2008 Fire Master Plan - City of St. Catharines

FIRERESCUEPublic Assist (Water Problem, Odor Investigation, Elevator, Lift Assist, Lock Out, etc)Our normal response will consist of a 3 firefighters response- 1 pump.Open BurningOur normal response will consist of a 3 firefighter response- 1 pump. They will investigate the complaint and ifnecessary have the person responsible for the open burn to extinguish their fire. The Officer will also take theopportunity to inform and educate the offender on the policy for open burning within St Catharines. Repeat offenderswill be visited by our Fire Prevention Division who in turn will give them a warning and the next time prosecutes.Police Assistance ( Bomb Threat, Welfare Check, and Access to higher/lower elevation)Our normal response will consist of a 3 firefighters response – 1 pump. In the cases of bomb threats we will positionourselves in a stand by mode. In those cases where we are requested for police assistance the crews would be underthe control of their Fire Officer and they will provide assistance to the police in a safe manner.The following are specific recommendations associated with each response:1) Interior Firefighting and RescueOver the next 3 years hire an additional 4 firefighters per year and begin staffing the 3 singlepump stations with a 4th firefighter.Based on modeling results from both Dillon Consulting as well as the International Association of Fire Fightersthe OFM and Response Capabilities Analysis this 4th person would bring the fire service in compliance withNFPA 1710 first response guideline of 4 fire fighters responding and arriving on scene in 4 minutesor less 90% of the time. We are currently only achieving a 61% average response to get 4 firefighterson scene in 4 minutes or less.2) Tiered ResponseFire Services in Niagara are in the process of having discussions with Niagara EMS to move towardsan official Tiered Response Agreement between both agencies as none exist presently. This agreementwill help us to more clearly define our role and requirements as it relates to dealing with medical responses.3) Technical Rope RescueCurrently there is an ongoing training program to increase our level of response.4) Hazmat ResponsesCurrently there is an ongoing training program to increase our level of response.5) Confined Space/Trench RescueCurrently there is an ongoing training program to increase our level of response.6) Shipboard FirefightingDiscussions have occurred between the 4 Municipalities that border the Seaway except for NOTL. It wasthe Seaway who broke off the talks and until just recently began to resume talks. The main issue is themanner in which the Seaway will pay to have our firefighters trained in shipboard firefighting.42ST. CATHARINES, FIRE SERVICES