In an emergency, every Second counts.
And so does every fire fighter.
Every year, fire fighters in British Columbia are asked to do more. But as call volumes rise, the number of fire fighters on staff continues to decrease – putting lives and public safety at risk.
Proper emergency response starts by ensuring every fire engine and truck has 4 fire fighters – the internationally recognized standard for firefighting. Many fire departments across British Columbia currently have only 2 or 3 fire fighters per apparatus. Some departments are even sending fire fighters on calls by themselves, threatening the safety of both the fire fighter and the community at large.
The British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters’ Association (BCPFFA) urges the municipalities in British Columbia and the Yukon to ensure that when Canadians call for help, 4 fire fighters are on duty and ready to assist them.
〰️ 4 fire fighters 4 your safety
〰️ 4 fire fighters 4 your safety
Understaffed fire departments threaten public safety
In an emergency, every second counts. The smallest delays can mean the difference between life and death. This is especially true when it comes to structure fires, whether in single-family homes or high-rise buildings. Studies have repeatedly shown that fully staffed fire departments have a substantial impact on fire fighters’ ability to do their jobs, provide higher-quality emergency services and protect more lives and more property.
Not only does proper staffing improve public safety, but it keeps fire fighters safe as well.
4 FIRE FIGHTERS 4 YOUR SAFETY
The best way to guarantee residents of British Columbia and Yukon receive the best emergency services possible is to ensure every emergency is met with 4 fire fighters on duty and ready to respond.
4 Fire Fighters 4 Your Safety means:
Reduced Risk to Fire Fighters
Full staffing means safer working conditions, reducing fire fighters’ risk of fatigue, injuries, exposure to harmful toxins and carcinogens and death
Faster Response, Safer Outcomes
4 fire fighters can immediately begin coordinated operations, minimizing delays in rescues and fire suppression
Better Protection for the Public
From structure fires to vehicle accidents, more hands on the scene means faster response and better health outcomes during emergencies.
Compliance with NFPA 1710
Ensures departments meet internationally recognized minimum standards for fireground efficiency and crew safety.
Stronger, Safer Communities
Properly staffed fire departments are critical to a strong, reliable emergency response system.
〰️ NPFA 1710
〰️ NPFA 1710
Why the NFPA 1710 Standard?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is an international, non-profit organization formed with the stated goal of “eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards”. NFPA 1710 is a standard that recommends minimum requirements for fire departments to make sure emergency response is safe and efficient.
1710s key staffing recommendations include:
A minimum of 4 fire fighters per engine/truck company
Rapid, coordinated deployment within set response time goals
Safe, effective operations for all-hazard emergencies
The NFPA recommends these standards based on years of data and research compiled by their organization, and through close partnerships with leaders in the fire service from across the globe.
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Contact info@bcpffa.org