Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management report determines that the City of Sault Ste. Ma

Monday, September 18, 2017

The City has received a copy of the Ontario Fire Marshal and Emergency Management (OFMEM) final report on its review of Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services that is expected to be released later today. The report has determined that the City of Sault Ste. Marie is meeting OFMEM expectations under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (FPPA). The review was initiated on December 7, 2016 by the OFMEM to confirm an understanding of the current and future level of fire protection services.

The review determined that Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services has adequate programs in place to address public fire safety and education. Fire inspection, enforcement measures, and training records are well documented. The firefighter training program provides staff with job-related knowledge with a thorough pre-incident planning program. Personal protective equipment for firefighters is well maintained. Additionally, all documentation and records were determined to be in good order.

"Overall the results are positive confirming that Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services is meeting OFMEM expectations by having key components in place," says Peter Johnson, Fire Chief, City of Sault Ste. Marie. "The Comprehensive Risk Assessment and Fire Master Plan exercise currently being conducted addresses the main recommendations that will further showcase the quality service we provide to the citizens of Sault Ste. Marie."

In assessing needs and circumstances, the OFMEM advises municipalities to consider those things that impact the provision of fire protection services, including, but not limited to type of service delivery system, economic situation, demographic considerations, geography and physical layout of the municipality, building profile, various risks to be protected, and community infrastructure of roads, water systems and hydrants. In total, the review identifies 18 recommendations for the municipality to consider for improvement with respect to some programs, and in the area of municipal fire risk assessment and planning concepts, principles and processes.

A report of the Fire Chief will be provided to City Council at its meeting of September 25, 2017 respecting the OFMEM review and the City's response. A copy of the report in its entirety will be posted on the City's website as soon as it is released formally by the OFMEM.
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