Public Safety Report for May/June 2022

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORT FOR MAY/JUNE 2022

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the Committee receives this report for information.

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S COMMENTS:

I concur with the recommendation

PURPOSE OF REPORT:

To update the Committee on the operations of the Department.

DISCUSSION:

Fire Prevention Inspection & Public Education:

• Inspections are being conducted as per Fire Department guidelines and are back on regular scheduling. The current inspection program has both shifts conducting a company inspection model. Complex inspections are being conducted by Fire Inspector Pitre or Fire Chief Hurst.
• Monthly inspections for May and June have been 100% completed.
• Public Education has resumed with COVID-19 precautions and Chief Hurst’s approval.
• May 18 – Fire Extinguisher and Building Safety Training at Eagle Creek Surgical Centre for 30 staff.
• VRFD Annual Open House is planned for September 24, 2022
• During this reporting period there was one fire investigation concluded as follows:

On June 10, the night shift crew responded to report of a structure fire on Salmon Court. Upon arrival, crews observed a smoldering garage fire. The homeowner and a neighbour were using garden hoses to extinguish a fire in the rear of the garage. The crew deployed pre-connect attack lines and ordered the homeowner and neighbour out of the area while the crew searched for extension and to extinguish the fire. Three people were treated for smoke inhalation, and all released that evening. ESS was deployed and the two homeowners were supported as per Emergency Management Division. The utilities were disconnected to the home and the Fire Department assisted the homeowner contact insurance. The fire has been determined to be electrical in nature and accidental in causation.

Geoff Pitre, Fire Prevention Officer

Training Division:

• Captain Mollin completed his Certificate in Fire Officer and Fire Prevention Officer:

• 3 Members completed Safe Operation of a Fire Apparatus (SOFA)
• 24 Members attended Fire Fighter Self Rescue hosted by Langford Fire
• 10 Members attended Machinery Rescue – Operations Level, hosted at View Royal Fire
• 8 Members attended Low, Wide and High-Rise Hose Handling Course
• 12 Members attended Live Fire 1 Training at Otter Point Fire
• 1001 Training continues Saturday morning
• Attended Training Officers meeting
• BC Ambulances latest recruit class attended an afternoon information session on how the fire service integrates with paramedics on emergency calls

Heath Bevan, Training Officer

Emergency Program:

The following are the most noteworthy activities and events for the Emergency Program this reporting period:

• The EM Officer attended the following meetings:
  • HRVA – Logic League
  • LGEPAC
  • PEASI - Alertable
  • ESS Monthly meeting
  • REMP Heat Risk Assessment and CAO Exercise Briefing
  • Westshore Emergency Program Heat Planning meetings (X2) w/ESS
  • Public Education planning
  • VR/Col ESSD meeting
  • Colwood Emergency Planning Committee
• HRVA/Community Risk Assessment ongoing w/ Logic League
• 2022 UBCM EOC grant approved ($25,000)
• Two public education workshops scheduled but cancelled due to low registration

Emergency Management Training:

• Intro to Emergency Management – 3 Staff
• ERA Modernization Tool Orientation – 1 ESS, 1FF

Emergency Support Services:

The ESS Team had one callout this reporting period to Salmon Court for a family of two displaced by a structure fire. Two ESS Team meetings were held and well attended in person. One new volunteer recruited. Additional activities were as follows:

• ESS administrative work – Director and Deputies
• Work party: ESS office set up and organization, public education material
• ESS Modernization review of ERA platform
• Update Vendor agreements
• Secured Emery Hall in Colwood as new meeting space for ESS Team.

Emergency Radio Communications Team:

The View Royal Radio team has been busier than usual this reporting period. The Emergency Radio Coordinator has taken on a leadership role to provide direction to the Colwood Emergency Radio team as well as bring the JDF radio group into the fold, to create more regional coordination and cooperation for radio operations, training, and administration.

The following are activities this reporting period:

• In-house volunteer training, including JDF Radio group and new volunteers
• Administration and documentation
• Radio maintenance, testing, and updates, computer updating; Town Hall radio upgraded
• Weekly municipal net
• Radio room at PSB reorganized
• Working on Radio Team structure and assignments to include JDF Seniors Radio Group
• Work with Colwood EPC to revitalize Colwood Emergency Communications
• Chair and record the CRERCC Meeting and other CRECC work
• Assist JDF Seniors Radio Group with the relocation of the station, provide surplus out of service equipment to upgrade the station

Troy Mollin, Emergency Program Officer Pam Rivers, Emergency Social Services Director Ed McCarthy, Emergency Radio Coordinator

Bylaw Division:

As the sunshine increases, so has camping in parks. To date, Bylaw has garnered cooperation and managed incidents, although the Parks Bylaw is still under review. As in previous years, it is expected that activities in the parks will increase.

The bike patrol program is now in full swing and has been very well received by the community. The program has increased the file load for bylaw enforcement as the community feels the Bylaw Officer is more accessible.

Jim Henly, Bylaw Enforcement Officer

Assistant Chief’s Comments:

• View Royal Fire Fighters Association attended the May Day Parade in Rescue 36:

• View Royal Fire Fighters Association participated in “MD Boot Drive” and raised $2,600 for Muscular Dystrophy.
• Four members on M34 assisted RCMP with two beach days for Craigflower Elementary. The day included a canoeing component with M34 used as a transport/rescue boat.
• The totem pole at the Public Safety Building, unveiled on May 28 and reported on in the Chief Administrative Officer’s June Update, is striking, particularly when lit at night:

Heath Bevan, Assistant Chief, Operations & Staff Development

Kim Anema, Chief Administrative Officer