2008Annual Report

VAUGHAN FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE

C I T Y O F V A U G H A N C O U N C I L

City of Vaughan Mayor and Members of Council

Front Row (from L): Regional Councillor Gino Rosati, Regional Councillor Joyce Frustaglio, Mayor Linda D. Jackson, and Regional Councillor Mario Ferri.

Back Row (from L): Ward 5 Councillor Alan Shefman, Ward 4 Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco, Ward 3 Councillor Bernie DiVona, Ward 2 Councillor Tony Carella,

and Ward 1 Councillor Peter Meffe.

M E S S A G E F R O M T H E M A Y O R

On behalf of the City of Vaughan and Members of Council, I want to express our appreciation to Fire Chief Greg R. Senay and his team for their hard work and continuing efforts to better serve our residents. I am very proud of the firefighters that serve Vaughan and their continuing dedication to our community.

The Fire and Rescue Service is a demanding profession and yet our firefighters rise above and beyond their job responsibilities on a daily basis to protect lives and property. They work long and difficult hours and put their own lives on the line every day for our community. Their commitment goes beyond this to include education, fire safety and prevention with the ultimate goal of stopping fires before they start.

Devoting your life to public service is a worthy achievement. On behalf of the entire community, we are grateful that you are always there when we need you. Linda D. Jackson Mayor

MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER

M E S S A G E F R O M T H E C I T Y M A N A G E R

The City of Vaughan is one of the fastest growing, most diverse cities and perhaps that’s why it’s one of Canada’s most in demand places to live and work. The City’s motto “Citizens First Through Service Excellence” is exemplified through our Fire Department and as the City Manager, and on behalf of the Senior Management Team, a heartfelt congratulations and many thanks to Fire Chief G.R. Senay and the highly skilled professional men and women of the Vaughan Fire & Rescue

mands of a growing, vibrant city are ore than commendable. You help keep us safe!

elisity Manager

Service.

Your ongoing commitment and dedication to effective emergency response in our city and your progressive approach to the changing dem Michael DeAngC

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

Message From The Fire Chief…………………………………………........... Page 1

Senior Command Team………………………………………………………... Page 2

Message From Deputy Fire Chief Larry Bentley……………………............. Page 3

Message From Deputy Fire Glenn Duncan…….……………………............ Page 4

Communications Division………………………………………………………. Page 5

Operations Division…………………………………………………….............. Page 6

Training Division………………………………………………………………… Page 8

Fire Prevention Division………………………………………………………… Page 10

Mechanical Division……………………………………………………............. Page 12

Emergency Planning Program………………………………………………… Page 13

VFRS in the news………………………………………………………………. Page 14

Events and Achievements……………………………………………………… Page 16

He Said…She Said……………………………………………………………... Page 18

Dedication Page………………………………………………………………… Page 19

Pride and Honour………………………………………………………............. Page 20

VFRS Station Location Map…………………………………………………… Page 21

OUR MOTTO::

PRIDE AND HONOUR

OUR MISSION: To provide programs to protect lives, property, and

the environment from the adverse affect of fire, medical emergencies and other dangerous

conditions.

PPHHIILLOOSSOOPPHHYY OOFF OOPPEERRAATTIIOONNSS

� Our success is dependant on providing citizens with what they need, when they need it…ALWAYS

� Fairness, Integrity, and Trust as essential QUALITIES of ethical

emergency service

� Encouragement of progressive thinking and learning through employee involvement and TEAMWORK

� Citizens as customers, deserving the highest quality of service

� Duty bound through perseverance and commitment to

EXCELLENCE

It is an honour and a pleasure to present the Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service 2008 Annual Report to Council, citizens and staff.

The dedicated men and women of our service are extremely proud of the many accomplishments and activities in 2008 and it’s important to convey that pride to Council and the citizens who rely on our emergency response capabilities every day in this city.

Our response strategies and programs are constantly under review in an effort to effectively manage the demands for emergency response service in our vibrant, growing community.

The much anticipated re-location of the Communications Division to our new quarters at the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) and the commissioning of the Versaterm Computer Aided Dispatch system (CAD) consumed a tremendous portion of time for all concerned. The CAD team, under the direction of Deputy Fire Chief Glenn Duncan and Communications Supervisor Mary Carr, deserve our sincerest thanks and “well done” for the progress to date. Our plans include commencing the installation of Automatic Vehicle Locating (AVL) over the next two years which will ensure our capability of sending the closest emergency response vehicle at all times.

We continue to work closely with Council in planning for response improvements on the west side of the city as well as securing land in the north east quadrant for the fast approaching Station 7-10. On a sad note, the untimely passing of Firefighter Bob Thomas, as the result of a serious traffic accident, made an indelible mark on our memories of 2008. Bob was a warm, caring, and very talented professional whose memory will remain with us forever. Additionally, the demise of Al Wilkie, one of our longest serving volunteer firefighters, served to further mark 2008 in our memories. Al was known for his gentle demeanor, great sense of humor and his wealth of knowledge relating to the history of VFRS.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the retirement of Captain Ray Armstrong, one of the finest Fire Captains I’ve had the pleasure of being associated with. Ray will be long remembered for his ability to calmly stabilize any emergency scene he encountered. Before 2008 ended, we also said farewell to three long serving professionals – Firefighters Alf Beasley, Garry Hilliard and Bob Engel – all choosing to exercise their retirement options. I thank them all for their service and wish them every success for the future.

With the continued support of Council and the strong direction of the City Manager, VFRS continues to be recognized in Ontario as leaders in emergency service delivery.

Sirens for Life – Blood Donor Clinic

G.R. Senay Fire Chief

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S E N I O R C O M M A N D T E A M

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The year 2008 was a very challenging and exciting year for our department as we moved towards a state of the art response database. By integrating GIS technology, coupled with a Records Management System, we have improved our ability to measure performance in all divisions and enhanced our response capability. Because of the efforts of all of our staff, this initiative is a success!

The Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service met the challenge of a significant incident at the Hayhoe Flour Mill which has been operating in the hamlet of Pine Grove since 1828. On the evening of July 1st, VFRS fire crews encountered a large fire on four floors of the processing area. Operating with eight pieces of apparatus and 35 firefighters, crews were engaged in a fierce battle to save the historic structure. The incident necessitated the evacuation of the neighbouring Pine Grove Nursing Home, two residential condominiums and neighbouring homes. This event required Police, EMS and Fire to work cohesively to ensure the safety of residents and emergency workers. Our firefighters were successful in their ability to confine the fire to the processing area only; that has allowed the mill to continue its operations today. I am very proudof the fine effort of our firefighters and their continued dedicationpublic s

to afety.

The VFRS welcomed 10 recruits to our family in 2008. After their 14 weeks of intense training, they have been assigned to their respective platoons and continue to “play hard and stay safe”. It is my sincere pleasure to be a part of this great team of people in the fire service and at the City of Vaughan. The year 2008 has once again demonstrated “Our success is dependant on providing citizens with what they need, when they need it…..ALWAYS”.

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Larry Bentley Deputy Fire Chief

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In 2008, the Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service began to see some of its long awaited technology initiatives being implemented.

In partnership with the York Regional Police Services and the Richmond Hill Fire Department, the Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service acquired a Versaterm Computer Aided Dispatch system. The new system allows for more rapid and accurate dispatching of fire apparatus to assist the citizens of Vaughan. Through the partnership, Vaughan was able to save several hundred thousand dollars compared to going alone on the project. In addition, the partnership allows enhanced operability and communications between York Regional Police, the Richmond Hill Fire Department and the Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service.

The implementation of the Computer Aided Dispatch took several months, and we are very proud of the work that Communications Supervisor Mary Carr and Communications Operator Scott Robinson contributed to the success of the project. Mary and Scott were able to ensure that the system worked very well for Vaughan.

In 2008, we also saw the implementation of a new computerized Records Management System, known as Firehouse. Firehouse will allow for electronic reporting of incidents to the Office of the Fire Marshal, better record keeping, staff scheduling and inventory management. We are very excited about the anticipated benefits in terms of increased effectiveness and efficiency. I would also like to recognize the great support that we received from the City of Vaughan Information Technology Management Department in implementing this project.

In 2009, we will continue to build on these technological initiatives by installing computers in every fire apparatus. This enhancement will provide firefighters on the scene of an incident with vital mapping, hazard, and resource information.

The Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service continue to seek innovative ways to serve the citizens of Vaughan effectively and efficiently.

Communications Division Staff

Pride and Honour,

Glenn G. DuncanDeputy Fire Chief

C O M M U N I C A T I O N S D I V I S I O N

In 2008, the Communications Division experienced major changes in location and equipment as the Division continued to improve our ability to serve the citizens of Vaughan more effectively.

For eight months, members of the Communications Division worked to integrate our new Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. The new CAD system will feature connectivity between the 9-1-1 phone system and the early dispatch of firefighters. The mapping component will also allow the incident location to automatically be displayed on the system’s maps to allow the Communications Operator to know exactly where the incident is located. This is especially helpful if the caller is reporting a fire on a street behind their own property where they might not know the address. The mapping component provides the ability of a Communications Operator to determine the probable address of the incident. In addition, the CAD will provide an automatic recommendation for response depending on the type of incident and location. The CAD system provides for faster and more accurate dispatching of Emergency Responders to those in need of assistance.

In September of 2008, the Communications Division moved from its cramped quarters at the Civic Centre to much superior facilities at the Joint Operations Centre. Because of the emergency nature of the Communications Division, the move had to be completed in one day and required an “all hands” effort and the assistance of 26 operators, technicians and movers to accomplish the task. The Communications Division is now at home in its new location.

In April of 2008, several members of the VFRS Communications Division were recognized at the York Region Tri-Services Emergency Communicators Awards Ceremony. Mary Carr was awarded the Communications Supervisor of the Year and Paul Caines, Patricia Swainson and Deborah Woods were honoured for Outstanding Performance of a Platoon for their work in managing the communications at a large fire in King Township.

Left:Mary Carr and DepDuncan

uty

can

Right:Fire Chief Bryan Burbidge of KingTownship, Mary Carr, Deb Woods, Paul Caines, Patricia Swainson, and Deputy Fire Chief Glenn Dun

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ABO P E R A T I O N S D I V I S I O N

The Vaughan Fire & Rescue Service provides ‘Full Service Emergency Response’ which includes fire incidents, sudden medical emergencies, technical rescue, hazard materials and CBRN capabilities. The department was established in 1929, and thus carries a long tradition of providing service to the community. Currently, to protect the 270,000 residents and the visitors to this 275 square kilometre city, the Department operates out of nine fire stations.

All emergency response apparatus (engines, aerials, rescues) carry advanced life support equipment and are staffed with OFM certified firefighters. In addition, the department provides a number of specialized teams, including a Hazardous Material Response team, Technical Rescue teams (for trench, confined space, low angle rescue) and a Public Order Support team (in conjunction with the York Regional Police Service).

In 2008, the VFRS responded to 10,771 emergencies resulting in 16,381 vehicle responses averaging 45 emergency movements per day. As reported by the Ontario Fire Marshal, the City sustained fire losses of $9,393,117 with seven reported injuries due to fire.

2008 Average Response Time It is imperative that, once notified, our personnel arrive at the scene in a safe manner as soon as possible to render aid. The illustration clearly shows that the majority of our first due engine vals occur in the 1-6 minute range from rece

of a call. arri ipt

Emergency Response by Category:

RESCUES 12.50% (Vehicle accidents, building collapse, commercial industrial accidents)

PUBLIC HAZARD 10% (Includes gas leaks, spills, toxic chemicals, electrical emergencies, and carbon monoxide investigations)

*Volunteer Station

OTHER RESPONSES 16.50% (Assistance to Police, complaint investigations, call cancelled en-route, other public services, incidents not found)

7.00%

19.50%

34.50%16.50%10.00%

12.50%

0.00% 5.00% 10.00% 15.00% 20.00% 25.00% 30.00% 35.00%

Property Fires/explosions

Non Fire Calls

Medical/ resuscitator

Other responses

Public hazard

Rescue

Types of EmergenciesMEDICAL/RESUSCITATORCALL 34.50%

NON-FIRE CALL 19.50%(Includes Alarm Equipment i.e. accidental, malfunctions,malicious, human perceived emergency)

PROPERTYFIRES/EXPLOSIONS 7.00%(Property fires and explosions)

ABO P E R A T I O N S D I V I S I O N

C Platoon – Trench Rescue

A Platoon – Residential Fire

Each Platoon was heavily involved in major incidents throughout 2008 and we are very proud of the efforts of everyone involved. Once again, the VFRS firefighters demonstrate their commitment to the residents of the City of Vaughan by delivering the highest level of service.

B Platoon – Industrial Fire

“Duty bound through perseverance and commitment

to EXCELLENCE”

D Platoon – Water Rescue

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AB T R A I N I N G D I V I S I O N

Each year, the men and women of the VFRS spend thousands of hours practicing and demonstrating the necessary skills to be called a Vaughan Firefighter. The Training Division continually meets the challenge of developing quality fire service personnel with the necessary skills to serve the community. Every day is game day, and with that in mind, our personnel must be trained in a variety of special disciplines as well as firefighting. VFRS firefighters must perform quickly and efficiently first time,

every time; it is what we expect from our firefighters, it’s what you deserve as citizens within the City of Vaughan. This year’s maintenance training included the following subjects; Auto Extrication, Trench Rescue, Low Angle Rescue, Firefighter Survival, Fire Pre-planning, Flammable Liquid Fires, Tanker Operations, and Automatic Defibrillator training.

Auto Extrication Training Auto extrication is all about stabilization which follows a well defined order. Rescuers must first stabilize the scene, then stabilize the vehicle and most importantly, stabilize the patient. This year, VFRS purchased special auto extrication equipment that greatly enhanced our capabilities in stabilizing a vehicle which has been involved in a collision. Added to our arsenal of auto extrication tools, is a new piece of equipment called the “Res-Q-Jack”. Whether the vehicle is on its side, roof, or literally driven under another vehicle, crews now have the capability to quickly and efficiently stabilize the vehicle(s) making it safer for the occupant(s) and the firefighters working at the incident.

Technical Rescue Working in the trenches or confined spaces is never easy, yet every year our personnel continue to hone their skills in the area of Technical Rescue. Trenches come in all shapes, sizes and depths and this year, crews trained on securing straight wall trenches, intersecting trenches in the shape of a “T” and an “L” all in an effort to be prepared for the unexpected. Additionally in 2008, VFRS certified a number of firefighters to the technician level in confined space rescue.

“TRAINING FOR TOMORROW’S FIRE SERVICE”

T R A I N I N G D I V I S I O N

Pre-Incident Planning It is common knowledge, in the emergency response field, that the best way to fight a fire is long before it ever starts. In 2008, VFRS acquired a new web-based data collection program to assist in the pre-planning of buildings within the City of Vaughan. Using this pre-planning tool enables firefighters to collect specific data about the building such as its construction, contents, and fire extinguishing systems. This completed pre-plan provides valuable information to the responding fire crew because fire apparatus, along with computer support, can literally retrieve the pre-plan from file and view the entire building identifying the particulars of the building which results in making initial tactical decisions on sound information.

Firefighter Survival As the title implies, there are those unforeseeable moments in time when firefighters are forced to take immediate and significant measures to protect themselves from danger. VFRS also equipped all Self Contained Breathing Apparatus with the additional “Rescue Belt” capability. Hidden away in the

waist belt of the breathing apparatus, is a nylon chord with a small descending devise. The rescue belt is a tool that can be deployed to allow a firefighter to self rescue out a window or other openings as a last resort when in immediate danger or if there is no other avenue of escape.

Recruit Training Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service added ten recruit firefighters in order to fill vacancies in our approved complement. All recruit firefighters are trained to the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Curriculum which involves 14 solid weeks of basic firefighting training; which is the “boot camp” for this fire service. Once the training is complete, each recruit firefighter must successfully pass the Ontario Fire Marshal’s testing in order to achieve their “Certificate of Achievement”. The training staff, along with the support of the operations division, produces very solid recruit firefighters who are trained to work safely and professionally in order to make immediate contributions to their respective crews.

“TRAINING FOR TOMORROW’S FIRE SERVICE”

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ABF I R E P R E V E N T I O N D I V I S I O N

The Vaughan Fire & Rescue Service is dedicated to minimizing the loss of life and property through a collaborative effort involving Education, Inspection and Code Enforcement. Our Certified Fire Inspectors are responsible for inspection, investigation, plans examinations, municipal licenses and public education.

Requests for Fire Prevention Services has increased in areas such as inspections (up 37%) and Public Education (up almost 200%). The Fire Prevention Division, in continued partnership with York Regional Police, continues to be the lead in a team that involves, Enforcement Services and Building Standards in the remediation of Grow Ops. This year we saw a reduction in Grow Op responses by 55%.

“Sparky the Robo Dog” and a 9-1-1 Simulator to assist in the delivery

e continue to work with our media partners including TVO Kids, YTV, CP24 and Rogers Cable T.V.

candles and lights.

Public Education is a vital part of how we best serve the community. It is our belief that most fires and accidents can be prevented. The requests for our Public Education programs increased by almost 200% in 2008. Our programs which include Risk Watch, TAPP-C, the Older Wiser Program for Seniors and the Learn Not to Burn Program, are the mainstay of our Public Education Program. This year, the Fire Prevention Division, through corporate sponsorship, took possession of of our prevention program to various schools and summer camps. Sparky has been seen at the Vaughan Food Bank annual launch and various events throughout the City of Vaughan.

Fire Prevention Activities in 2008

Municipal Licenses

501

Prosecutions 36

Grow Ops11

Inspections 1761Site

Plan/Variances 119

Plan Examinations

342

File Searches 111

Public Education

836

Fire Investigations

27

New Buildings 167

Wto deliver many timely fire safety messages throughout the year. Our safety messages include fire safety tips on the proper use of a barbeque, proper Halloween attire and the safe use of holiday

F I R E P R E V E N T I O N D I V I S I O N

VFRS continues to be active in the Junior Firefighters Competition held th This roughout York Region. year’s winner, Grade 3 student Kaylee Ferreira, wrote a one page story and designed a poster on how she incorporated SAFETY into her daily activities during the summer months.

The Fire Prevention Division also delivered the “Risk collaboration with Global Media, we hosted a “Risk Watch” pool party that reflected the water safety

require a license to ell fireworks. The program focuses on fireworks safety and the responsibilities of vendors. It also

moke alarm n every level of your home. Unfortunately, the importance of smoke alarms is still not reaching some

rvice ontinues to be a member of

e

Watch Program” to 17 new schools this year. In

theme for this year. In addition, the Division offers fire extinguisher training to our corporate neighbours in order to ensure they practice fire safety at their place of business.

The VFRS has a mandatory fireworks training program for all of our vendors thatsensures that the vendors are in compliance with all new Fire Code and By-law changes.

We continue to deliver the “Alarm for Life” program ensuring that the there is a working soof our residents as our ZERO TOLERANCE approach has resulted in a number of tickets being issued. We continue to provide P.S.A.’s (Public Service Announcements) for the media on the

importance of “Working Smoke Alarms” on every level of your home in an effort to get the message to our citizens. The Vaughan Fire & Rescue SecB.A.S.S.I.C, which stands for Bringing Awareness of Senior Safety Issues Committee. This Committee focuses on improving the quality of life for seniors by raising awareness with regard to Senior’s issues such as the prevention of accidents, and health and security concerns. B.A.S.S.I.C. has produced and distributed 1000 safety calendars to Vaughan residents this past year. The Fire Prevention Division has played an active role in S.A.V.I – Seniors Association of Vaughan than 3000 seniors and is focused on

promoting social interaction and the reduction of isolation for seniors.

Maple Pioneer Italian Senior’s Club – 20 Year Anniversary

Initiatives. This association boasts a membership of mor

Page 11

AB M E C H A N I C A L D I V I S I O N

The responsibilities of the VFRS Mechanical Division are to keep all fire fighting equipment in prime operationally ready condition using NFPA guidelines as our benchmark. Given the high expectations of consistent reliability, it is imperative that continuous testing and maintenance is conducted throughout the year on all equipment that our firefighters maintain in their arsenal. We continue to achieve these high standards by following a stringent, time sensitive preventative maintenance program. It is extremely important to the Mechanical Division that the end users – our firefighters – have the utmost confidence in our front line machines and can count on that reliability without hesitation.

Annual safety inspections are performed on all VFRS vehicles according to the Department of Motor Vehicles as well as all Technician Licenses are renewed as required. During the summer of 2008, all Aerial and Fire Pump Apparatus where tested and repaired as per NFPA 1911

1914 1915. Our aggressive Ground Ladder Program continued in 2008 with most of our inventory of ground ladders subjected to testing

recertification in compliance with NFPA

as a warranty repair depot for major fire service equipment suppliers and

continue our program of in service on site pairs as well as provide effective support at large scale incidents.

idly changing, dynamic industry and the igher standards of maintenance that our service demands.

and1932. This Division continues to provide both in-shop and mobile mechanical service for a number of our Regional Emergency Service partners as well as serving

manufacturers.

Extensive, detailed specifications were developed and an order was placed for a 30 meter Platform in 2008 for delivery in mid 2009. With the input of our own very talented in house experts, the Mechanical Division continued our Mobile Command Post project which is scheduled to be operational by the middle of 2009.

The Mechanical Division proudly took receipt of a new Mechanical Support Unit built by Wilcox Bodies in Milton on a 2009 Kenworth T330 chassis. Unit # 702 is a welcome addition to our ability tore

The Mechanical Division attended multiple Emergency Vehicle Technician courses throughout the year in an effort to keep all of our staff current with this raph

E M E R G E N C Y P L A N N I N G P R O G R A M

The Emergency Planning Program is responsible for ensuring the City meets and exceeds the standards for Emergency Management Programs prescribed in the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and Regulations. These standards include staff training, public awareness, emergency plans and procedures, emergency exercises, hazard analysis and critical infrastructure identification.

The Program revised the emergency response plans and developed an Evacuation/Re-entry Plan for the City. A comprehensive review and update of the hazard analysis and critical infrastructure inventory was completed. The program trained 270 staff; delivered 35 public awareness sessions, distributed 21,720 pieces of emergency preparedness information and conducted three exercises involving over 420

articipants.

munity Agencies acted as evacuees.

p

Exercise Maple Migration was a collaborative effort with York Region, Canadian Red Cross, Salvation Army, St. John’s Ambulance, York Amateur Radio Emergency Services, Vaughan Public Libraries and Kennel Inn on September 16, 2008. This exercise involved converting the Maple Community Centre into an emergency shelter. Over 100 volunteers from the community, High Schools, Colleges and Com

Exercise Corner Gassed was conducted on November 28, 2008. This exercise included York Region Departments, York Regional Police, PowerStream and TransCanada Pipelines. Over 90 people were involved in managing a scenario of a natural gas pipeline explosion. The exercise scenario developed through telephone calls from a simulation cell that represented the site, city and regional departments, utilities, community agencies, the media and the private sector. The Emergency Management Team exercised the notification procedures after hours on May 6, 2008.

The program received a Joint Emergency Preparedness Program Grant from Public Safety Canada to develop and equip an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). The EOC was used for the first time during Exercise Corner Gassed. The EOC is the control centre for managing an emergency and provides a one-stop-shop for emergency responders to access experts, equipment and human resources. The Emergency Management Team plans and implements the long term response and recovery strategies from the EOC.

Page 13

Four pets die in fire at Vaughan, Ont. vet clinic...

Barn�blaze�battled�in�Maple…�

End of volunteer fire force...

Sad day marks end of volunteer fire

service…

Woodbridge fire brigade disbanded…

Worker trapped as second floor collapses… Men lucky: fire chief

Vaughan Fire issues warning over

faulty home HRV systems…

Remember the fire safety by-laws...

Caustic�chemical�leak�burns�worker’s�

face...�

Employee suffers severe burns in chemical spill...

Vaughan fire prevention calls for

sprinklers...

Vaughan�Fire�suspects�arson�in�Gusgo�

blaze...�

Three jailed for 2004 Vaughan waste site blaze...

Official cause of fire never determined:

chief

Fighting fires starts now: chief

Vaughan firefighter killed in Georgetown

crash...

Tragedy strikes Vaughan firefighter...

Off-duty firefighter praised after risking life

to help neighbour...

Massive house fire: Caught on Tape...

Hands-on approach to emergency help...

2 0 0 8 L E A D S T O R I E S :

H E A D L I N E N E W S

R E P O R T E D B Y :

C I T Y O F V A U G H A N

VFRS in the news...

CBC.CA NEWS

CITY PULSE NEWS

CTV.ca

GLOBAL NEWS

NATIONAL POST

PERSPECTIVES

SNAP Newspaper

TANDEM

THE CANADIAN PRESS

THE TORONTO STAR

VAUGHAN CITIZEN

VAUGHAN TODAY

VAUGHAN WEEKLY

YORKREGION.COM

Cause of blaze still unknown…

Blaze�reveals�grow�op…�

Blaze turns flour mill in Vaughan, Ont., into raging

inferno...

Massive fire destroys Vaughan flour mill…

Vaughan mill fire forces evacuation of

neighbouring buildings….

Firefighters battled to save historic records as mill

burned, chief says…

Fire claims last mill...Explosion in silo leads to loss of 180-year-old ‘landmark’ Humber River

operation…

Fire rips through final landmark of bygone village; Pine Grove; Seniors’ home evacuated

as flour mill gutted…

Flour mill fire evacuates 150 seniors…

Historic Flour Mill Gutted By Fire, Not Considered Suspicious…

‘If the silo blew, we’d all be dead’...Historic mill

engulfed by flames…

‘Big�time�danger’�lurked�at�mill...�

Mill fire evacuees return home…

Cause�of�fire�at�mill�probed…�

Longtime firefighters honoured by province… 236th Provincial Fire

Services Long Service Medal Investiture

Honouring years of service…

Blaze�guts�Woodbridge�landmark…�

Flour mill blaze ruled accidental…

Vaughan Volunteer Firefighters present cheque to hospital

for sick children….

Vaughan Volunteer Firefighters Raise Funds for the

Hospital for Sick Children….

Volunteer firefighters raise alarm for charity….

Firefighters’ contract negotiations burn on….

READY FOR WORST: OFFICIALS...

City Of Vaughan Provides Emergency Planning Tools…

Woodbridge car fire suspicious: fire chief…

Are you prepared for potential disaster?

Firefighters’ boot drive kicks in big bucks for MD...

City of Vaughan Provides Interim Wage

Increase to Firefighters…

Firefighters given wage increase, await second arbitration hearing…

Vaughan firefighters earn retroactive pay raise…

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK 2008…

Pay attention or you may get burned...Save family, leave

pets and possessions….

Students have burning desire…

CITY OF VAUGHAN HOSTS BLOOD DONOR

CLINIC…

St. Louis Bar and Grill Turns Up the Heat….

Preventing�home�fires�key�message�of�fire�safety�week…�

VFRS in the news...

Sparky’s one hot dog…

Doing its part for Fire Prevention week...

VAUGHAN FIRE STATION RECEIVES ECO AWARD

FROM NATURAL RESOURCES CANADA…

Fire Station 79 Receives ECO Award From Natural

Resources Canada…

ADOPT-A-POND AND LIFE-SAVING STATIONS FOR STORM MANAGEMENT PONDS…

Remembering our Heroes…

Pay attention or you may get burned…

Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service Receives Pet Resuscitators...

Furry fire victims get new leash on life….

A new oxygen mask to save pets...Jeff Moyni-

han and his company donate life-saving de-vices to Vaughan fire stations…

Vaughan Fire equipped to revive pets after donation….

Helping out man’s best friend….

VAUGHAN FIRE RESCUE CHARITY HOCKEY GAME…

City staff take part in mock emergency exercise….

Don’t be afraid, go for it, female firefighter says…

Firefighter cranks up heat…

Peewee team deliver toys to Vaughan fire

hall…

Fire guts 3 high-end vehicles...

E V E N T S A N D A C H I E V E M E N T S

Recruit Class

of 2008

A special thankyou to all whoparticipated in

this event.

Hilliard and BeasleyRetirement Presentation

(Council Chambers)

FirefighterAlf BeasleyRetirement

PresentationIn Council Chambers

FirefighterGarry HilliardRetirement

PresentationIn Council Chambers

Masters Certificate in Municipal LeadershipGraduates

Vaughan Food BankFire Prevention Kick Off Week

Volunteer Firefighters Raise Funds for theHospital for Sick Children

E V E N T S A N D A C H I E V E M E N T S

Sirens for Life Blood

Donor Clinic

VFRSReceives PetResuscitators

Page 17

Adopt-A-Pondand Life-Saving

Stations forStorm

ManagementPonds

Cause of Blaze Still Unknown

Chief Senay said, “The first engine mounted an aggressive interior attack, but the fire forced them to retreat and take a defensive stance. We had very high winds from the back of the building which was pushing the fire through it. When our firefighters entered, they were met head-on with the fire, which had already spread to the second floor and roof. There was significant damage on every floor”. Furry Fire Victims Get New

Leash on Life

“If you’re away from your home and fire occurs, things can be replaced.You have insurance. But to replace the love of a dog, cat or any pet, it’s really hard,” Jackson said. “If these resuscitators can save one life, it’s great.”

Fighting Fires Starts Now: Chief

Vaughan’s Fire Chief is urging residents to take immediate action when it comes to fire safety in their homes. “It is so sad that it takes the senseless deaths of children to make people take notice, but you’re listening now. So please, don’t think about it – just do it,” says Fire Chief Greg Senay.

“Our success is dependant on providing citizens with what they need,when they need it…ALWAYS”

Robert Thomas 1964 - 2008

In Memory of…..Firefighter Robert Thomas

Firefighter Thomas died in a car accident on March 16, 2008.

He was 44 years old.

In Memory of…..Volunteer Firefighter Al Wilkie

Al died of natural causes on July 19, 2008.

He was 78 years old.

Al Wilkie 1929 - 2008

Page 19

VFRS STATION LOCATION MAP Locations: Station #7-1 835 Clarke Ave. Thornhill, ONL4J 7M1

Station #7-2 9290 Keele Street Vaughan, ON L6A 1P4

Station #7-3 325 Woodbridge Ave. Woodbridge, ON L4L 2V7

Station #7-4 10665 Islington Ave. Kleinburg, ON L0J 1C0

Station #7-5 2 Fieldstone Drive Woodbridge, ON L4L 9H2

Station #7-6 120 McCleary Court Concord, ON L4K 3Z1

Station #7-7 40 Eagleview Heights Woodbridge, ON L4H 2V7

Station #7-8 111 Racco Parkway Concord ON L4J 8X9

Station #7-9 9601 Islington Ave. Vaughan, ON L4H 3G7

Station7-3

Station7-6

Station7-5

Station7-8

Station7-1

Station7-7

Station7-2

Station7-9

Station7-4

A special thank you to Sabrina Sacchetti, of the VFRS, for her dedication to this report.

Office of the Fire Chief � 2141 Major Mackenzie Drive � Vaughan, Ontario � L6A 1T1 � Tel: (905) 832-8585 O