CANADIAN FIRE CHIEFS TACKLE KEY ISSUES AT NATIONAL CONFERENCE

OTTAWA, September 21, 2007 –Changes to Canada’s Building Code,   strategies for addressing fire hazards connected to marijuana “grow” operations and closer cooperation with the Canadian Police Research Centre are among issues being tackled by the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) at its national conference September 23 – 26, 2007 in Niagara Falls Ontario.

Representatives of the almost 1000 CAFC members from across Canada will consider resolutions to improve the safety of Canadian lives and property, and enhance the recruitment, safety, training and equipping of firefighters.

A key issue is modernization of the National Building Code to take account of rapidly evolving building practices and materials. The multimillion dollar fire in Edmonton in July, 2007 has renewed CFAC concern that urgent action is needed by the federal government. “While new building technologies such as the replacement of steel support beams with wood laminates, and the use of vinyl siding may reduce building costs, the increased risk to lives and property in the event of fire is incalculable,” says CAFC Executive Director Don Warden. Among other things, CAFC wants the government to require that all new and existing low-rise residential structures be equipped with automatic sprinkler systems.

The Association is also seeking the regulation of hydroponics equipment sales in Canada.  Such equipment is commonly used in residential marijuana grow operations and presents a significant danger of fire and electrocution when installed by inexperienced people. CAFC wants the government to restrict the sale of such equipment through licensed retailers and only to purchasers in possession of valid electrical permits.

Closer cooperation and consultation with the Canadian Police Research Centre (CPRS) is another important priority for Fire Chiefs.  The Centre recently expanded its work to address issues of direct concern to Canadian Fire Services and other First Responders like wireless broadband internet capacity and portable tracking systems for fire fighters once they are inside commercial, industrial and institutional structures.

The CAFC Conference, titled “Thundering Into the Future” is being held at the Brock Plaza Hotel, 5658 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls Ontario.

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Information:

Don Warden

Executive Director
Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs
Tel: 705-444-9745  (cell)

www.cafc.ca

Ruth Cardinal
Communications Advisor
Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs
613-850-7322

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