STAFF REPORT
December 30, 1999
To: Community Services Committee
From: Barry H. Gutteridge, Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services
Alan F. Speed, Fire Chief
Subject: Toronto Fire Services - "War on Fire"
Purpose:
This report is to advise Council of the efforts being taken by staff of Fire Services to bring to the attention of the public the
requirements of the Ontario Fire Code in respect of the provision and maintenance of smoke detectors in all dwellings.
Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
There are no financial implications associated with the presentation of this report.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that this report be received for information.
Background:
To the date of this report, there have been 30 deaths in the City of Toronto caused by fire and fire-related hazards. This is
an unprecedented and unacceptable number of deaths.
Comments:
Due to the increased number of largely preventable fire-related deaths in the City of Toronto, the Fire Chief has announced
a "War on Fire" with a no-tolerance policy with respect to owners and occupants of buildings who have failed to provide
and maintain working smoke alarms in accordance with the provisions of the Ontario Fire Code.
To date, charges have been pressed under the Act and shall be diligently prosecuted. As staff of Fire Services become
aware of additional City dwellings failing to meet the requirements of the Ontario Fire Code, additional charges will also
be laid.
The Fire Chief has initiated a public awareness campaign aimed at informing the public on the need and legal requirement
for working smoke alarms in all dwellings. Additionally, on-going dialogue with neighbouring GTA Fire Chiefs and with
the Ontario Fire Marshal is occuring with a view to developing new initiatives and public awareness programs to lessen the
number of fire-related deaths.
Conclusions:
It is believed that only through a heightened awareness on the part of the public can we attempt to lower the number of
deaths where non-existent or non-working smoke alarms combined with the lack of proper fire-escape planning played a
significant factor.
Contact:
Terence Boyko, Deputy Fire Chief
Tel: 397-4302, Fax: 397-4325
tboyko@toronto.ca
Alan F. Speed, Fire Chief
Tel: 397-4301, Fax: 397-4325
aspeed@toronto.ca
Alan F. Speed Barry H. Gutteridge
Fire Chief Commissioner of
Works and Emergency Services
