FIRE SAFETY PROGRAM
The goal of this department is to help member communities to be safer, by the promotion of fire safety, prevention, education and training.
Please use the links on the left to find out more about the history of this department, and the goals and objectives that are set before us.
Under the direction of the Advisory Services, this department conducts and monitors the development and implementation of fire safety programs for the Fort Frances Tribal Area First Nations and provides a consultant service to these First Nations.
It is the department’s duty to evaluate conditions at each individual community as they relate to fire safety and to advise on practices and procedures required for the safety and protection of first nations peoples and community assets. Report writing and public speaking are necessary abilities.
FIRE SAFETY PROGRAM HISTORY
In 1973 Chiefs from Treaty #3 territory expressed concerns about peoples’ lives and properties being subject to the ravages of fire. They needed a fire safety program. In October 1973 they hired a Fire Prevention Officer who started his employ on January 3, 1974.
From January 3, 1974 until March 31, 1998 the fire safety program served 10 First Nation communities in the southern part of Treaty #3 territory. Today the program continues to serve seven First Nations: Couchiching, Lac La Croix, Naicatchewenin, Nigigoonsiminikaaning, Rainy River, Seine River and Mitaanjigamiing.
FIRE SAFETY PROGRAM GOALS & OBJECTIVES
- To continue to visit the First Nation communities as often as possible or as often as requested just as has been done for the past 28 years.
- To promote fire safety in the homes and public buildings through inspections or reports. Inspections are done upon the request of Band Councils and homeowners.
- To Promote fire safety by recommending the use of applicable codes in new building construction and existing building renovations.
- To work with Technical Services staff, Human Resources Development Canada fire protection engineers in the application of codes and building inspections.
- To promote fire safety through the use of public education and awareness programs in the community and the involvement of Band Councils, Band Staff, Fire Departments, Homeowners, Teachers etc…
- To assist with development and organization of Volunteer Fire Departments in the communities.
- To conduct training and to assist with any specialized training of the Band Volunteer Fire Departments.
- To advise the Band Councils and Fire Departments on the purchase of the proper fire protection equipment to address community needs.
- To assist with the proper care and maintenance of the Band fire protection equipment.
- To co-ordinate and supervise the fire fighting competitions amongst local fire departments which will prepare them for the annual Regional Competitions.
- To Assist the Bands in co-ordinating Community Emergency Planning workshops and to assist the Emergency Measures Adviser and the communities in the development of Community Emergency Plans.
- To assist with the co-ordinating of the S-100/S-200 training programs which will certify the First Nations people as forest firefighters.
- To keep informed of the of latest developments in fire protection technology through attendance at fire meetings, workshops, conferences, videos, journals etc.
- To continue to investigate fire on First Nations and to make corresponding reports to the proper authorities.