Fire Ops 2023
On September 18th, 2023 BCPFFA affiliate leaders were at the Union of BC Municipalities Conference (UBCM) meeting with local elected officials and provincial decision-makers to give them an understanding of the challenges, risks, and demands of a firefighter's job.
The BCPFFA hosted Fire Ops that included 27 participants from all over British Columbia who had an opportunity to experience and learn about the challenges fire fighters face in the course of their duties. Education and practical experience centered around safe staffing levels, best practices in occupational health & safety, and proper equipment / resources was delivered in this years Fire Ops, with emphasis on the PFAS used in fire fighting personal protective clothing (PPE).
Video by Jane Spitz
Group leaders and instructors from several Affiliate Locals ushered their groups through the 8 stations and provided them with a thoughtful explanation and first hand account of the challenges fire fighters faces, such as interior and exterior structure fire attacks, auto-extrication, hazmat, confined space, entanglements and pre-hospital care.
On behalf of the BCPFFA, we thank the candidates for participating in Fire Ops 101. It allowed us to provide a first-hand experience of what your fire fighters go through on a daily basis ensuring the safety of the public in the municipalities we serve. We are thankful to both the Vancouver Fire Rescue Services and IAFF Local 18 for allowing this to event to take place at the VFRS Training Centre. — Todd Schierling, President.
Video by Chris Mckee
Note: PFAS is used in fire fighter turnout gear and poses an unnecessary occupational threat. As a result, in August 2022, the IAFF and the Metro Chiefs joined forces to alert members to the adverse health risks posed by PFAS in turnout gear, draw attention to the need for PFAS-free turnout gear, and recommend precautionary steps for members and departments until next-generation gear can be developed and put in use. Subsequently, the BCPFFA & FCABC also published a joint memo on this important issue. Turnout Gear, was not used during Fire Ops, rather we used used cotton coveralls and modified the fire fighting scenarios.
Fire Ops 101 - Action Shots
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Fire Ops 101 - Action Shots 〰️
Fire Ops Helmet Presentations
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Fire Ops Helmet Presentations 〰️
BCPFFA Reception, sponsored by IAFF
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BCPFFA Reception, sponsored by IAFF 〰️
Do you have your Emergency Supply Kit?
Do you have a Grab n Go Bag?
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Do you have a Grab n Go Bag? 〰️
BE PREPARED
Build yourself and your family an Emergency Supply Kit… What would you bring for your grab and go bag? Build your Emergency Kit and make it a family project.
Government of Canada Announces More Funding for Firefighter Training
Today the Government of Canada announced that $400,000 through the first phase of the Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate - Training Fund will be provided to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) to fund a pilot project to help build wildfire fighting capacity and enhance training best practices.
This funding will be directed to the IAFF's Responding to the Interface (RTI) program, which will provide specialized training to structural firefighters, expanding their skills and capabilities. This training will help better prepare and equip firefighters to fight wildfires, with a focus on the wildland urban interface (WUI).
"This wildfire season has been historic, with more intense fires in more parts of Canada than ever before. The first priority of this government is the health and safety of Canadians. That is why we are partnering with the IAFF to deliver more firefighters and high-quality training opportunities across Canada. We will continue to work with the partners to expand our wildfire fighting capacity — to protect and preserve Canadian lives and livelihoods." — The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
Through this pilot project, the IAFF will train 25 instructors on how to deliver consistent and effective wildfire response training through a Cadre Building training program in Kamloops, British Columbia. In addition, the IAFF will deliver 15 courses across five different locations in Western Canada, training up to 325 structural firefighting personnel on urban interface wildfire training.
Mike Carter, IAFF 6th District
"The need to defend our communities from encroaching interface fires is imperative. We're grateful to the Government of Canada and the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources for funding the IAFF's Responding to the Interface training program so that firefighters can safely and effectively protect Canadians and their homes from this danger." — Mike Carter Vice President, International Association of Fire Fighters 6th District
Over 10 percent of Canadians live in interface areas comprising 32 million hectares across the country, where urban communities intermingle with flammable environments like forests. In our fight against wildfires, the interface is an urgent area of focus. Interface fires pose the greatest threats to lives and livelihoods and can have devastating impacts even when contained — like the spreading of thick smoke and evacuations that can cause immense stress on residents and families.
"As this challenging wildfire season continues to impact communities and livelihoods across the country, protecting Canadians remains our first priority. Today's announcement with the International Association of Fire Fighters will help expand our wildfire fighting capacity and increase our ability to respond to future wildfire seasons. Thank you to all the firefighters, first responders and Canadian Armed Forces personnel who have been working tirelessly to keep communities safe." — The Honourable Harjit Sajjan President of the King's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada
Complementing the Government of Canada’s commitment to train 1,000 new wildland firefighters over five years, this pilot project will help to inform best practices and recommendations for the future delivery of wildland firefighter training in advance of phase 2 of the Training Fund set to launch next year.
“It was an honour to have Ministers Jonathan Wilkinson and Harjit Sajjan at the District of North Vancouver’s Firehall #4, alongside many representatives from the International Association of Fire Fighters, including Mike Carter, IAFF 6th District Vice President, Gord Ditchburn, IAFF Senior Executive for Western Canada and several leaders from Local 18, Local 296 and local 1183.
We have seen that the 2023 wildfire season has had a devastating impact across Canada. These kinds of fires are especially dangerous in the wildland urban interface.
The BCPFFA is pleased with today’s announcement from the federal government partnering with the IAFF for its Responding to the Interface (RTI) program. We look forward to the launch of this training. Safety and specialized training is the priority and this program will enhance both public and first responder safety while protecting life and property in the interface..” — Todd Schierling, President BCPFFA.
CTV News Coverage
GlobalBC Coverage
IAFF Responding to the Interface
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) partnered with the Government of Canada and Kamloops Fire Rescue and fire fighters from across the Canada and United States to launch a pilot Responding to the Interface (RTI) train the trainer program.
Fifty IAFF structural fire fighters from BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan enrolled in the training, twenty five (25) for the inaugural launch August 1-4, 2023 in Kamloops BC. Master Trainers from Cal Fire and Austin, Texas and Mark Brise from Local 913 Kamloops) led the training for the “Train the Trainer” program.
Wiildfires in the interface are happening more regularly. Responding to wildfires in the interface requires specialized training methodologies in tactics and strategies. Dealing with interface wildfires is dangerous and unpredictable due to the topography, vegetation fuel sources, variable hazards, winds and dry heat. The RTI program enhances public and responder safety in the interface.
— Mike Carter, IAFF 6th District Vice President
The IAFF is thankful to the federal government for providing funding for the essential wildfire training program so our trainers can train others across the country to safely protect our communities in the interface.
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), in partnership with Natural Resources Canada and the City of Kamloops, is hosting a training program next week to prepare structural fire fighters for the dangers and hazards of wildfires.
Guest: Mike Carter - IAFF 6th District Vice President (representing Western Canada)
Guest: Mark Brise - a Kamloops fire fighter and member of IAFF Local 913
Source: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3xkOoIyGutbR6SXQUjaEmJ?si=5rChjPA4Ra6IhiFy06e3GA
Kamloops hosts interface firefighting course for structural firefighters.
Source: CFJC Today
BCPFFA Executive Board Announces New Leadership Team
BCPFFA Executive Board Announces New Leadership Team
It is with great pleasure, that on behalf of the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association (BCPFFA), we announce a new BCPFFA leadership team. At the 42nd Biennial BCPFFA Convention in Campbell River, BC, over 175 delegates from 51 registered IAFF affiliate locals assembled to discuss important issues on behalf of their members and to elect candidates to the executive board. View Convention Images.
Introducing your New BCPFFA Executive Board
Back Row (left to right): Andrew Zado, Curtis Gibbons, Saverio Lattanzio, Matt Crompton, Mike McMillan, Kris Krutop, Stewart Dumont.
Front Row (left to right): Ryan Stewart, Steve Farina, Brian Catinus, Todd Schierling, Rob Weeks, Lee DePellegrin.
2023 BCPFFA Executive Board
The executive board looks forward to serving its 55 affiliates in the best interests of all members of the BCPFFA and working with all levels of government to provide public and fire fighters safety across the province. Learn more about the board.
The new members and roles on the board are as follows:
Todd Schierling, President-Acclaimed
Todd is a Local 1271 Surrey member who held the position of BCPFFA secretary-treasurer for the past seven years. Todd supported his predecessor, President Gord Ditchburn and the board to achieve several gains for the BCPFFA membership including the expansion of several cancers/illnesses, EMS scope of practice changes and supporting our affiliates with resources, education and training. Todd brings ingenuity, vision and resourcefulness to the executive board, and we look forward to his leadership.
“I am humbled and honoured to be acclaimed as President of the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association and work with a dedicated and strong leadership team serving our 55 local affiliates. I am thankful for the leaders who served before us, and built a strong foundation for our executive board to steward, protect, and improve upon wherever possible. I look forward to working with Secretary-Treasurer Brian Catinus and our entire board with the vision, unity, and leadership required to advance the BCPFFA agenda - working tirelessly to advocate for our IAFF members and their families.” -- Todd Schierling, BCPFFA President (acclaimed)
Brian Catinus, Secretary/Treasurer-Acclaimed
Brian, Local 967 Saanich president sits on several BCPFFA committees including Finance, Grievance, Database/IT, Resolutions and Convention. Additionally, Brian is a Field Service Rep for IAFF 6th District, Mike Carter. Brian has played an integral role in BC’s labour movement where he has been instrumental in advancing the IAFF / BCPFFA agenda forward. Brian brings a strong leadership skill set to the board in areas of labour relations and government affairs.
“This new executive board has been given an opportunity to continue the great work of so many before us, who worked tirelessly to ensure continually safer and more equitable working conditions for our members. I am honoured to work with this board, as well as our affiliates and committee members across this province to ensure our focus never waivers from making the fire service safer for our members and the communities they serve.” — Brian Catinus, BCPFFA Secretary-Treasurer (accliamed)
New to the board are,
Matt Crompton vice President acclaimed, and Andrew Zado Vice President elect.
Executive Board Members acclaimed;
Executive Vice President Rob Weeks (Vancouver) and Regional Vice Presidents Steve Farina (Lower Mainland North), Mike McMillan (Lower Mainland South), Saverio Lattanzio (Fraser Valley), Kris Krutop (Okanagan) and Lee DePellegrin (Kootenays).
Trustees Re-elected
Stewart Dumont L1668, Ryan Stewart L1183, Curtis Gibbons L1399
At convention, several governance related policy resolutions were adopted including Land Acknowledgement (acknowledging the respective ancestral and customary lands at provincial conferences and events), and Human Relations Committee (to support locals with resources in areas such as Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Leadership).
Honorary and Emeritus Membership resolution were proposed and supported unanimously by the delegation for the outstanding and impactful work to their local, region and province.
President Emeritus Member Gord Ditchburn, L18 Vancouver
Honorary Member Miles Ritchie, L323 Burnaby
Honorary Member Jeff Clark, L323 Burnaby
Honorary Member Dave Harcus, L4449 Maple Ridge
Stepping away from the executive board this convention was Gord Ditchburn who served fourteen years on the board, the last seven as President. Gord received President Emeritus Membership by a resolution unanimously supported by 55 locals in BC and the Yukon. Gord was celebrated for his longstanding and impactful advocacy work to the province. Gord will continue his work through the IAFF Canadian Office as Western Senior Executive. The board wishes Gord and his family the very best.
"Gord made a tremendous impact for fire fighters and their families in BC in areas of cancer presumptive coverage, EMS, Mental Health and much more. He provided sound leadership to his team and built solidarity across the province. We are proud of our contributions and service to the labour movement under Gord’s leadership..
— Newly acclaimed President Todd Schierling
Also, stepping away from their regional vice presidents’ roles are Chad Porter L905 President Nanaimo (Island Region) and Dean Aussem L1372 (Northern Region) who is retiring this month. We are thankful for their leadership and contributions and wish them and their families the very best.
NEW AFFILIATION
We are pleased to welcome View Royal IAFF Local 5419 and Colwood IAFF Local 5420 to the BCPFFA membership.
The British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters Association is an organization that is comprised of the 55 locals who represent over 4300 professional men and women fire fighters in BC. All 55 locals are members of the International Association of Fire Fighters.
All locals support their communities in a variety of charitable initiatives that support youth, families and senior’s programs, and the IAFF’s charity (MD Canada). Additionally, the locals are proud contributors to the BCPFFA’s provincial charity – the BCPFF Burn Fund.
Sincerely,
BCPFFA Executive Board
Per
BRITISH COLUMBIA PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION
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ABOUT THE BCPFFA
The BCPFFA is a service provider for its affiliates offering training and education in areas of provincial legislation, occupational health and safety, WorkSafe advocacy, financial assistance, bargaining, labour law, and advocacy for best practices in both public safety and fire fighter safety.
The BCPFFA executive board is comprised of thirteen elected representatives; Two principal officers (President and Secretary-Treasurer), eight regional Vice Presidents and three Trustees. They represent 55 Locals of over 4300 professional men and women in fire fighting - suppression, training, fire prevention, dispatch, mechanical, emergency preparedness, and clerical support staff.
Burn Fund 45th Annual General Meeting
SAVE THE DATE - JUNE 13, 2023
The 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Tuesday, June 13th at 1:00 PST.
The AGM will be a hybrid session with an opportunity to attend in person and via Zoom. The in-person meeting will be held at the Burn Fund Centre in Vancouver.
For Registration details, watch for internal communications to all Local Burn Fund Reps and Local Leaders. Coming soon.
In addition, we encourage all Local Burn Fund Reps to reach out to Kristin Bibbs, Development Manager for details for the “Local Burn Fund Rep. Workshop” on June 12th prior to AGM. We look forward to bringing our Burn Fund rep ambassadors together this AGM.
