire behavior and the influence of tactical operations. In many cases, live fire training focuses, to a greater extent, on the tactics involved and less on fire behavior. While tactical proficiency is important, understanding fire behavior and recognition of fire development and key fire behavior indicators is critical to firefighter safety and survival.
Large and expensive burn buildings are not needed for these programs. In fact, a modified ISO shipping container is preferred for the live fire sessions. With relatively minor modifications, these burn cells can be turned into a firefighter’s laboratory. Instructors are then able to create the exact conditions required for fire behaviour demonstrations, along with interior control and attack practice.
“While often referred to as flashover training, CFBT involves much more than simply learning to recognize and react to impending flashover conditions,” says Hartin. “A firefighter’s safety is dependent on early recognition of the indicators of a range of extreme fire behaviour.”
BY
PHOTO
IAN BOLTON
Imparting in-depth knowledge to firefighters by bringing the science to the street is the ultimate goal of any CFBT program. Through classroom lectures, videos and studies, small-scale fire behaviour props and carefully controlled live fire training, firefighters are given the knowledge and skills needed to keep them safe on an increasingly dangerous fire ground. CFBT teaches firefighters not just how, but why.
THE GLOBAL MOVEMENT AND IMPACT
Unfortunately, over the last 15 years, CFBT programs have been developed only in reaction to tragic firefighter deaths.
During the 1990s, the United Kingdom
was losing an extremely high number of firefighters on the fire ground. However, it wasn’t until early 1996, after losing three firefighters in three days, that the fire service responded with a plan to correct this frightening trend. The plan specifically entailed the development and implementation of CFBT programs throughout the country. The impact was staggering. The United Kingdom Fire Brigades Union report on firefighter fatalities from 1990 leading up to those three tragic deaths shows that 13 firefighters died on the fire ground during that period. However, during the seven-year period following the introduction of CFBT programs throughout the United Kingdom, the number of firefighter fatalities on the
fire ground dropped to two.
“It’s made the job of fire fighting far safer, in my opinion, and I think in everybody’s opinion in the U.K.,” says Tam Alford, training division manager at Devon & Somerset Fire Rescue in England. “We are now proactive with fire, rather than reacting to what fire does.”
Countries around the world from Argentina to Russia have responded to firefighter tragedies by developing their own CFBT programs. Australia implemented its first CFBT program in 1997 following the deaths of two firefighters in Queensland due to flashover. Programs spread across the country to each state fire service, but in most cases only after incurring their own losses or close calls. New South Wales is now leading the way with its program following the training in Sweden of Inspector John McDonough, team leader of fire training, in 2003.
“What I liked about the Swedish system was that the firefighters were now in control,” McDonough says. “When we started training back home in Australia, the first thing that many firefighters would say, even very experienced firefighters, was that for the first time in their career they felt like they were in control because they understood what was happening around them.”
Australia has not lost a firefighter on the fire ground since the introduction of its CFBT program.
BY
Imparting in-depth knowledge to firefighters by bringing the science to the street is the ultimate goal of any CFBT program.
PHOTO
IAN BOLTON
CANADA AND CFBT
In Canada, it was recommended that Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) begin CFBT training after the Forward Avenue fire on Feb. 12, 2007, during which five members were forced to jump out of a fourth-floor window to escape rapid fire progress. The official report that followed urged “OFS instructors [to] undertake Level I and Level II Compartment Fire Behaviour Training in order to deliver it within the department.”
In western Canada, the District of North Vancouver Fire Rescue was the first in the country to initiate CFBT proactively. The response from firefighters has been very positive.
“It is the best fire training I’ve had in my 18 years on the job,” says Capt. Kit Little. “I can really see this taking us in the direction we need to go in terms of safety and knowledge.”
The program is being developed in a multi-stage strategy, with advancements planned over the next three years, which include a T-burn cell and tactical ventilation instruction.
“The biggest advantages we see with implementing a CFBT program are being able to provide a very high level of fire behaviour knowledge and live fire training to our firefighters in a safe and cost effective way,” says Curtis Bremner, assistant fire chief of training and development.
IS THE CANADIAN FIRE SERVICE LOOKING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION?
Fire-service leaders and trainers seem to agree that we need to increase safety on the fire ground. But have we been focusing on the right things? Rapid intervention teams are an important part of our safety, but are not the only answer. The unfortunate truth is that there is nothing the most highly trained and prepared RIT could do to help a crew caught in flashover. Those crew members will have only seconds
before their bodies shut down due to extreme thermal impact.
Some departments are going even further in efforts to help members get out of trouble by teaching radical new techniques. Firefighters are being taught to bail out of upper floor windows head first down ladders, or to rappel from harnesses placed over their turnout gear. Is this where we should be directing our efforts? Or does it make more sense to teach firefighters how to avoid life-threatening situations in the first place?
The North American firefighter fatality rate (per fire) is going up, not down. Today’s structural firefighting operations and the fire environments in which we operate are more dangerous than ever before due to lightweight construction and synthetic-based furnishings. Rooms that once took upwards of 30 minutes to reach flashover, can now flash over in fewer than four minutes. Our working environment has changed drastically, and so must our tactics, training, knowledge and understanding. If we fail as a Canadian fire service to update our methods, and adapt to this new working environment, we will inevitably continue to face tragic losses of our brothers and sisters that need not happen.
Ian Bolton has been active in the Fire Service for 10 years. While working in Australia he achieved Instructor level certification in compartment fire behaviour training (CFBT) and tactical ventilation, and has received advanced training in fire behaviour and ventilation from the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency in Revinge, Sweden. Ian is currently working as a firefighter and lead fire behaviour instructor for the District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Service. He is also studying fire dynamics in preparation for exams with Institute of Fire Engineers. Contact Ian at ian.bolton@firedynamics.ca
BY TOM DESORCY Fire chief Hope, B.C.
CVOLUNTEERVISION
Feeding the good to weed out the bad
onferences always seem to bring out the best in me and I’m sure that’s the case for others. You may recall me writing about taking part in conferences or training workshops at which I gained more than was advertised and more than I signed up for. Above all, it’s the networking that does it for me; the sharing of information and ideas with colleagues from across the country validates my attendance at these events, as does knowing that the intentions behind my actions within my department are shared by my colleagues. The successes, the failures – they’re all the same. In addition, the speakers and presenters leave me motivated to return to my community and implement strategies and techniques learned in countless sessions on leadership and team-building.
At our most recent provincial fire chiefs conference in British Columbia, I got into a lengthy discussion about negativity in the fire hall. In most departments, there seem to be one or two people who do not have a positive attitude; they are not in favour of the initiatives chief officers bring forth, or changes to training or response. I know the first question you will ask: “Why not get rid of them?” I will answer that with a reference to my column in the August issue of Fire Fighting in Canada: it’s not easy to fire a volunteer; in fact, if you send one packing, others might follow and, as I’ve said before, I don’t see them lined up at the door to get in.
Personally, I prefer to deal with this proactively – the more-flies-with-honey approach. To me, a situation like this is simply moss and grass. During a continuing discussion at the Fire Chiefs Association of B.C. conference, this statement caused heads to tilt in confusion and I went on to explain my theory.
the moss was resilient. “How do I get rid of this moss?” the caller asked. The answer was simple: “Feed the grass.” You see, the caller could attack the moss aggressively, laying out poisons and causing all kinds of environmental damage, or rake and pull the moss from the lawn, leaving ugly bare patches, only to have it grow back. With this aggressive approach, the caller would be putting all his energy into a fight when he could simply feed the grass. As I was told, nurturing the grass and encouraging it to grow eventually allows the grass to overtake the moss. The moss will soon feel out of place and simply go away.
Starting to sound familiar? If you consider the negative person in the fire hall to be the moss, then, left alone, that person will begin to take over the positive players on the team.
When I first began in this role as the paid chief in a volunteer department, I had a little moss hanging around and I started to fight back, only to make it worse. Taking my friend Brian’s advice, I began to leave the naysayers alone. I didn’t engage with them in arguments or discussion. Instead, I chose to feed the grass: I facilitated extra training that they requested, I solicited their advice on social events
Focus your energy and efforts on the positive thinkers and the negative attitudes will soon feel out of place. ‘‘ ’’
I used to be a radio broadcaster and the host of an open-line show with a very small-town feel. One of my regular guests was a gardening guru and friend named Brian Minter. Brian was always a willing and great guest; when he came on the show, the phones would light up and he had answers to everyone’s questions about gardening issues. One session I will never forget wasn’t as much about a problem the caller had, as it was about the answer that was given.
The issue was moss: it started in one small section of the yard and took over. The caller had tried all kinds of evasive measures, but
Tom DeSorcy became the first paid firefighter in his hometown of Hope, B.C., when he became fire chief in 2000. Originally a radio broadcaster, Tom’s voice could be heard in the early 1990s across Canada as one of the hosts of Country Coast to Coast. DeSorcy is married with two children and enjoys curling and golf. He is also very active with the Fire Chiefs’ Association of B.C as communications director and conference committee chair. Email Tom at TDeSorcy@hope.ca
and activities and sought their input on changes within the department; I did what I could for them and they began to grow. It didn’t take long before the grass overtook the moss and the moss simply moved on. There was no longer a breeding ground for negative attitude and you either grew along with the grass or got out of its way because you just weren’t welcome.
It makes a lot of sense, doesn’t it?
What are you doing to feed the grass in your department? Or do you spend most of your time fighting the moss?
Focus your energy and efforts on the positive thinkers and the negative attitudes will soon feel out of place; no need for discussion or severe evasive action that affects the entire environment around you. Feed the grass and the moss is overtaken. Thanks, Brian.
Who would have thought that little radio show would have leadership implications later in life?
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RESQTEC has released its new generation G4w and G6w rescue cutters. The new cutters are equipped with a W-blade design that enables them to compress and cut in a controlled and effective motion. The tool is Martensite capable and can cut through materials like HSLA and
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■ E.D. BULLARD RELEASES
NEW DURABLE HELMET
E.D. Bullard has released its new UST series of firefighting helmets. The design of these durable helmets incorporates various recommendations from veteran fire professionals. The helmets are made of fiberglass, making them light and affordable, while the 12-point system ensures comfort.
For more information visit www. bullard.com.
■ PMI RELEASES HOT SEARCH KIT AND ROPE
Pigeon Mountain Industries has released a hot search kit, making the use of its hot search rope even easier. The kit, which comprises
IN THEWATCHROOM
the company’s hot search line, a triplock carabiner and a fire-retardant pouch, easily straps to firefighters’ bunker gear. The rope is readily accessible, making any RIT activities efficient and effective.
The hot search line is made entirely of Kevlar and is fashioned into a tight hollow braid. The rope is able to withstand 2,700 pounds of force and weighs just 2.4 grams per metre. The rope, however, is not flame proof and will not survive direct flame or ambient temperatures above 500 C. For more information, visit www.pmirope.com.
■ WOLF SAFETY OFFERS
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Born bold.
If you’ve always been a fighter, only Dräger will do.
Dräger equipment isn’t for everyone. It’s for people who have expected nothing but the best of themselves from the very beginning. When expectations are this high, only optimum fire equipment can rise to the occasion. Dräger makes equipment bold achievers can have confidence in. Our integrated portfolio revolutionizes firefighting technology with streamlined components that work together as one. The result: power to perform at your personal best. GO
MANUFACTURERS’ DIRECTORY
A.J. STONE COMPANY LTD.
141 bentworth Ave., toronto, on m6A 1p6
tel: 416-785-3752
fax: 416-781-2827
toll free: 1-800-205-3473
e-mail: firesafety@ajstone.com
website: www.ajstone.com
Joyce, tyler, dan
A.J. stone co. ltd. has proudly served the needs of the fire/rescue and first responder services of canada since 1972, featuring quality products, knowledgeable sales reps, and training support. A.J. stone supplies equipment from msA, tnt rescue, paratech rescue, Akron, Kochek, Angus fire, marsars ice/Water rescue, innotex bunker gear, pro-tech gloves, e.s safety systems, cet and much more. We service what we sell!
Ajax rescue tools have been designed specifically for extrication and other types of emergency cutting, automobile, industrial and confined space rescue. Ajax rescue tools give you the speed, the portability and the dependability you need when every second counts.
ARÉO-FEU/AREO-FIRE LTD.
head office: 5205 J.A. bombardier longueuil, Qc J3Z 1g4
tel: 450-651-2240
fax: 450-651-1970
toll free: 1-866-469-1963
e-mail: info@areo-fire.com
website: www.areo-fire.com
dominic miller (technical support for fire trucks and sales of rosenbauer trucks), daniel renaud (sales director)
committed to meeting our customers’ needs, we are proud to offer a wide range of top-of-the-line tools, clothing and accessories for fire fighting and emergency intervention. for almost 50 years, we have continued to add new, high-quality products so that you can find everything you require under one roof. new online purchasing website at www.aero-fire.com repair services on: scbA, gas detection, portable pump, pumper trucks, aerial ladder, etc. Authorized parts and service center for: hale, Waterous, darley, Koehler
AKRON BRASS COMPANY
343 venture blvd., Wooster, oh 44691
tel: 330-264-5678
fax: 330-264-2944
AIR TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS CANADA INC.
251 Queen st. s., ste. 512, mississauga, on l5m 1l7
randall Weber, vp marketing & sales, canada Air technology solutions is dedicated to our clients, offering updated, timely, full service indoor Air Quality (iAQ) solutions. Air quality concerns are mitigated using a unique combination of professional indoor air quality assessment coupled with solutions. off the shelf or customized site specific air cleaning equipment is available to resolve iAQ issues. our technical experts review client requirements and budgetary availability. the finest appropriate air cleaning systems are provided. Air technology solutions is a leader in diesel exhaust remediation. building and facility managers, business owners, contractors, architects, and engineers have been working with Air technology solutions since 1986 to resolve iAQ needs. employee and personnel safety and health are key issues. breathing safe air in the workplace is of utmost importance.We provide global customized solutions to control contaminants, pollutants and odours in your facility. We look forward to servicing your requirements.
steve robertson, p.eng., director of canadian sales and business development. cell phone: 519-670-4564
district managers: eastern canada - normand gareau; central canada - ray thompson; Western canada - Jeff french; director of canadian sales, steve robertson, srobertson@akronbrass.com
major product lines: cet fire pump, KocheK, red heAd, AWg, proteK, nAfh, supervAc, leAder fAn, res-Q-JAcK, streAmlight, ergodYne, mustAng, frc, foAmpro, nAutic & Art innoteX (eastern ontario), sAles, rosborough boAt, supervAc, Koehler bright stAr, hAle, WAterous.
C-MAX FIRE SOLUTIONS
3044 sawmill rd., st. Jacobs, on n0b 2n0
tel: 519-664-3796
fax: 519-664-3624
e-mail: fireinfo@c-max.ca website: www.c-max.ca
Kathy brookes, sales & service
canadian family owned and operated business that offers a higher standard of service and sales for all your fire Apparatus needs. c-max fire solutions offers 24 hour service from evt technicians with fully stocked service trucks. We offer pump testing and repairs to all makes and models.
We offer ground ladder testing as per nfpA 1932. We are also ontario’s factory sales and service centre for Kme fire Apparatus.
APPARATUSSHOWCASE
Built on a Freightliner M2-112 chassis, and powered by a 410-hp Detroit engine and an Allison 4500 EVS transmission, this unit features a 500-gpm Darley pump, a FoamPro foam system, a 3,000-gallon Co-poly water tank and a front bumper turret.
DEPARTMENT: Anzac Fire Department, Alberta
This unit features a 3,000-gallon POLY-Elliptical water tank, a Hale Portable pump, rear curb, rear street and rear 10-inch Newton dumps, a front monitor and LED warning lights. It was built on a Freightliner M2-106 chassis, and is powered by a 350-hp Cummins ISC engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission.
DEPARTMENT: Arkona Fire Department, Ontario
This unit features a 6,000-watt Will-Burt night-scan light tower and a 25-kilowatt PTO generator. It was built on a Freightliner M2-106 chassis, and is powered by a 360-hp Cummins ISB engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission.
DEPARTMENT: Coalhurst Fire Department, Alberta
Built on a Spartan Gladiator chassis, and powered by a 500-hp Cummins ISX engine and an Allison 4000 EVS transmission, this unit features a 7,000-lpm Waterous pump, a Waterous Advantus foam system, a 750-gallon water tank, dual foam auto fills, a preconnected blitz-fire nozzle and an Akron Deckmaster 3440 electric monitor with remote.
DEPARTMENT: City of Grande Prairie Fire Department, Alberta
Built on a Saber chassis, and powered by a 400-hp Cummins engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission, this unit features a 500-gpm Waterous pump and a 2,000-gallon water tank.
DEPARTMENT: North Huron Fire Department, Ontario
unit features a 500-gpm Hale pump, a 1,500-gallon
DEPARTMENT:
DEPARTMENT:
This
water tank, an Elkhart EXM monitor, portable tank storage, a Rosenbauer EZ-Climb ladder and a swivel dump. It was built on an International chassis, and is powered by a 330-hp MaxxForce engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission.
Southwest Middlesex Fire Department, Ontario
This unit was built on a Spartan Gladiator chassis, and is powered by a 525-hp Caterpillar C13 engine and an EVS-4000 transmission. It features a 1,750-gpm Hale pump, a FoamPro foam system, and a 114-foot Rosenbauer articulated platform ladder.
DEPARTMENT: Estevan Fire Department, Saskatchewan
This unit was built on an International 7600 chassis, and is powered by a 410-hp MaxxForce engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission. It features a 1,500-gpm Hale QMAX pump, a 300-gallon polypropylene water tank, a 100-foot ladder, a 5,000-watt Honda generator and a VMUX Multiplex system.
Service d’Incendie de Amos, Québec
CANADIAN SAFETY EQUIPMENT INC.
2465 cawthra rd., unit 114, mississauga, on l5A 3p2
tel: 905-949-2741
fax: 905-272-1866
toll free: 1-800-265-0182
e-mail: info@cdnsafety.com
website: www.cdnsafety.com
ross humphry, nick desmier, scott gamble, chris hamilton, chris moore, steve shelton
We supply scbA’s, thermal cameras, Auto extrication, cAf systems, fall protection, bunker gear, fire hose, communications equipment, nozzles, fittings, hazmat suits, ventilation fans, gas detectors, confined space rescue equipment, high Angle rescue equipment, boots and gloves. everything for fire fighting and confined space rescue.
We are a canadian based company and we manufacture a full line of fire apparatus which includes aerial ladders, pumpers, tankers, rescue units and vacuum tankers. We provide parts and other related products.
CESTA - CANADIAN EMERGENCY SUPPLY & TRAINING ASSOCIATES INC.
26 peninsula shores rd. e., mcdougall, on p2A 2W7
tel: 705-774-3825
e-mail: chris@cesta.ca
website: www.cesta.ca
chris pettinger
cestA inc. has 10 years of experience supplying quality products to fire, ems and police in ontario. We specialize in technical water and rope rescue product sales and training. our associate instructors are experienced fire service professionals dedicated to providing exceptional training that will meet and exceed your requirements. cestA is certified by petzl America as an authorized distributor and training provider for the petzl eXo personal escape system. our mobile training trailer/wall brings custom training programs to your department for rope rescue, firefighter survival, rit, and petzl eXo training. cestA represents sAlus marine Wear, bullex, reach & rescue, and firetech mfg our product lines include haix station Wear and structural firefighting footwear for professionals, petzl ppe, headlamps, rope and hardware, mustang survival suits, isg infrasys thermal imaging cameras, fireAde 2000 A/b ul listed foam, nrs water rescue products, res-Q-Jack vehicle stabilization systems, international stretcher systems, egnis/rit bag, lifeliner protective fire hoods, lightning X gear bags, foxfury lighting, gemtor, evAc systems and leader north America ppv fans. Are you looking for an alternative supplier with in-depth product knowledge, excellent service and quality products? call cestA for competitive pricing on your equipment today.
CIRCUL-AIR CORP.
350 pfingsten rd., ste. 105, northbrook, il 60062
tel: 847-480-9600
fax: 847-480-9900
toll free: 1-800-795-1150
e-mail: circulair@circul-air-corp.com
website: www.circul-air-corp.com
circul-Air corp. has been manufacturing hose washers, hose and turnout gear dryers and hose storage racks since 1940.
Accept only the bestportable pumps, skid units, cAfs, foam trailer, glider Kit, Water tank, brush truck and fire Apparatus. A century of engineering for the bravest!
CODE 4 FIRE & RESCUE INC.
26 oneida st., po box 1297, hagersv ille, on n0A 1h0
tel: 905-768-9254
fax: 905-487-1517
toll free: 1-800-387-2286
e-mail: chris@code4.com website: www.code4.com
chris christie call 1-800-665-4900 for all your “hurst’’ extrication needs! service, sales and training. hme fire trucks now available - see www.firetrucks.com proudly serving those Who serve others
command light manufactures elevating, lighting towers that have been tested to -40º and to 90 mph wind. command light . . . see what you’ve been missing.
APPARATUSSHOWCASE
This unit features a 1,500-gpm Pierce pump, a Pierce Husky foam system, a 500-(U.S.) gallon water tank, a frontal impact protection package, a side-roll protection package and an enclosed pump operator panel. It was built on a Velocity chassis, and is powered by a 450-hp Cummins ISL engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission.
DEPARTMENT: New Westminster Fire & Rescue Services, British Columbia
Built on an Impel chassis, and powered by a 450-hp Cummins engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission, this unit features a 2,000-gpm Waterous pump, a 500-gallon water tank and a 75-foot ladder.
DEPARTMENT: New Tecumseth Fire Rescue, Ontario
This unit features a 1,250-gpm Waterous pump, a Pierce Husky foam system, a 750-(U.S.) gallon water tank and an enclosed pump operator panel. It was built on a Freightliner M2-106 chassis, and is powered by a 360-hp Cummins ISB engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission.
DEPARTMENT: New Westminster Fire & Rescue Services, British Columbia
Built on a Spartan Gladiator chassis, and powered by a 515-hp Detroit Series engine and an Allison 4000 EVPR transmission, this unit features a 7,000-lpm Hale QMAX pump, a Waterous Advantus foam system, a 300-gallon water tank, an Akron 3578 monitor, an automatic levelling system and an ergonomic hoseload.
DEPARTMENT: Edmonton Fire Rescue, Alberta
This unit features a 1,050-gpm Darley LDM pump, a 1,250-gallon water tank, rollup doors with spatter coating and Whelen LED emergency lights. It was built on a Freightliner M2-106 chassis, and is powered by a 330-hp Cummins ISC engine and an Allison transmission.
DEPARTMENT: Shédiac Fire Department, New Brunswick
This unit features a Will-Burt night-scan LED light tower, adjustable shelves, roll-out trays and LED compartment lights. It was built on a Ford chassis with a Rosenbauer FX body.
DEPARTMENT: Inter-Township Fire Department, Ontario
Built on a Freightliner M2 chassis, and powered by a 350-hp Cummins ISC engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission, this unit features a 1,250-gpm Darley pump, a FoamPro foam system, a 900-gallon Co-poly water tank and a front bumper turret.
DEPARTMENT: Saprae Creek Fire Department, Alberta
Built on a Spartan Gladiator chassis, and powered by a 550-hp Cummins ISX engine and an Allison 4000 EVS transmission, this unit features a 7,000-lpm Waterous pump and a Foam Profoam system.
DEPARTMENT: Richmond Hill Fire Department, Ontario
DARCH FIRE
9-402 harmony rd., Ayr, on n0b 1e0
tel: 519-622-6110
fax: 519-622-7705
toll free: 1-800-254-2049
e-mail: sales@darchfire.com
website: www.darchfire.com
John darch, susan miller, todd finnie the goal at darch is to provide the best fire and first responder vehicles, equipment and services so that emergency service personnel can work safely and protect the citizens of their communities. darch is the ontario dealer for pierce manufacturing, holmatro, draeger, gear grid, chemguard, Key fire hose, supervac, Akron, trimax plus many more.the parts department at darch has all of the everyday as well as hard to find parts that you need to keep your emergency vehicle in top form. darch’s service professionals are ready to assist you with all of your maintenance and service needs including pump testing and scheduled fleet service.
DEPENDABLE EMERGENCY VEHICLES
275 clarence st., brampton, on l6W 3r3
tel: 905-453-6724
fax: 905-453-7716
toll free: 1-800-268-0871
e-mail: sales@dependable.ca
website: www.dependable.ca
pino natale
design & manufacture custom fire pumpers, rescues, tankers, aerials, haz-mat, air-lighting units, minis, ems & police support vehicles & equipment. collision and restoration estimates, complete on-site vehicle collision and restoration, large custom paint shop. Apparatus repairs and mto certification. spartan dealer, freightliner, sterling, international, Kenworth, peterbilt, mack, ford, general motors chassis. sales. service and parts for hale, darley and Waterous pumps. extensive parts inventory. sales and repairs of all makes of emergency lighting, hose, nozzles and fire related equipment. friendly, courteous and knowledgeable one stop shopping for fire apparatus and related equipment since 1975.
CANADIAN DEALER FOR:
CRIMSON FIRE, A spartan company
907 7th Avenue north, brandon, sd57005
tel: 605-582-4000
fax: 605-582-4001
website: www.crimson-fire.com
DIXON NORTHLINE
6350-4/5 netherhart road, mississauga, on l5t 1b8
tel: 905-564-5680
fax: 905-564-8822
toll free: 1-800-786-9697
e-mail: dlester@dixonvalve.com
website: www.dixonvalve.com
dean lester
dixon valve is a world leader in manufacturing with stocking locations worldwide. We have now combined our Aluminum northline product line with our brass powhatan product line and are proud to issue the new dixon fire 2012 catalogue. please contact a northline sales representative at 1-800-786-9697 to have a new catalogue sent to you. As always, we value your commitment supporting a canadian based manufacturer and look forward to working with you.
DRAGER SAFETY CANADA LTD.
7555 danbro cres., mississauga, on l5n 6p9
tel: 905-821-8988
fax: 905-821-2565
toll free: 1-877-372-4371
e-mail: sandi.davis-john@draeger.com
website: www.draeger.ca
sandi davis John
draeger tubes detect over 500 different gases. our gas Analyzer cms combines high accuracy with simplicity and flexibility. portable and fixed gas detection are available for many toxic and combustible gases. draeger’s respiratory line ranges from half mask cartridge respirators to s.c.b.A.’s. We also specialize in confined space training trailer, the live fire training systems, the swede survival flashover systems and submarine escape devices.
E-ONE, INC.
1601 s.W. 37th Ave., ocala, fl 34474
tel: 352-237-1122
fax: 352-237-1151
e-mail: info@e-one.com
website: www.e-one.com
cAnAdiAn deAlers
carrier emergency equipment
6 edmondson st., brantford, on n3t 5n3
phone: 519-752-5431
territory: ontario, Atlantic provinces
first truck specialty vehicles
18688 96th Avenue surrey, bc v4n 3p9
phone: 604-888-1424
territory: british columbia, Alberta, Yukon, northwest territories
techno feu Apparatus maintenance
105 marie-victorin, st. francois-du-lac, pQ J0g 1m0 phone: 450-568-2777
territory: Quebec
EASTWAY EMERGENCY VEHICLES
7 industrial Ave., carleton place, on K7c 3v7
tel: 613-257-8197
fax: 613-226-8517
toll free: 1-888-571-6842
e-mail: grivers@eastway911.com
website: www.eastway911.com
bill lowry, director of sales; greg rivers, sales eastway emergency vehicles designs and manufactures fire Apparatus for both major urban centers and small volunteer fire departments. each unit is built with the same attention to detail, ensuring quality, strength and durability. complete product lines of pumpers, tankers, rescue, Wildland and hazmat vehicles is available. design work is done using 3d solid modeling. All manufacturing is done at our carleton place facility. used fire trucks are available, each with factory certification and warranty. collision repairs and refurbs are performed with quick turn around, thus minimizing vehicle down time. financing is available with competitive rates and flexible payment terms. eastway emergency vehicles is proud to be celebrating 42 years as a 100% canadian family owned and operated business.
fantraxx manufactures a specialty line of air moving products for use by fire departments, utility companies and related industries. fantraxx products include positive pressure blowers, utility fans, confined space ventilators and related equipment.
APPARATUSSHOWCASE
Built on an International 4400 chassis, and powered by a 300-hp MaxxForce engine, this unit features a 1,250-gpm Hale pump and an 800-gallon Co-poly water tank.
DEPARTMENT: Central Manitoulin Fire Department, Ontario
WALK-AROUND HEAVY RESCUE – SAFETEK EMERGENCY VEHICLES/ SUPER VACUUM MANUFACTURING
Built on a Spartan MetroStar chassis, and powered by a 450-hp Cummins ISL engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission, this unit features ROM roll-up doors, a CL615 metal halide Command light, Holmatro CORE bulkhead fittings, a 48,000-BTU compartment heater, on-scene slide-out trays, four roof-mounted rescue ties with winch points, and a 9,000-pound portable winch.
DEPARTMENT: Strathcona County Emergency Services, Alberta
MATADOR PLATFORM AERIAL LADDER – CARL THIBAULT FIRE TRUCKS INC.
This unit was built on a Spartan Gladiator chassis, and is powered by a 500-hp Cummins ISX engine and an Allison 4000 EVS transmission. It features a 1,500-gpm Hale QMAX pump, a 300-gallon polypropylene water tank, a 104-foot platform ladder, a 6,000-watt Onan hydraulic generator, and a VMUX Multiplex system.
DEPARTMENT: Service d’Incendie de Granby, Québec
This unit features a 3,500-gallon POLY-Elliptical water tank, a Hale Portable pump, a rear 10-inch Newton dump and a Bowie drafting pump. It was built on a Freightliner M2-106 chassis, and is powered by a 380-hp Cummins ISC engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission.
DEPARTMENT: Athabasca County Fire Department, Alberta
This unit was built on a Freightliner M2-106 chassis, and is powered by a 350-hp Cummins ISC engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission. It features a 4,000-lpm Rosenbauer pump, a Rosenbauer FixMix and EX-Foam foam system, and a full Federal Signal warning package.
DEPARTMENT: Heart Lake First Nation, Alberta
SIDE-MOUNT PUMPER – WFR WHOLESALE FIRE & RESCUE/PIERCE
unit features a 1,250-gpm Waterous pump, a Husky foam system, a 1,000-(U.S.)
DEPARTMENT: Cypress County Emergency Services, Alberta
This
gallon water tank and an enclosed pump operator panel. It was built on an IHC chassis, and is powered by a 300-hp MaxxForce engine and an Allison 3000 EVS chassis.
DEPARTMENT: Westlock County Fire Services, Alberta
Built on a Spartan MetroStar chassis, and powered by a 400-hp Cummins ISL engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission, this unit features a 1,500-gpm Hale QMAX pump and a 2,000-gallon water tank.
DEPARTMENT: Kawartha Lakes Fire Department, Ontario
Built on an International chassis, and powered by a 330-hp MaxxForce engine and a 3500 EVS transmission, this unit features a 1,000-gpm Waterous pump, a FoamPro foam system, a 1,200-gallon water tank, two PTO pumps, six LED light towers, a removable winch with front, rear and side receptacles, a front storage bin in custom bumper, hydraulic ladder rack, a 5,000-watt generator and a PPV fan.
FDM SOFTWARE
113 - 949 West 3rd st., north vancouver, bc v7p 3p7
tel: 604-986-9941
fax: 604-986-7130
toll free: 1-800-986-9941
e-mail: info@fdmsoft.com
website: www.fdmsoftware.com
lynne boucher, Acct. mgr.
fdm software helps heroes to the rescue – and after: our fully integrated cAd, rms, and gis Analyst solutionsgive first responders immediate access to shared data. seamless access to critical information such as best route and hazmat details makes for a faster, morecomprehensive response. reporting is simplified with easy to use reporting tools plus real-time dashboarding and business intelligence technology. our scalable solutions are cost effective, ourimplementation and support is second to none –and we have 23 years proven experience in over 400 north American jurisdictions.
catherine connolly, Advertising manager firehall.com provides an excellent forum for exchange among firefighters and others involved in the fire service. Advertising options include banner ads and e-blasts and offer extensive exposure to the rank and file.
FORT GARRY FIRE TRUCKS LTD.
2521 inkster blvd., Winnipeg, mb r3c 2e6
tel: 204-594-3473
fax: 204-694-3230
toll free: 1-800-565-3473
e-mail: bnash@fgft.ca
website: www.fgft.com
brian nash
fort garry fire trucks offers a complete line of Quality fire Apparatus, including pumpers, tankers, rescues and Aerial ladders.
FIRE FIGHTING IN CANADA/CANADIAN FIREFIGHTER/EMS QUARTERLY
po box 530, 105 donly dr. s., simcoe, on n3Y 4n5
tel: 519-429-5178
fax: 888-404-1129
toll free: 1-888-599-2228 ext. 252
e-mail: fire@annexweb.com
website: www.firefightingincanada.com
publisher, martin mcAnulty; Advertising manager, catherine connolly; editor, laura King
Firehall BookStore, a division of Annex Publishing & Printing Inc.
po box 530, 105 donly drive s., simcoe, on n3Y 4n5
tel: 519-429-3006
fax: 1-877-624-1940
toll free: 1-877-267-3473
e-mail: bookstore@annexweb.com
website: www.annexbookstore.com
becky Atkinson
canadian distributors for nfpA, ifstA, pennwell, brady and Action training products.
first truck centre is your dealer for e-one fire apparatus for bc, Ab, nWt and Yukon. We offer the full line of emergency vehicles and parts and service.
FSI® NORTH AMERICA, A Division of Fire Safety International Inc.®
311 Abbe road, sheffield lake, oh 44054
tel: 440-949-2400
fax: 440-949-2900
e-mail: sales@fsinorth.com
website: www.fsinorth.com
mark conron, phil graham
full line supplier of mobile, portable & fixed hazmat decon showers, shelters, field hospitals, surge capacity systems and accessories. Also offer rescue boats, ppv fans, and ems supplies such as the fsi transporter disposable backboards, triage tape, fsi medical ‘field cots’ and mortuary supplies.
problem: Your current turnout gear restricts your performance. it’s physiology. When you move your arms to work in front of you or raise them up to work above you, you need more length across your back and more length under your arms or else your movements will be restricted. our AXtion™ back with full-length expansion pleats and AXtion™ sleeve with pleats and darts on the front and back of each sleeve allows unrestricted movement with or without an scbA and produces minimum coat rise when you reach up. globe firefighter suits - turning out the world’s best.
Built on an International 4400 chassis, and powered by a 330-hp International 4400 engine and an Allison transmission, this unit features 21 overhead storage compartments, an 18,000-BTU diesel heater, a mini-fridge, back-up cameras and Whelen LED emergency lights.
DEPARTMENT: Service d’Incendie de Ste-Julienne, Que.
RESCUE PUMPER – CARL THIBAULT FIRE TRUCKS INC.
This unit features a 1,250-gpm Hale QMAX pump, a FoamPro power-fill foam system, a 500-gallon polypropylene water tank and a Will-Burt night-scan 2.3 light tower with 12-volt LED lights. It was built on a Spartan MetroStar chassis, and is powered by a 450hp Cummins ISL engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission.
DEPARTMENT: London Fire Department, Ontario
MINI-PUMPER – FORT GARRY FIRE TRUCKS
Built on a Ford F-550 chassis, and powered by a 300-hp diesel engine and a six-speed Selectshift transmission, this unit features a 150-(U.S.) gpm Darley Mustang pump, a FoamPro foam system, a 205-(U.S.) gallon ProPoly water tank, a Jotto Desk cab console, custom rear-cab storage and FRC LED scene lighting.
Powered by a 400-hp Cummins engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission, this unit features a 1,250-gpm Waterous pump, a Husky foam system, and a 1,000-gallon water tank.
DEPARTMENT: Schreiber and Terrace Bay Fire Department, Ontario
Built on a Spartan MetroStar chassis, and powered by a 450-hp Cummins ISL engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission, this unit features a 1,500-gpm Waterous pump, an Advantus foam system and a 600-gallon water tank.
DEPARTMENT: Rocky View County Fire Services, Alberta
MAVERICK – RESQTECH/ROSENBAUER
This unit features a 1,250-gpm Rosenbauer pump, a 1,000-gallon water tank, an Akron front bumper monitor with joystick control in cab, a high-pressure hose reel with nozzle, portable tank storage and a Rosenbauer swivel dump. It was built on a Freightliner chassis, and is powered by a 330-hp Cummins ISC engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission.
DEPARTMENT: Township of Nipissing Fire Department, Ontario
SIDE-MOUNT PUMPER – WFR
Built on a Spartan
2012
Gladiator chassis, and powered by a 500-hp Cummins ISX engine and an Allison 4000 EVS transmission, this unit features a 3,000-gpm Hale pump, a National Foam Servo Command foam system, a 400-gallon water tank, a Smeal hydraulic hosebed, a 10-kilowatt Harrison generator, roll-up doors with on-scene lighting and a Whelen LED emergency lighting package.
DEPARTMENT: Suncor Energy Products, Alberta
This unit was built on an Arrow XT chassis, and is powered by a 400-hp Cummins ISL engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission. It feaures a 1,500-gpm Pierce pump, a Husky foam system, a 750-(U.S.) gallon water tank, a frontal impact protection package, a side-roll protection package, an enclosed pump operator panel, a Will-Burt night-scan light tower, rear- and side-view cameras, an automatic tire chain system, and a Pierce electronic stability control system.
DEPARTMENT: Pitt Meadows Fire & Rescue Services, British Columbia
HASTINGS
BRASS FOUNDRY LTD.
236 clark dr., vancouver, bc v5l 3h3
tel: 604-253-2811
fax: 604-253-3133
toll free: 1-800-653-2811
e-mail: hasbra@telus.net
website: www.hasbra.com
robert Worner
hAsbrA firefighting eQuipment - serving the firefighting community through Quality distributors since 1916. iso 9001-2000
JORDAIR COMPRESSORS INC.
101-7950 huston road, delta, bc v4g 1c2
tel: 604-940-8101
fax: 604-940-8131
toll free: 1-800-940-8101
e-mail: info@jordair.ca website: www.jordair.ca sean rowand
Jordair is an iso 9001-2008 accredited company founded in 1971 for the production of compression systems. Jordair offers a diverse range of standard and engineered compressed air and gas systems for specialized applications. proudly canadian, Jordair has supplied over 5,000 breathing air and gas compressors to a variety of canadian and global clients. Jordair is the exclusive canadian agent for bauer Kompressoren gmbh of munich, germany. Jordair products set the industry standard in safety and reliability. Jordair/bauer compressor systems are the number one choice for the fire departments, diving and the military in canada.
HELOC LTEE.
1080 chemin des prairies, Joliette, Qc J6e 0l4
tel: 450-759-4833
fax: 450-759-5685
toll free: 1-800-643-4833
e-mail: jackperreault@camionhelie.com
website: www.camionincendie.com
Jack perreault
sales, leasing, refurbishing, body repair, painting, detailing, mechanics, conversion, new “fort garry fire trucks” dealer in Quebec.
K&D PRATT GROUP INC.
55 Akerley blvd., burnside park, dartmouth, ns b3b 1m3
tel: 902-468-1955
fax: 902-468-6756
toll free: 1-800-567-1955
e-mail: peter.cardoulis@kdpratt.com or gary.bolt@kdpratt.com website: www.kdpratt.com peter cardoulis
126 glencoe dr., mount pearl, nl A1n 4p7 tel: 709-722-5690 toll free: 1-800-563-9595 contact: Wade parsons, peter cardoulis
e-mail: peter.cardoulis@kdpratt.com
K&d pratt represents numerous manufacturers and suppliers operating in all facets of the fire industry and delivers products, services and training that meet the needs of industrial, municipal and offshore clients in many varied and diverse situations. the products available include:
• Municipal and Industrial Fire Response Vehicles
• Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus – Supply and certified repair
• Workplace Preparation Products
• Fire Fighting and Rescue Equipment
• Municipal and Industrial Fire Hose
• Forest Fire Fighting Equipment
• Breathing Air Compressors
• Interior Hose Cabinets and Accessories
• Complete Line of Fire Fighting Protective Equipment
• Engineered and Pre-Engineered Fire Control System design and installation fully supported with our on-site technical and services division.
KENWOOD ELECTRONICS CANADA INC.
6070 Kestrel road, mississauga, on l5t 1s8
tel: 905-670-7211
fax: 905-670-7248
e-mail: mbutler@kenwood.ca website: www.kenwood.ca mike butler
KIDDE CANADA INC. – Angus Fire Division
340 four valley drive, vaughan, on l4K 5Z1
tel: 905-695-6060
fax: 905-660-4670
toll free: 1-800-667-0423
website: www.kiddecanada.com
contact us: Western canada sales – gary darling ext 6261 (gary.darling@kiddecanada.com), ontario, manitoba & Atlantic sales – Jeremy laviolette ext 6075 (Jeremy.laviolette@kiddecanada.com), Quebec sales – marcel demers ext 6264 (marcel.demers@kiddecanada.com), business support and information – mike calderone ext 6070 (mike.calderone@kiddecanada.com), inside sales & customer service – barry coldwell ext 6245 (barry.coldwell@kiddecanada,com). the legacy of Angus fire goes back over 200 years. tradition, combined with innovation has allowed Angus to become the world leader in the manufacture of fire fighting equipment.canada’s first choice in high quality hoses and foam products, the Angus fire brand offers performance second-to-none, while Kidde canada’s sales and technical support team ensure the legendary Angus fire service level is maintained to the highest industry standards.
APPARATUSSHOWCASE
This unit was built on a Freightliner M2-106 chassis, and is powered by a 300-hp Cummins ISC engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission. It features a Darley pump, a 2,000-gallon polypropylene T-style water tank, a rear swivel dump, a front monitor and LED warning lights.
DEPARTMENT: Athabasca County Fire Department, Alberta
This unit features a 1,250-gpm Waterous pump, a 500-gallon polypropylene water tank, a hydraulic ladder rack, a Command light tower, a 10,000-watt Smart Power hydraulic generator and a VMUX Multiplex system. It was built on a Spartan MetroStar chassis, and is powered by a 400-hp Cummins ISL engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission.
This unit features a 1,250-gpm Waterous pump, a 101-foot aerial ladder with platform, a Whelen and Federal Signal warning package, a Rosenbauer EZ-Load hosebed, a Rosenbauer Aerial Command Seat and Rosenbauer GreenStar idle-reduction technology. It was built on a Spartan Gladiator chassis, and is powered by a 500-hp Cummins ISX engine and an Allison 4000 EVS transmission.
DEPARTMENT: Prince Albert Fire Department, Saskatchewan
Built on a Spartan MetroStar chassis, and powered by a 400-hp Cummins ISL engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission, this unit features a 1,050-gpm Waterous pump, a FoamPro foam system, an 800-gallon ProPoly water tank, internal ladder storage, FRC scene lights and an eight-kilowatt Harrison hydraulic generator.
DEPARTMENT: Bible Hill Fire Brigade, Nova Scotia
This unit was built on a Pierce Arrow chassis, and is powered by a 500-hp Detroit Diesel engine and an Allison 4000 EVS transmission. It features a 2,000-gpm Waterous pump, a Husky foam system, a 300-(U.S.) gallon water tank, a 100-foot platform ladder, independent front suspension, a frontal impact protection package and a side-roll protection package.
DEPARTMENT: Leduc Fire Services, Alberta
Built on a Ford F-550 chassis, and powered by a 362-hp V-10 engine and a five-speed Torq Shift transmission, this unit features Slidemaster trays and tip-down shelves, Whelen scene lights, a Zico SCBA rack, a Xantrex power diverter and a Motorola Impres bank charger.
DEPARTMENT: Manitoba Hydro, Manitoba
Built on an International 7400 chassis, and powered by a 330-hp MaxxForce engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission, this unit features a 1,250-gpm Hale pump and a 2,500-gallon water tank.
DEPARTMENT: Smokey River Fire and Rescue, Alberta
Built on a Spartan MetroStar chassis, and powered by a 400-hp Cummins engine and an Allison 3000 EVP transmission, this unit features a 1,500-gpm Waterous pump, a 500-gallon water tank and a 3,000-watt Command light system.
DEPARTMENT: Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority, British Columbia
KOCHEK CO., INC.
3131 Autumn hill crescent, burlington, on l7m 1Z3
tel: 416-948-6124
fax: 905-592-1999
cell: 416-948-6124
e-mail: lkenyon@kochek.com
website: www.kochek.com
laura Kenyon, regional sales manager
At Kochek, we take pride in manufacturing only the finest quality strainers, fittings, adapters, suction hose systems and other specialty equipment to meet a wide variety of water transfer needs. our canadian warehouse is now well stocked to expedite shipments across the country. laura Kenyon looks forward to the opportunity to assist your industry or fire department in protecting the lives and homes in your community. for more information about Kochek products contact laura and please remember to check our website regularly for new information being added to help you in your fight against fires.
M&L SUPPLY
14935 county road 2, po box 269, ingleside, on K0c 1m0
tel: 1-866-445-3473
fax: 613-537-9449
toll free: 1-866-445-3473
e-mail: markp@mnlsupply.com
website: www.mnlsupply.com
mark prendergast, president
At m&l supply, fire & safety, we pride ourselves in being able to offer our customers top quality products and exceptional customer service. We are a team of 9 sales representatives knowledgeable about the equipment we sell and experienced in their use in real life situations. As part of our commitment to customer service, m&l supply is proud to offer 5 certified technicians and 3 service trailers for the service and repair of Amkus extrication equipment and task force tips nozzles, cutters edge, bullard, snap tite, chemguard, honeywell as well as sales and service for scott Airpaks®. We are also pleased to provide quantitative fit testing to assist departments in meeting the requirements of their individual respiratory protection programs. check us out on the web at www. mnlsupply.com and find out what we can do for you. You fight WhAt everYone feArs, We supplY the tools
LEVITT-SAFETY LIMITED,
2872 bristol circle, oakville, on l6h 5t5
tel: 905-829-3668
fax: 905-829-2919
toll free: 1-888-453-8488
website: www.levitt-safety.com
levitt-safety has over 75 years of experience and expertise in the fire and safety industry. We offer a wide variety of products and services emphasizing our unwavering commitment to the protection of fire fighters. depend on us to ensure your department stays safe and efficient.
MERCEDES TEXTILES LIMITED
tel: 514-335-4337 fax: 514-335-9633
website: www.mercedestextiles.com
robert l richardson, president W.s. (scott) fraser, canadian sales claude berube, Quebec sales
A “100% canadian” manufacture of “high performance” water delivery products for the municipal, forestry, industrial, Airport, and military fire services.
Fire Hose:
• The creator of KRAKENEXO™, the most advanced attack fire hose on the market, that weighs less, kinks less, and flows more water.
• Innovator of the highly visible MERTEX WAYOUT® couplings, designed for improved “firefighter safety” during interior suppression.
• Innovator of the iREFLECT™ Lock Lever Storz couplings, designed to greatly assist firefighters during ldh deployment and retrieval applications.
• Consistently the “lowest friction loss” available, in light weight, stress reducing fire hose.
• Our “Two Year All Hazards Warranty” is available in 1” through 6” hose diameters (specific products).
Portable Fire Pumps:
• High Pressure, light weight fire pumps for numerous applications.
Our Canadian Distributors:
• www.brenkir.com – NL
• www.cumings.ca – NS, NB, & PEI
• www.l’arsenal.ca – QC
• www.municipalequipment.ca – S./S.E. ONT
• www.superiorsafety.ca – N./N.W. ONT
• www.realsafety.ca – MB
• www.wfrfire.com – BC, AB, SK, YT, & NWT
METALFAB LTD.
847 central st., centreville, nbe7K 2e8 tel: 506-276-4551
fax: 506-276-3648
toll free: 1-800-561-0012
e-mail: rastacey@metalfabfiretrucks.com
website: www.metalfabfiretrucks.com
ryan A. stacey, cet, sales & marketing manager canadian manufacturer of customized fire department pumpers, tankers and rescue vehicles.
METZ FIRE AND RESCUE
3-304 stone rd. W., guelph on n1g 4W4 tel: 519-763-9955
canadian dealer for Kme fire Apparatus. specializing in custom and commercial pumpers, aerial, rescue, tankers and wildland units.
MIDWEST FIRE
po box 524, 901 commerce road, luverne, mn 56156
tel: 507-283-9141
fax: 507-293-9142
toll free: 1-800-344-2059
e-mail: bjmwf@iw.net
website: www.midwestfire.com
brett Jensen
midwest fire specializes in manufacturing tankers (tenders) and tanker-pumpers for fire departments world-wide. We are based in luverne, mn - the heart of the midwest and north America. since 1987, we’ve been in the business of serving one specific purpose: moving water for fire fighters like you. We don’t claim to be all things to all people, but we are proud of the reputation we’ve built by our commitment to being the best in everything that we do. midwest fire – We specialize in moving water.
APPARATUSSHOWCASE
Powered by a 450-hp Cummins engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission, this unit features a 1,250-gpm Waterous pump, a Husky foam system and a 1,800-gallon water tank.
DEPARTMENT: Rosemont District Fire Department, Ontario
This unit was built on a Freightliner M2-106 chassis, and is powered by a 380-hp Cummins engine and an Allison transmission. It features a 1,050-gpm Rosenbauer pump, roll-up doors and spatter coating.
DEPARTMENT: Ste-Anne-de-Madawaska, New Brunswick
This unit was built on an International 7600 chassis, and is powered by a 430-hp MaxxForce engine and an Allison 4000 EVS transmission. It features a 4,000-gallon POLY-Elliptical water tank, a Hale pump, front curb, front street and 10-inch Newton dumps, a rearview camera and a notched pump configuration.
DEPARTMENT: Milton Fire District, New York
This unit was built on a Freightliner chassis, and is powered by a 330-hp Cummins ISC engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission. It features a 500-gpm Darley pump, a 1,750-gallon water tank and a Rosenbauer swivel dump.
DEPARTMENT: St. Marys Fire Department, Ontario
Built on a Sutphen chassis, and powered by a 450-hp Cummins ISL engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission, this unit features a 1,250-gpm Hale QMAX pump, a Williams foam system, a 500-(U.S.) gallon water tank, an 85-foot ground ladder package, five SCBA tanks, a 10-kilowatt Smart Power generator and FRC Focus lights.
DEPARTMENT: Springhill Fire Department, Nova Scotia
This unit was built on a Saber chassis, and is powered by a 400-hp Cummins ISL engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission. It features a 1,250-gpm Waterous pump, a Pierce Husky foam system, and a 1,000-(U.S.) gallon water tank.
DEPARTMENT: Municipal District of Foothills Fire Department, Alberta
Built on a Spartan Gladiator chassis, and powered by a 425-hp Cummins ISL engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission, this unit features a Command light and traffic flow board, a 1,000-pound traverse, on-scene slide-out trays, compartment heating, SCBA bottle storage in wheel wells and a Whelen lighting package.
DEPARTMENT: Calgary Fire Department, Alberta
Service
This unit was built on an International 7500 chassis, and is powered by a 350-hp MaxxForce engine and an Allison transmission. It features a 150-gpm Hale pump, roll-up doors with spatter coating and Whelen LED emergency lights.
DEPARTMENT:
d’Incendie de Ste-Julienne, Que.
MOBILE
POWER SOLUTIONS
#2-120 ram forest rd., gormley, on l0h 1g0
tel: 905-841-3770
fax: 905-841-6016
toll free: 1-877-841-3770
e-mail: mobilepower@bellnet.ca
website: www.mobilepowersolutions.ca pierre latulippe
canadian distributor for Kussmaul electronics, dc electrical design and troubleshooting. We repair all brands of inverters and battery chargers.
MSA – The Safety Company
5535 eglinton Ave. W., ste. 222, toronto, on m9c 5K5
tel: 416-620-2533
fax: 416-620-9697
toll free: 1-800-msA-2222
e-mail: info@msanet.com
website: www.msAsafety.com
Kerin sparks
With its wide range of industry leading scbA’s, cairns helmets and thermal imaging cameras, msA has been meeting the needs of firefighters and first responders for more than half a century and now serves more than one million firefighters and emergency responders in north America.
NFPA
c/o Annex bookstore, po box 530, 105 donly dr. s., simcoe, onn3Y 4n5
tel: 519-429-3006
fax: 1-877-624-1940
toll free: 1-877-267-3473
e-mail: bookstore@annexweb.com
website: www.annexbookstore.com becky Atkinson
ONSPOT OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
555 lordship blvd., stratford, ct 06615-7124
tel: 203-377-0777
fax: 203-380-0441
toll free: 1-800-766-7768
e-mail: onspot@onspot.com
website: www.onspot.com
patrick d. freyer, president
this system permanently fastens to the vehicle’s rear suspension and allows the operator to engage and disengage tire chains at the flip of a dashboard switch without stopping, to enhance traction and braking in forward or reverse.
ONTARIO FIRE TRUCK INC.
1397 old hwy. 99, dundas, on l9h 5e3
tel: 905-628-3324, cell: 905-577-3471
fax: 905-627-0521
toll free: 1-800-474-6698
e-mail: sales@ontariofiretruck.com
website: www.ontariofiretruck.com
Wayne robillard, earl lewis, Jason lewis, Jacqueline robillard
ontario fire truck inc. is ontario’s first choice for fire Apparatus service & sales. We are your first and only call for fire Apparatus service, sales & testing! We offer you the finest repairs in the industry; we offer a 24 hour, 7 days a week service. All of our service staff is fully licensed class “A” & “t” both provincially and evt certified. We are fully insured and have over 30 years experience combined to provide the best service at your location. our fully stocked mobile service trucks travel all over ontario! Why take your truck anywhere, we come to you for both service and testing! “You’re test site or our mobile pump test trailer” our sales staff has over 60 years combined experience in the fire industry, we offer only the finest fire apparatus, and our company believes only the best will do! We are the authorized sales and service company for many fire apparatus and equipment companies. “the bitterness of poor quality remains, long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten”
PIERCE MANUFACTURING
po box 2017, Appleton, Wi 54912-2017
tel: 920-832-3231
fax: 920-832-3084
website: www.piercemfg.com
pierce manufacturing inc., an oshkosh corporation (nYse: osK) company, is the leading north American manufacturer of custom fire apparatus. products include custom and commercial pumpers, aerials, rescue trucks, wildland trucks, mini-pumpers, elliptical tankers, and homeland security apparatus. in addition, pierce designs its own foam systems and was the first company to introduce frontal airbags and the side roll protection™ system to fire apparatus. to learn more about pierce, visit http://www.piercemfg.com
POWERFLARE CORP.
1500 e hamilton Ave., ste. 112, campbell, cA 95008
tel: 408-412-8089
fax: 408-429-8660
toll free: 1-877-256-6907
e-mail: tom@pfdistributioncenter.com
website: www.pfdistributioncenter.com
tom richards, vice president, distribution services portable led emergency lights. 10 user selectable flash patterns. rugged, waterproof, floats, can be run over. led’s - red, blue, red/blue combination, amber, red/amber combination, green, white, infrared. battery or rechargeable versions. Weight - 7 ounces. used by hundreds of fire departments in the u.s. and around the world.
Built on a Spartan Gladiator chassis, and powered by a 445-hp Detroit Diesel engine and an Allison 4000 EVS transmission, this unit features a 2,000-gpm Waterous pump, a FoamPro foam system, a 600-gallon water tank, a concealed ladder rack, a Holmatro CORE bulkhead at front bumper and winch receivers for low-angle rescue.
DEPARTMENT: Central Saanich Fire Department, British Columbia
TANKER – WFR WHOLESALE FIRE & RESCUE/PIERCE
This unit was built on a Freightliner M2-106 chassis, and is powered by a 360-hp Cummins ISB engine and an Allsion 3000 EVS transmission. It features a 500-gpm Darley pump, a 2,000-(U.S.) gallon water tank, an automatic tire chain system, and a Newton electric control rear dump valve.
DEPARTMENT: Municipal District of Foothills Fire Department, Alberta
This unit was built on an Arrow-XT chassis, and is powered by a 515-hp Detroit engine and an Allison 4000 EVS transmission. It features a 2,000-gpm Waterous pump, a FoamPro foam system, a 300-gallon water tank and a 100-foot ladder.
DEPARTMENT: Bradford West-Gwillimbury
AERO-FIRE
This unit features 530 cubic feet of equipment storage space, 125 cubic feet of top compartment storage space, and a VMUX Multiplex system. It was built on a Freightliner M2-106 chassis, and is powered by a 330-hp Cummins ISC engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission.
DEPARTMENT: Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield Fire Department, Ontario
This unit was built on a Freightliner chassis, and is powered by a 350-hp Cummins ISC engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission. It features a 3,000-gallon semi-elliptical aluminum water tank.
DEPARTMENT: South Stormont Fire Department, Ontario
DEPARTMENT:
DEPARTMENT:
Fire & Emergency Services, Ontario
This unit was built on a Spartan chassis, and is powered by a 450-hp Cummins ISL engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission. It features a Darley pump, a FoamPro foam system and a 500-gallon water tank.
Brandon Fire & Emergency Services, Manitoba
This unit features a Rosenbauer pump, roll-up doors with spatter coating and Whelen LED emergency lights. It was built on an International 7500 chassis, and is powered by a 350-hp MaxxForce engine and an Allison transmission.
DEPARTMENT: Municipalite L’ange-Gardien, Québec
This unit features a 300-gpm Waterous pump, a Pneumax compressed-air foam system, a FoamPro foam system and a roll-out staircase for access to roof-top storage. It was built on a Spartan MetroStar chassis, and is powered by a 380-hp Cummins ISC engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission.
Nexen Inc., Alberta
RESQTECH SYSTEMS INC.
189 bysham park drive, Woodstock, on n4t 1p1
tel: 519-539-0645
fax: 519-539-0646
toll free: 1-800-363-7370
e-mail: resqtech@resqtech.com
website: www.resqtech.com
brian innis
resQtech systems inc has been serving satisfied customers in the fire industry since 1985, offering a complete line of fire apparatus and fire fighting equipment. As the ontario rosenbauer dealer, resQtech has a large selection of custom fire apparatus available for your next purchase including: pumpers, rescues, hazmat, platforms, Aerials and specialized vehicles.resQtech is the exclusive dealer of interspiro scbA, phoschek foam, Junkyard dog stabilization struts, ram fan ppv fans and is the master dealer for elkhart brass products in ontario. A variety of other products are available at resQtech, including but not limited to, helmets, bunker gear, portable and hand lights, hose, foam, nozzles, monitors , mounting brackets and much more. utilizing 26 years of knowledge and experience in the fire industry, resQtech is able to provide its customers with a complete line of firefighting solutions that meet their every need.
SAFETEK GROUP OF COMPANIES
30686A matsqui place, Abbotsford, bc v2t 6l4
tel: 1-866-723-3835
fax: 604-850-2397
toll free: 1-866-723-3835
e-mail: sales@firetrucks.ca
website: www.firetrucks.ca
John Witt, president
ROCKY MOUNTAIN
PHOENIX
head office: 6415 golden West Ave., red deer, Ab t4p 3X2
tel: 403-347-7045
fax: 403-347-7049
toll free: 1-800-494-4210
e-mail: info@rockymountainphoenix.com
website: www.rockymountainphoenix.com
rocky mountain phoenix is a leader in the supply of vehicle solutions, products and services to the emergency response and fire combat industry.
safetek is canada’s leading provider of firefighting and rescue apparatus. for more than twenty years, the canadian fire service has come to count on safetek as their source of high quality emergency service apparatus. this includes smeal engines and aerials, svi rescue and special operations vehicles, danko tankers and wildland units and green Acres commercial pumpers and tankers. safetek has a complete range of products from quick attack units and mobile water supply trucks to sophisticated rescue pumpers and aerial devices.
don King, vice-president/sales specialists in firefighters protective clothing. complete line of thermal protective ppe globe firefighters suits, shelby ‘firewall’ gloves, globe ems lifeline, black diamond footwear, pgi cobra hoods & Wildland clothing, Workrite stationwear, firefighters helmets, cairns protective clothing. globe footgear, globe usAr clothing/tech rescue, topps safety Apparel, stationwear.
• Exclusive Dealer Network Coast to Coast.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN PHOENIX
103-2285 Queen st., Abbotsford, bc v2t 6t3
tel: 604-864-7303
fax: 604-864-4938
toll free: 1-888-815-0500
e-mail: info@rockymountainphoenix.com
website: www.rockymountainphoenix.com
Your complete source for msA scbA, thermal imaging, protective clothing, suppression tools and equipment. visit our online catalogue at www. rockymountainphoenix.com
profire emergency equipment inc. is a member of the safetek group of companies and responsible for handling all of the group’s equipment sales, parts, service and warranty activities from coast to coast. profire has the experience and expertise to handle all of your parts, service, warranty as well as annual pump and aerial test inspection requirements. supporting the canadian fire service for over 25 years, profire is headquartered in Abbotsford, bc and has additional service facilities in leduc, Ab and mississauga, on, providing both mobile and in-house service. the company employs over 20 people from coast to coast including 11 emergency vehicle technicians (evt). Working closely with safetek, profire is the authorized parts and service centre for smeal fire Apparatus co., svi trucks, spartan motors and American lafrance. in addition, safetek has fully qualified sub-contracted service support in manitoba, nova scotia and new brunswick. Abbotsford, bc - heAdQuArters 30686-A matsqui place,Abbotsford, bc v2t 6l4
sales: 1-866-723-3835
service: 1-877-776-3473
leduc, AlbertA #105-3912 77 Avenue,leduc, Ab t9e 0b9 sales: 1-866-723-3835
securitrim 2002 is a specialized supplier of both 3m and reflexite microprismatic reflective sheeting for commercial and emergency vehicle graphics. brighter graphics enhance motorist safety and is now mandated by law for fire apparatus. securitrim 2002 is marketing
RCHEKpoints
for installation over diamond checker plate. microprismatic custom made one piece pre-striping is now available in easy to install sheets, excellent for full rear coverage.
APPARATUSSHOWCASE
PUMPER – DEPENDABLE EMERGENCY VEHICLES MOBILE COMMAND CENTRE (REFURB)
This unit was built on a Spartan Gladiator ELFD chassis, and is powered by a 450-hp Cummins ISL engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission. It features a 2,000-gpm Hale Qmax pump, a FoamPro 2002 foam system and a 650-gallon water tank.
DEPARTMENT: Central York Fire Services, Ontario
PUMPER – FORT GARRY FIRE TRUCKS
This unit was built on an International chassis, and is powered by a 330-hp MaxxForce engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission. It features a Darley pump, a FoamPro foam system, a 750-gallon water tank and a Command Light light package.
DEPARTMENT: Dawn-Euphemia Fire Department, Ontario
This unit was built on an HME chassis with a pinched frame and a Hackney body. It features an automatic body-levelling and stabilizing system, electronically operated awning, a 30-kilowatt diesel generator, a Will-Burt night-scan light tower, an integrated kitchen and slide-out room modules with four computer workstations.
DEPARTMENT: Oakville Fire Department, Ontario
TANDEM PUMPER-TANKER – ROCKY MOUNTAIN PHOENIX/ROSENBAUER
This unit features a 1,050-gpm Waterous pump, a hydraulic ladder rack, a hydraulic portable tank rack, a Rosenbauer swivel dump and a Rosenbauer EX-Climb rear access ladder. It was built on a Freightliner M2-112 chassis, and is powered by a 410-hp Detroit engine and an Allison 4000 EVS transmission.
DEPARTMENT: Portage la Prairie Fire Department, Manitoba
and
This unit was built on a Freightliner M2-112 chassis, and is powered by a 450-hp Detroit Diesel engine and an Allison 4000 EVS transmission. It features a Hale Q-Flo pump, a FoamPro foam system, a 500-gallon water tank, a hydraulic ladder rack and Stokes basket storage on the hosebed.
Christina Lake Fire Department, British Columbia
This unit was built on a Freightliner M2-106 chassis, and is powered by a 350-hp Cummins ISC engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission. It features a Darley pump, a 1,000-gallon polypropylene water tank, Extenda-Lite lights, a slide-out tray at the rear, and an electric awning.
DEPARTMENT: Savannah Fire District, New York
Built
Velocity chassis, and powered by
450-hp Cummins ISX engine
an Allison 4000 EVS transmission, this unit features a 2,000-gpm Waterous pump, a Pierce Hercules compressed-air foam system, a Pierce Husky foam system, a 500-(U.S.) gallon water tank, independent front suspension, a frontal impact protection package, a side-roll protection package, a TFT Hurricane RC monitor and a hydraulic ladder rack.
DEPARTMENT: Nanaimo Fire Rescue, British Columbia
This unit was built on an International 4400 chassis, and is powered by a 300-hp MaxxForce engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission. It features a Hale Q-Flo pump, a Hale Foam Logix foam system and a 1,000-gallon water tank.
DEPARTMENT: Johnson Fire Department, Ontario
SEATS CANADA INC.
1800 bonhill road, mississauga, on l5t 1c8
tel: 905-364-5843
fax: 905-364-7822
e-mail: seatsinfo@seatscanada.com
website: www.seatscanada.com
hasan mohammed
We offer a complete line of quality emergency vehicle seating for driver, officer, crew, wall mount and jump seats. engineered for comfort and safety, these seats have easy exit flip-up split headrest and are manufactured in a wide variety of covering material.
SPECTRUM NASCO
150 pony drive, newmarket, on l3Y 7b6
tel: 905-898-0031 ext. 4918
fax: 905-898-0035
toll free: 1-800-668-0600 ext. 4918
e-mail: shaywood@spectrumed.com
website: www.healthcare.spectrum-nasco.ca
stacey haywood, health care catalogue director spectrum nasco is pleased to provide firefighters with quality training aides for the important work that you do. We manufacture high quality manikins for use in simulation, from rescue randy, to water rescue manikins to the new high functioning smArt (scenario-based medically Advanced resuscitation trainer) stAt manikin that can run completely wireless through a battery pack in the leg. the trainer runs the scenarios through a pocket pc and can run up to 6 manikins at one time. the smArt stAt is economically priced and is approximately one third of the price of comparable manikins on the market. please contact stacey haywood for more information.
TASK FORCE TIPS, INC.
3701 innovation Way, valparaiso, in 46383-9327
tel: 219-462-6161
fax: 219-464-7155
toll free: 1-800-348-2686
e-mail: sales@tft.com website: www.tft.com
rod carringer, vp of sales and marketing; Jim menkee, national sales mgr.; brian podsiadlik, cdn. mgr.
We go the extra mile to give you personalized service that is second to none. technical assistance is available when you need it, from knowledgeable staff with many years of fire service experience. our helpful sales staff stands ready to assist you, whether it’s simply to accept your order, quote pricing, or to answer your questions. if it’s service or repair parts that you need, our service department will help you get to the root of your problem and offer the best solution to meet your needs with 24 hour turn around on all equipment sent back for service. providing the best service to our customers is not just a goal, it’s our way of doing business every day here at task force tips. please contact our local authorized distributor for all your fire suppression needs: K & d pratt, ltd. (maritime and Atlantic) 800-563-9595; Abc fire and safety (Winnipeg, mb) 800-665-1250; boivin & gauvin inc. (l’Ancienne-lorette, Qc) 800-463-1590; m & l fire & safety (ingleside, on) 886-445-3473; superior safety (thunder bay, on) 800-465-6822; Wholesale fire & rescue (bc, Ab, sK, Yt, nWt, nt) 800-5610400
WATEROUS COMPANY
125 hardman Ave. s., south st. paul, mn 55075
tel: 651-450-5000
fax: 651-450-5090
e-mail: pumpsales@waterousco.com
website: www.waterousco.com
Jim fazekas, national sales mgr., usA and canada Waterous leads the way in the fire pump suppression industry. With bold new products that will change the way we fight fires. With a full range of fire pumps, foam and cAfsystems, portable pumps and pump modules, Waterous has the fire fighting solution for any type of fire.
James gibson, mark richardson, mathew conte Wfr is a stocking warehouse distributor as well as a manufacturer of a complete line of fire and rescue equipment, supplying Western canadian fire departments with a full line of equipment for all their needs. We are the exclusive distributor of the pierce line of fire trucks for Western canada.
STARFIELD - LION COMPANY
23 benton road, toronto, on m6m 3g2
tel: 416-789-4354
fax: 416-789-5475
toll free: 1-800-473-5553
e-mail: infostarfield-lion@lionprotects.com
website: www.starfieldlion.com
robert hosselet, national sales manager; francesca solano, marketing & merchandising co-ordinator; rosanne Kalenuik, Administrative manager; scott coleman, regional sales mgr., Western canada. fire fighter and emergency responder protective clothing:
• Proudly Canadian made
• Compliant with NFPA, CGSB standards for firefighter clothing
We build:
* bunker gear
* fire retardant station clothing
* coveralls
* Wildland fire fighting garments and much more for information on availability or to obtain our full-line catalogue, please contact us today at 1-800-473-5553
UNIFOAM COMPANY LIMITED
5746 finch Ave., unit 2, scarborough, on m1b 5r2 tel: 416-335-0514
fax: 416-335-0515
e-mail: unifoam@total.net
website: www.total.net/~unifoam george vestergom Jr.
manufacture and development of fire fighting foams - Alcohol resistant, Afff, class A, training foams as well as Wetting Agents, foam control Agents and fluorosurfactants.
ZIAMATIC CORP. (ZICO)
10 West college Ave., po box 337, Yardley, pA 19067-8337
Ziamatic corp. (Zico) was founded in 1958 with the intention of providing the men and women of the fire services industry with products that make their profession safer and easier. over 50 years later those ideas still stand – innovative, quality products at an affordable price. if you want quality, you want Zico.
APPARATUSSHOWCASE
This unit was built on a Freightliner chassis, and is powered by a 410-hp DD13 engine and an Allison 4000 EVS transmission. It features a Hale Q-Flo pump, a 2,500-gallon water tank and an electric Porta-Tank storage system.
This unit was built on a Velocity chassis, and is powered by a 500-hp Detroit engine and an Allison 4000 EVS transmission. It features a 1,500-gpm PUC pump, a Husky foam system and a 1,000-gallon water tank.
DEPARTMENT: Toronto Pearson Airport, Ontario
TOP-MOUNT ENCLOSED PUMPER – WFR WHOLESALE FIRE & RESCUE/PIERCE
Built on an Impel custom chassis, and powered by a 450-hp Cummins ISL engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission, this unit features a 1,750-gpm Waterous pump, a Pierce Husky foam system, a 750-(U.S.) gallon water tank, independent front suspension, a frontal impact protection package and a side-roll protection package.
DEPARTMENT: Okotoks Fire Department, Alberta
This unit was built on a Spartan MetroStar chassis, and is powered by a 450-hp Cummins ISL engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission. It features a 1,750-gpm Waterous pump, a 300-gallon water tank, a Stokes basket storage on the base section, an EZ-R hosebed, roll-up doors and an enclosed pump panel.
DEPARTMENT: Sparwood Fire Department, British Columbia
This unit was built on a Spartan Gladiator chassis, and is powered by a 550-hp Cummins ISX engine and an Allison 4000 EVS transmission. It features a 1,750-gpm Waterous pump, a Waterous Advantus foam system, a 300-gallon water tank, a dual Waterous foam power-fill and a Smeal aerial status display.
DEPARTMENT: Fort St. John Fire Department, British Columbia
This unit was built on a Freightliner chassis, and is powered by a 330-hp Cummins ISC engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission. It features a 500-gpm Waterous pump, a 1,500-gallon water tank, electronic side dumps, manual rear dumps, portable tank storage and a Rosenbauer EZ-Climb ladder.
DEPARTMENT: Perth East Fire Department, Ontario
Built on a Freightliner M2-106 chassis, and powered by a 350-hp Cummins ISC engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission, this unit features a Darley pump, a 2,000-gallon polypropylene T-style water tank, rear curb, rear street and rear 10-inch Newton dumps, an extended front bumper with hose well and LED warning lights.
DEPARTMENT: Umatilla Tribal Fire Department, New York
CARL
Built on a Freightliner M2-106 chassis, and powered by a 280-hp Cummins ISB engine and an Allison 2500 EVS transmission, this unit features 250 cubic feet of interior equipment storage space, 230 cubic feet of exterior storage space, and a VMUX Multiplex system.
DEPARTMENT: Trois-Rivières Fire Department, Québec
APPARATUS DIRECTORY RESTRICTIONS ON USE
All informAtion contained in this apparatus directory, both product and company listings, is for the exclusive use of the purchaser and is to be used solely by the purchaser. none of the information included in this directory may be used to create, in whole or in part, any mailing list or other data compilation, in written or electronic form, that is to be sold or otherwise distributed to any third party. the purchaser may not include directory information as part of their own marketing materials. failure to comply with these restrictions will constitute violations both of this agreement and the copyright laws of canada. purchase and use of this directory constitute acceptance of the restrictions set forth herein.
Although Fire Fighting In Canada magazine makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this directory, it must rely on others over whom it has no control for certain information. purchaser acknowledges that Fire Fighting In Canada magazine and its publishers cannot and do not guarantee or warrant that the information in the directory is complete, correct or current. Additions or corrections are invited at any time. for more information on appearing in a future edition of the directory, please contact the publisher at 1-888-599-2228 ext. 252. W
ADAPTERS
A.J. stone
Aréo-fire
c-max
canadian safety eqpt.
darch fire dependable
dixon northline
eastway emergency fort garry
hastings brass heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
K&d pratt
Kidde canada - Angus fire Kochek co., inc.
levitt-safety
m&l supply
mercedes textiles
metz fire
ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency
task force tips
Wfr Wholesale
AERIAL REPAIRS
Aréo-fire
c-max
carl thibault emergency
cet fire pumps
darch fire dependable
e-one, inc.
eastway emergency fort garry
heloc ltee.
metz fire
ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency
Wfr Wholesale
AERIAL TESTING
Aréo-fire
c-max
cet fire pumps dependable fort garry
heloc ltee.
K&d pratt
metz fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency
Wfr Wholesale
AERIALS
A.J. stone
Aréo-fire
c-max
carl thibault emergency
cet fire pumps
darch fire dependable
e-one, inc. eastway emergency first truck centre fort garry heloc ltee.
K&d pratt metz fire ontario fire pierce manufacturing resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix safetek emergency
Wfr Wholesale
AIRPORT CRASH TRUCKS dependable e-one, inc. eastway emergency first truck centre fort garry heloc ltee.
K&d pratt metz fire ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix safetek emergency
ALTERNATORS
A.J. stone
c-max darch fire heloc ltee. hub fire engines metalfab mobile power solutions ontario fire
darch fire dependable fort garry heloc ltee. m&l supply
ontario fire
rocky mountain phoenix safetek emergency
BACK-UP ALARMS
A.J. stone
c-max
darch fire dependable
eastway emergency
fort garry
heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
K&d pratt
metalfab
mobile power solutions
ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency
Wfr Wholesale
BATTERIES
A.J. stone
darch fire
heloc ltee. mobile power solutions
ontario fire
safetek emergency
BELLS
c-max
darch fire dependable
eastway emergency
fort garry
heloc ltee.
K&d pratt
ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
BOATS
A.J. stone
canadian safety eqpt.
fsi n.A.
m&l supply
ontario fire
rocky mountain phoenix
BRAKES
c-max
darch fire
fort garry
heloc ltee.
ontario fire
BRUSH TRUCKS
A.J. stone
cet fire pumps
darch fire dependable
eastway emergency
first truck centre
fort garry
heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
K&d pratt
metalfab
metz fire
ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency
Wfr Wholesale
Ziamatic corp. (Zico)
BUNKER GEAR
canadian safety eqpt. globe mfg. heloc ltee.
levitt-safety
m&l supply
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safedesign Apparel
starfield - lion
Wfr Wholesale
CARGO SLIDES/TRAYS
darch fire
eastway emergency
heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
mobile power solutions
ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency
CASES – WATERPROOF
A.J. stone
canadian safety eqpt. darch fire
levitt-safety m&l supply ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
CHASSIS
A.J. stone c-max darch fire dependable
eastway emergency first truck centre fort garry heloc ltee. hub fire engines
metalfab ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency
Wfr Wholesale
C02 SYSTEMS
heloc ltee.
K&d pratt
Kidde canada - Angus fire m&l supply resQtech systems
COMMAND POSTS –MOBILE
Aréo-fire
canadian safety eqpt. darch fire dependable
eastway emergency first truck centre fort garry fsi n.A.
heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
industries lafleur
K&d pratt
metalfab
metz fire
mobile power solutions
ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency
Wfr Wholesale
COMMUNICATIONS
EQUIPMENT – ON-BOARD Aréo-fire
canadian safety eqpt. heloc ltee.
K&d pratt
Kenwood electronics msA ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix safetek emergency
Wfr Wholesale
COMPARTMENT DOORS
c-max
darch fire dependable
eastway emergency fort garry
heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
K&d pratt
metalfab ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency
Wfr Wholesale
COMPARTMENT FLOORING
A.J. stone
Aréo-fire
c-max
darch fire dependable
eastway emergency
fort garry
heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
K&d pratt
metalfab ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix safetek emergency
COMPARTMENT LIGHTING
c-max
canadian safety eqpt. darch fire dependable
eastway emergency fort garry
APPARATUSSHOWCASE
Built on a Saber custom chassis, and powered by a 450-hp Cummins ISL engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission, this unit features a Husky foam system, a 1,000-(U.S.) gallon water tank, a Will-Burt night-scan LED light tower and ground sweep nozzles.
DEPARTMENT: Sundre Fire Department, Alberta
This unit was built on a Spartan MetroStar chassis, and is powered by a 380-hp Cummins ISC engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission. It features an 8,000-lpm Waterous pump, a FoamPro foam system, a 600-gallon water tank, 10-foot, 14-foot and 24-foot ladders, an eight-kilowatt Harrison hydraulic generator, a Federal Signal LED warning light package, a Garmin GPS, Amdor roll-up doors and a Setcom intercom system.
DEPARTMENT: CFB Esquimalt Fire Department, British Columbia
This unit was built on a Freightliner M2-106 chassis, and is powered by a 350-hp Cummins ISC engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission.
DEPARTMENT: Petrolia North Enniskillen Fire Department, Ontario
This unit was built on a Spartan chassis, and is powered by a 525-hp CAT C13 engine and an Allison 4000 EVS transmission. It features a 1,500-gpm Waterous pump, a 500-gallon water tank, a Waterous Eclipse compressed-air foam system, a Waterous Advantus foam system, a hydraulic ladder rack and an eight-kilowatt Onan hydraulic generator.
DEPARTMENT: West Kelowna Fire Rescue, British Columbia
This unit features a Rosenbauer pump, roll-up doors with spatter coating and Whelen LED emergency lights. It was built on a Freightliner M2-106 chassis, and is powered by a 300-hp Cummins ISC engine and an Allison transmission.
DEPARTMENT: Pratt & Whitney Canada, Québec
Built on a Spartan Gladiator chassis, and powered by a 525-hp Caterpillar engine and an Allison 4000 EVS transmission, this unit features a 2,000-gpm Hale pump, a FoamPro foam system, a 30-gallon foam tank, a 250-gallon water tank, a six-kilowatt PTO generator and Elkhart electric valves.
DEPARTMENT: Peterborough Fire & Rescue, Ontario
This unit was built on a Spartan MetroStar chassis, and is powered by a 380-hp Cummins ISC engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission. It features an 8,000-lpm Waterous pump, a FoamPro foam system, an 800-gallon water tank, 10-foot, 14-foot and 24-foot ladders, an eight-kilowatt Harrison hydraulic generator, a Federal Signal LED warning light package, a Setcom intercom system, a Garmin GPS and Amdor roll-up doors.
DEPARTMENT: CFB Halifax Fire Department, Nova Scotia
Built on a Spartan Gladiator chassis, and powered by a 500-hp Cummins ISM engine and an an Allison 4000 EVS transmission, this unit features a 1,250-gpm Waterous pump, a 102-foot, four-section aerial ladder, a full Whelen warning package, a Rosenbauer-Metz self-levelling turntable and a removable basket.
DEPARTMENT: Victoria Fire Department, British Columbia
heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
metz fire
mobile power solutions
ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency
Wfr Wholesale
COMPRESSED AIR FOAM SYSTEMS
A.J. stone
Aréo-fire
c-max
canadian safety eqpt.
carl thibault emergency
cet fire pumps
darch fire
dependable
eastway emergency
first truck centre
fort garry
heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
K&d pratt
levitt-safety
m&l supply
metalfab
metz fire
ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency
Waterous
Wfr Wholesale
COMPRESSORS
A.J. stone
Aréo-fire
c-max
canadian safety eqpt.
darch fire dependable
dräger
eastway emergency
fort garry
heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
Jordair compressors
K&d pratt
levitt-safety
m&l supply
metalfab
mobile power solutions
ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency
Wfr Wholesale
COMPUTER MOUNTS
darch fire dependable
hub fire engines
m&l supply
mobile power solutions
ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency
Wfr Wholesale
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
fdm software
m&l supply
ontario fire
COMPUTERS – APPARATUS
MOUNTED
heloc ltee.
ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency
Wfr Wholesale
CONSULTING – VEHICLE INSPECTION
c-max
heloc ltee. mobile power solutions
ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix safetek emergency
CORROSION CONTROL
c-max
fort garry heloc ltee. resQtech systems
CRIBBING
A.J. stone
c-max
canadian safety eqpt. darch fire dependable heloc ltee.
K&d pratt
m&l supply ontario fire resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix Wfr Wholesale
DECK MATTING
A.J. stone
c-max darch fire dependable eastway emergency fort garry heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
K&d pratt
m&l supply metalfab ontario fire resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency Wfr Wholesale
DECK MONITORS
A.J. stone
Akron brass company
c-max
canadian safety eqpt. darch fire dependable eastway emergency fort garry heloc ltee. hub fire engines
K&d pratt
m&l supply metalfab ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency task force tips Wfr Wholesale
DECONTAMINATION SYSTEMS
A.J. stone
canadian safety eqpt. darch fire
fsi n.A. heloc ltee.
K&d pratt
Kidde canada - Angus fire
m&l supply resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency
DETECTION SYSTEMS
canadian safety eqpt.
dräger
heloc ltee.
K&d pratt
m&l supply resQtech systems
DOCK LIGHTS
A.J. stone
canadian safety eqpt.
fort garry
heloc ltee.
K&d pratt
m&l supply
mobile power solutions
ontario fire
safetek emergency
DRY CHEMICAL SYSTEMS
A.J. stone
canadian safety eqpt.
fort garry
heloc ltee.
K&d pratt
Kidde canada - Angus fire
levitt-safety
m&l supply
ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
Wfr Wholesale
DUMP VALVES
A.J. stone
Aréo-fire
c-max
canadian safety eqpt.
darch fire dependable
eastway emergency
fort garry
heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
K&d pratt
m&l supply
metalfab
metz fire
ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency
Wfr Wholesale
Ziamatic corp. (Zico)
ELECTRIC THROTTLES
A.J. stone
Aréo-fire
c-max
darch fire dependable
eastway emergency
fort garry
heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
K&d pratt
m&l supply
metalfab
metz fire
mobile power solutions
ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency
Wfr Wholesale
ELECTRICAL SERVICE/ REPAIR
c-max
darch fire
dependable
eastway emergency
fort garry
heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
m&l supply
metz fire
mobile power solutions
ontario fire
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency
Wfr Wholesale
ENGINE BRAKE
c-max
darch fire
eastway emergency
fort garry
heloc ltee.
m&l supply
ontario fire
resQtech systems
ENGINE GOVERNOR SYSTEMS
A.J. stone
c-max
darch fire
eastway emergency fort garry heloc ltee.
m&l supply
metalfab mobile power solutions ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix safetek emergency
Wfr Wholesale
ENGINES heloc ltee.
EXHAUST EXTRACTION
A.J. stone
Air technology fantraxx heloc ltee.
K&d pratt resQtech systems
FITTINGS
A.J. stone
Aréo-fire c-max
canadian safety eqpt. darch fire dependable dixon northline eastway emergency fort garry hastings brass heloc ltee. hub fire engines
K&d pratt
Kidde canada - Angus fire Kochek co., inc. m&l supply metalfab ontario fire resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix safetek emergency task force tips Wfr Wholesale
FLOORING – NON-SKID
A.J. stone darch fire dependable heloc ltee. hub fire engines
K&d pratt
ontario fire
resQtech systems
safetek emergency
FLOWMETERS
A.J. stone
Aréo-fire c-max
canadian safety eqpt. darch fire dependable
eastway emergency
fort garry
heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
K&d pratt
m&l supply metalfab ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix safetek emergency
Wfr Wholesale
FOAM SYSTEMS
A.J. stone
Aréo-fire c-max
canadian safety eqpt. cet fire pumps darch fire dependable eastway emergency fort garry
heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
K&d pratt
Kidde canada - Angus fire levitt-safety
m&l supply mercedes textiles metalfab ontario fire pierce manufacturing resQtech systems
canadian safety eqpt. dependable eastway emergency fort garry
heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
K&d pratt
m&l supply
mobile power solutions
ontario fire
resQtech systems
safetek emergency
GENERATORS
A.J. stone
canadian safety eqpt. darch fire dependable
APPARATUSSHOWCASE
Built on an International 7600 chassis, and powered by a 430-hp MaxxForce 13 engine and an Allison 4000 EVS transmission, this unit features a 3,500-(U.S.) gallon polished aluminum water tank, three heated valves, anticorrosion coating on the interior of the tank, and a VMUX Multiplex system.
DEPARTMENT: Saguenay Fire Department, Québec
This unit features a 2,225-gpm Waterous pump, a FoamPro foam system, a 300-gallon water tank, a 100-foot steel aerial ladder and all-Whelen LED emergency lighting. It was built on a Spartan Gladiator chassis, and is powered by a 500-hp Cummins ISM engine and an Allison 4000 EVS transmission.
DEPARTMENT: Orillia Fire Department, Ontario
This unit features a 5,000-lpm Hale QMAX pump, a FoamPro foam system and a 500-gallon water tank. It was build on a Spartan MetroStar chassis, and is powered by a 450-hp Cummins ISL engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission.
DEPARTMENT: Burlington Fire Department, Ontario
Built on a Freightliner M2-106 chassis, and powered by a 300-hp Cummins ISC engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission, this unit features a Darley pump, a 1,500-gallon polypropylene T-style water tank, rear curb, rear street and rear 10-inch Newton dumps, telescoping lights, high-side lockers and a top-control pump configuration.
DEPARTMENT: Industrial Fire Department, Minnesota
This unit features a 1,500-gpm PUC pump, a Husky foam system, a 500-gallon water tank and a 75-foot ladder. It was built on a Velocity chassis, and is powered by a 500-hp Detroit engine and an Allison 4000 EVS transmission.
DEPARTMENT: Toronto Pearson Airport, Ontario
and
Built on a Peterbilt chassis,
powered by a 380-hp Paccar engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission, this unit features an automatic tire chain system, a Will-Burt night-scan light tower and a 15-kilowatt PTO generator.
DEPARTMENT: Redwood Meadows Emergency Services, Alberta
This unit features a 1,000-lpm Waterous pump, a Waterous Aquis foam system, a 1,000-gallon hot-dipped galvanized steel water tank, a Federal Signal LED light package, Amdor rollup doors, a Waterous Crossmount compressed-air foam system, two Newton quick dumps, and two Hanny aluminum hose reels. It was built on an International 7400 chassis, and is powered by a 330-hp MaxxForce engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission.
DEPARTMENT: CFB Cold Lake Fire Department, Alberta
Built on a Freightliner chassis, and powered by a 300-hp Cummins ISC engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission, this unit features a 500-gpm Darley pump, a 1,500-gallon water tank, drop-down portable tank storage and a Rosenbauer swivel dump.
DEPARTMENT: Bluewater Fire and Emergency Services, Ontario
e-one, inc. heloc ltee. hub fire engines industries lafleur
K&d pratt ontario fire resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency Wfr Wholesale
INSTRUMENT PANELS
Aréo-fire c-max
canadian safety eqpt. darch fire heloc ltee.
m&l supply resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency
Wfr Wholesale
INTERCOMS
A.J. stone c-max
darch fire
eastway emergency fort garry heloc ltee. hub fire engines
K&d pratt
m&l supply
msA ontario fire resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency
Wfr Wholesale
INTERFACE VEHICLES
darch fire first truck centre fort garry heloc ltee. hub fire engines
K&d pratt
metalfab
ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency
Wfr Wholesale
LADDER ACCESS SYSTEM
A.J. stone c-max canadian safety eqpt. dependable
eastway emergency
fort garry
heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
K&d pratt
metalfab
ontario fire
resQtech systems
safetek emergency
Wfr Wholesale
Ziamatic corp. (Zico)
LDH HARDWARE
A.J. stone
c-max
darch fire
dixon northline
eastway emergency fort garry
hastings brass heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
Kidde canada - Angus fire
Kochek co., inc.
m&l supply
mercedes textiles
metz fire
ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency
task force tips
Wfr Wholesale
LEASE/PURCHASE FINANCING
A.J. stone
darch fire
dependable
e-one, inc.
eastway emergency
first truck centre
fort garry
heloc ltee.
m&l supply
ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency
Wfr Wholesale
LIGHT CONTROL SYSTEMS
A.J. stone
Akron brass company
Aréo-fire
c-max
canadian safety eqpt.
darch fire dependable
eastway emergency
fort garry
heloc ltee.
K&d pratt
m&l supply
metalfab
mobile power solutions
ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency
Wfr Wholesale
LIGHTS – BARS/STROBES
A.J. stone
Aréo-fire
c-max
canadian safety eqpt.
darch fire
dependable
eastway emergency
fort garry
heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
K&d pratt
m&l supply
metalfab mobile power solutions
ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency
Wfr Wholesale
LIGHTS – FLOOD
A.J. stone
Aréo-fire c-max
canadian safety eqpt. command light
darch fire dependable
eastway emergency
fort garry heloc ltee.
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LIGHTS – WARNING
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Akron brass company
Aréo-fire c-max
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MASTS – TELESCOPING
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MINI-PUMPERS
A.J. stone
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MONITORS
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Aréo-fire
c-max
canadian safety eqpt. darch fire dependable
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safetek emergency task force tips
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N.D.T. INSPECTIONS
c-max
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heloc ltee.
rocky mountain phoenix safetek emergency
NOZZLES
A.J. stone
Akron brass company canadian safety eqpt. darch fire dependable eastway emergency hastings brass heloc ltee. levitt-safety m&l supply ontario fire resQtech systems
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PEDESTALS – COMPUTER & RADIO
darch fire
ontario fire
rocky mountain phoenix
PIPED-IN WATERWAYS
darch fire dependable
eastway emergency fort garry
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m&l supply ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix safetek emergency
PORTABLE EXTINGUISHERS
A.J. stone
Aréo-fire c-max
canadian safety eqpt. dependable
eastway emergency
fort garry
heloc ltee.
K&d pratt
APPARATUSSHOWCASE
This unit features a 4,000-lpm Darley pump, a FoamPro foam system, a 1,400-gallon hot-dipped galvanized steel water tank, a Federal Signal LED light package and a Newton swivel dump. It was built on a Freightliner M2-106 chassis, and is powered by a 350-hp Cummins ISC engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission.
DEPARTMENT: Yukon Fire Marshal’s Office, Yukon
This unit features a 1,250-gpm Hale QMAX pump, a FoamPro foam system and a 500-gallon water tank. It was built on a Spartan MetroStar chassis, and is powered by a 380-hp Cummins ISC engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission.
Built on a Spartan Gladiator chassis, and powered by a 500-hp Cummins ISX engine and an Allison 4000 EVS transmission, this unit features a 1,250-gpm Waterous pump, a FoamPro foam system, a 109-foot aerial ladder, a Whelen and Federal Signal warning package, and a Rosenbauer Smart Aerial with short-jacked capability.
DEPARTMENT: Cape Breton Regional Municipality Fire Services, Nova Scotia
FIRESTAR SERIES PUMPER – AERO-FIRE LTD./AÉRO-FEU LTÉE/ROSENBAUER
This unit features a 2,250-gpm Hale QMAX pump, a FoamPro foam system, a 400-gallon water tank, a 105-foot aerial ladder, an EHL hydraulic hosebed, a 10-kilowatt Harrison generator, roll-up doors and Whelen LED emergency lighting. It was built on a Spartan Gladiator chassis, and is powered by a 500-hp Cummins ISX and an Allison 4000 EVS transmission.
DEPARTMENT: Central York Fire Services, Ontario
&
Built on a Freightliner M2-106 chassis, and powered by a 330-hp Cummins ISC engine and an Allison transmission, this unit features a Rosenbauer pump, a 20-(U.S.) gallon foam system, roll-up doors with spatter coating, Hi-Side compartments and Code 3 LED emergency lights.
DEPARTMENT: Nicolet, Québec
Built on a Spartan MetroStar chassis, and powered by a 425-hp Cummins ISL engine and an Allison 3000 EVS tranmsission, this unite features Vista screen displays, folddown compartment steps, a 25-kilowatt PTO generator, a 200-foot electric cord reel and a Will-Burt night-scan light tower.
DEPARTMENT: Oakville Fire Department, Ontario
This unit features a 5,000-lpm Darley pump, a FoamPro foam system, an 800-gallon Poly water tank, a front bumper turret, roll-up doors, enclosed suction hose storage and enclosed ladder storage. It was built on an International 7400 chassis, and is powered by a 300-hp MaxxForce engine and a 3500 EVS transmission.
DEPARTMENT: Taber Emergency Services, Alberta
Built on an IHC chassis, and powered by a 430-hp MaxxForce engine and an Allison 4000 EVS transmission, this unit features a 750-gpm Darley pump, a Husky foam system, a 3,000-(U.S.) gallon water tank, an automatic tire chain system and a TFT Tornado RC bumper turret.
DEPARTMENT: Airdrie Fire Department, Alberta
Kidde canada - Angus fire
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PORTABLE FOAM UNITS
A.J. stone
canadian safety eqpt. darch fire dependable eastway emergency
heloc ltee.
m&l supply
ontario fire resQtech systems
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Wfr Wholesale
PORTABLE MONITORS
A.J. stone
Akron brass company
Aréo-fire
c-max
canadian safety eqpt. darch fire dependable dräger
eastway emergency fort garry
heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
K&d pratt
Kidde canada - Angus fire levitt-safety
m&l supply
ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix safetek emergency task force tips
Wfr Wholesale
PUMP ACCESSORIES
A.J. stone
Aréo-fire c-max
darch fire dependable
eastway emergency fort garry
heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
K&d pratt
m&l supply
metalfab
metz fire
ontario fire
resQtech systems
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Waterous
Wfr Wholesale
PUMP SERVICE & TESTING
Aréo-fire c-max
darch fire dependable
eastway emergency fort garry
heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
metalfab
metz fire
midwest fire
ontario fire
resQtech systems
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PUMPERS
A.J. stone
Aréo-fire canadian safety eqpt. darch fire dependable e-one, inc.
eastway emergency first truck centre fort garry
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K&d pratt
m&l supply metalfab metz fire
midwest fire ontario fire pierce manufacturing resQtech systems
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PUMPS – PORTABLE
A.J. stone
Aréo-fire c-max
canadian safety eqpt. cet fire pumps darch fire dependable
eastway emergency fort garry heloc ltee. hub fire engines
K&d pratt
Kidde canada - Angus fire
m&l supply mercedes textiles
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Waterous
Wfr Wholesale
PUMPS
A.J. stone
Aréo-fire c-max
canadian safety eqpt. carl thibault emergency darch fire dependable
eastway emergency fort garry
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Waterous
Wfr Wholesale
RAILWAY TRAC-PANS heloc ltee.
REELS – ELECTRICAL
A.J. stone
Akron brass company
Aréo-fire
c-max
canadian safety eqpt.
cet fire pumps
code 4 fire
darch fire
dependable
eastway emergency
fort garry
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REELS – HOSE
A.J. stone
Akron brass company
Aréo-fire
c-max
canadian safety eqpt.
cet fire pumps
code 4 fire
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dependable
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fort garry
heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
K&d pratt
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REFLECTIVE TAPE & MARKINGS
A.J. stone
Aréo-fire
c-max
canadian safety eqpt.
darch fire
dependable
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securitrim 2002
REFURBISHING
c-max
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e-one, inc.
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RESCUE TOOLS
Ajax rescue tools
footage tools inc.
RESCUES
A.J. stone
c-max
carl thibault emergency
cet fire pumps
darch fire dependable
e-one, inc.
eastway emergency first truck centre
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ROLL-UP DOORS
c-max
darch fire dependable
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SALVAGE TRUCKS
darch fire dependable eastway emergency fort garry heloc ltee.
A.J. stone canadian safety eqpt. darch fire eastway emergency heloc ltee. m&l supply resQtech systems
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SCBA BRACKETS
A.J. stone
Aréo-fire c-max
canadian safety eqpt. darch fire dependable dräger
eastway emergency fort garry
heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
K&d pratt
m&l supply
metz fire
ontario fire
resQtech systems
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Wfr Wholesale
Ziamatic corp. (Zico)
SEATING
A.J. stone
Aréo-fire c-max
canadian safety eqpt. darch fire dependable
eastway emergency fort garry
heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
K&d pratt
m&l supply
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resQtech systems
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seats canada
Wfr Wholesale
Ziamatic corp. (Zico)
SIRENS
A.J. stone
Aréo-fire c-max
canadian safety eqpt. darch fire dependable
eastway emergency fort garry
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K&d pratt
m&l supply metalfab mobile power solutions
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SKID UNITS
A.J. stone
Aréo-fire c-max
canadian safety eqpt. cet fire pumps darch fire dependable e-one, inc.
eastway emergency first truck centre fort garry
heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
K&d pratt
m&l supply metalfab metz fire
ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency
Wfr Wholesale
SPEAKERS
A.J. stone c-max
darch fire dependable
eastway emergency
APPARATUSSHOWCASE
This unit features a 4,000-lpm Waterous pump, a FoamPro foam system, a 1,000-gallon Poly water tank, two hose reels in the custom-built steps, a TFT front bumper turret, a heated pump house, heated front compartments, a hydraulic ladder rack and high side compartments. It was built on a Freightliner M2-106 chassis, and is powered by a 350-hp Cummins ISC engine and a 3000 EVS transmission.
DEPARTMENT: Fairview Fire Department, Alberta
Built on a Freightliner M2-106 chassis, and powered by a 350-hp Cummins ISC engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission, this unit features a Darley pump, a 3,000-gallon polypropylene T-style water tank, rear curb, rear street and rear 10-inch Newton dumps, and a portable drop-tank carrier.
DEPARTMENT: Ingham Township Fire Rescue, Michigan
Built on an International 7400 chassis, and powered by a 330-hp MaxxForce engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission, this unit features a 3,500-(U.S.) gallon polished aluminum water tank, three heated valves, anticorrosion coating on the interior of the tank, and a VMUX Multiplex system.
DEPARTMENT: Service Sécurité Incendie St-Georges-de-Clarenceville et
Built on a Pierce chassis, and powered by a 450-hp Cummins ISL engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission, this unit features a 1,5000-gpm PUC pump, a Husky foam system, a 1,000-(U.S.) gallon water tank, independent front suspension, an electronic stability control system, an automatic tire chain system, a frontal impact protection package and a TFT Tornado RC monitor.
DEPARTMENT: Cranbrook Fire Department, British Columbia
Built on a Freightliner M2 chassis, and powered by a 300-hp Cummins engine and an Allison transmission, this unit features a Rosenbauer pump, roll-up doors with spatter coating, Hi-Side compartments and LED emergency lights.
DEPARTMENT: St-Gabriel-de-Brandon, Québec
Noyan, Québec
This unit features a 3,000-litre Hale Side Kick pump, a FoamPro foam system, a 3,000-gallon Poly water tank and recessed hydraulic enclosed portable tank holders. It was built on an International 7600 chassis, and is powered by a 475-hp MaxxForce engine and a 4500 EVS transmission.
DEPARTMENT: Drayton Valley/Brazeau County Fire Services, Alberta
This unit was built on a Velocity chassis. It is powered by a 500-hp Detroit engine and an Allison 4000 EVS transmission.
DEPARTMENT: Toronto Pearson Airport, Ontario
This unit features a 2,250-gpm QMAX pump, a FoamPro foam system, a 300-gallon water tank, a 105-foot steel ladder, an ergonomic hoseload, an electric dual-position waterway and radio remote control. It was built on a Spartan Gladiator chassis, and is powered by a 500-hp Cummins ISX engine and an Allison 4000 EVS transmission.
DEPARTMENT: Markham Fire & Emergency Services, Ontario
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SPEAKERS – EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS
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STEP CHOCKS
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Aréo-fire
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STOP & GO LIGHTS
Aréo-fire
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ontario fire
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STRAINERS
A.J. stone
Aréo-fire c-max
canadian safety eqpt. darch fire dependable
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hastings brass heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
K&d pratt
Kidde canada - Angus fire Kochek co., inc.
m&l supply
metalfab
ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency task force tips
Wfr Wholesale
Ziamatic corp. (Zico)
SUSPENSION SYSTEMS
heloc ltee.
TANKERS
A.J. stone carl thibault emergency cet fire pumps darch fire dependable e-one, inc. eastway emergency first truck centre fort garry heloc ltee. hub fire engines
K&d pratt
m&l supply metalfab midwest fire ontario fire pierce manufacturing resQtech systems
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K&d pratt
Kidde canada - Angus fire
Kochek co., inc. m&l supply metalfab ontario fire
resQtech systems
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Waterous
Wfr Wholesale
VEHICLE ACCESSORIES
A.J. stone
Aréo-fire c-max
darch fire dependable
eastway emergency first truck centre
fort garry heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
K&d pratt metalfab mobile power solutions ontario fire resQtech systems
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Wfr Wholesale
Ziamatic corp. (Zico)
VEHICLE CONSOLES
c-max darch fire dependable fort garry heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
metalfab mobile power solutions
ontario fire
resQtech systems
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VEHICLE UPFITTING
c-max
darch fire dependable
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m&l supply
metalfab
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ontario fire
resQtech systems
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WATER/FOAM AIRCRAFT
Aréo-fire dependable
K&d pratt
m&l supply
ontario fire
resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix
safetek emergency
Waterous
WELDERS
c-max
eastway emergency heloc ltee.
resQtech systems
WHEEL CHOCKS
A.J. stone
Aréo-fire
c-max canadian safety eqpt. darch fire dependable
eastway emergency
fort garry
hastings brass
heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
K&d pratt
Kochek co., inc.
levitt-safety m&l supply
metalfab ontario fire resQtech systems
rocky mountain phoenix safetek emergency
Wfr Wholesale
Ziamatic corp. (Zico)
WINCHES
A.J. stone
c-max
darch fire dependable
eastway emergency
fort garry
heloc ltee.
hub fire engines
K&d pratt
m&l supply
metalfab
ontario fire
resQtech systems
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Wfr Wholesale
APPARATUSSHOWCASE
This unit features a 2,250-gpm Hale QMAX pump, a FoamPro foam system, a 500-gallon water tank, a hydraulic ladder rack, ROM roll-up doors, hydraulic hosebed doors, an eight-kilowatt Harrison generator and Whelen LED emergency lights. It was built on a Spartan MetroStar chassis, and is powered by a 450-hp Cummins engine and an Allison 4000 EVS transmission.
DEPARTMENT: Markham Fire & Emergency Services, Ontario
Built on a Freightliner M2-106 chassis, and powered by a 300-hp Cummins ISC engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission, this unit features a 1,050-gpm Darley pump, a Rosenbauer EZ-Foam foam system, a full Code 3 warning package, a smart cab with Rosenbauer EZ-Gress swing-out steps, Rosenbauer GreenStar idle-reduction technology, auxiliary heating systems for shower and pump areas and a 1,000-gallon water tank for oil field stand-by scenarios.
DEPARTMENT: Accede Energy Services, Alberta
SIDE-CONTROL PUMPER – FORT GARRY FIRE TRUCKS PUMPER – WFR WHOLESALE FIRE & RESCUE/PIERCE
This unit features a 1,250-gpm Hale Q-Flo pump, a Hale Foam Logix foam system and an 800-gallon Co-poly water tank. It was built on an International chassis, and is powered by a 300-hp MaxxForce engine and a 3000 EVS transmission.
DEPARTMENT: Pikangikum First Nation Fire Department, Ontario
Built on a Pierce Arrow chassis, and powered by a 450-hp Cummins ISL engine and an Allison 3000 EVS transmission, this unit features a 1,500-gpm Pierce pump, a Husky foam system, a 500-(U.S.) gallon water tank, an electronic stability control system, frontal and side-roll protection packages, a Q2B siren and a 10-kilowatt PTO generator.
DEPARTMENT: Langley City Fire-Rescue Service, British Columbia
Rappel to Safety
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BY PETER SELLS
FLASHPOINT
Concrete and steel don’t grow on trees
Ishuddered when I read about this, but first impressions can be deceiving: architect Michael Green has proposed a 10-storey wooden building in Prince George, B.C., with ambitions for a 30-storey wooden skyscraper in Vancouver. I was picturing traditional wood-frame construction, essentially a towering tinderbox in the sky. Then I looked at what Green is actually proposing.
The proposed Wood Innovation and Design Centre will become a test case for creating a value-added forest products industry around tall wood building construction methods that would differ radically from the way traditional mid-rise and even highrise buildings are built. Green’s TWBs (tall wood buildings) would have more in common structurally with old-style construction, which featured robust masonry, load-bearing walls and full dimensional lumber floor and roof members. But in TWBs, everything is made of wood. Essentially, the mass timber building systems, as proposed, would create all vertical and horizontal building components out of laminated veneer lumber, laminated strand lumber and cross-laminated timber. Each solid section of wall, floor or roof would be custom designed and constructed for its purpose, with no hidden voids or spaces within.
I downloaded Green’s report, The Case for Tall Wood Buildings: How Mass Timber Offers a Safe, Economical, and Environmentally Friendly Alternative for Tall Building Structures, and read the section on fire performance. I found that Green has a complete understanding of active and passive fire-protection strategies, propagation of flame, heat and smoke, and protection of occupants. Some highlights:
• The old, heavy timber construction methods recognized that heavy timber members that have been damaged by fire still retain structural capacity in the non-charred section. Using this principle as a basis for design, mass timber structural members can be designed to have a sacrificial layer of wood that would act as a protective layer against fire.
tion of two layers of 16-millimetre type-X gypsum board directly to the exposed surfaces of the mass timber materials, using positive fastening devices, such as screws, of sufficient depth to resist deterioration and pull-out during fire exposure. Don’t you wish that all architects could think their way through fire protection so completely? Gypsum-board layers would incorporate staggered, overlapping joints to maintain solid, continuous thermal protection of the underlying wood. Encapsulation is preferred to charring, to minimize the production of smoke, which could jeopardize occupants.
• Green has considered exterior auto-exposure. All exterior occupied spaces such as balconies, ground level patios with building overhangs above and similar exterior spaces will be sprinkler-protected to minimize potential fire ignition and vertical spread on the building exterior.
• All interior spaces are protected by sprinklers and smoke detection as per British Columbia codes.
Green certainly has all of his wooden ducks in a row, but there is an echo in the back of my head of Capt. Peter McBride’s building construction course. McBride, an incident safety officer with Ottawa Fire Services, said, “Remember, we fight fires in buildings as built, not
Don’t you wish that all architects could think their way through fire protection so completely? ‘‘ ’’
• TWB project design would include a degree of compartmentalization: limiting the potential spread of fire beyond the compartment of origin. Green recognizes that it would also be necessary to consider the risk or probability of fire spread due to system or sub-system failure.
• An encapsulation approach would incorporate the installa-
Retired District Chief Peter Sells writes, speaks and consults on fire service management and professional development across North America and internationally. He holds a B.Sc. from the University of Toronto and an MBA from the University of Windsor. He sits on the advisory council of the Institution of Fire Engineers, Canada branch. Peter is president of NivoNuvo Consulting, Inc, specializing in fire-service management. Contact him at peter.nivonuvo@gmail.com
as designed.” Applying his cautionary point would suggest that fire services should vigorously and aggressively inspect these new TWBs.
As of March, British Columbia had received 34 expressions of interest from design/build firms. As for why, Green says, “We stopped exploring wood around 100 years ago (with the advent of steel and concrete); now we’re looking at a whole new system using masstimber products.”
TWBs aren’t just an alternative for the sake of being different. “The real change came when we started thinking about climate change,” Green says. “Steel and concrete are great but not environmentally friendly.”
Canada’s timber industry is green, renewable, and employs thousands of workers. Wood locks in CO2 until it is burned, whereas the manufacturing of steel and concrete have a large carbon footprint.
“We think we can go higher than 30 storeys,” says Green.
I wooden bet against it.
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