Ontario bill aimed at further protecting firefighters, passes second reading
Posted Apr 7, 2017 07:25:35 AM.
Last Updated Apr 7, 2017 07:27:25 AM.
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The Ontario private member’s bill is hoping to help protect firefighters entering buildings.
Back in 2011, two volunteer firefighters with the North Perth fire department were killed, after fighting a fire at a store in Listowel, which had a roof made of lightweight construction materials. Unfortunately, they did not know about the lightweight material and were killed in the building.
Perth-Wellington MPP, Randy Pettapiece hopes this bill will eliminate some of the unknown when crews are responding to fires.
“What this bill does is identify buildings with this type of construction, so that when a firefighter goes to the scene of a fire, the sticker is on the wall, side of the building, so he knows what he’s dealing with,”
The emblem’s will indicate whether the roof, the floor or both are made of this lightweight material.
Some cities, such as Stratford and Perth County, already have by-laws in place similar to the bill.
Pettapiece says the bill passed second reading on Thursday, and is now waiting to be brought to committee, where talks will include testimony from those in fire services.
“I’ve travelled the province on this bill, speaking to different fire services, and they all support it. It’s supported by firefighter’s union, fire chiefs, so it’s got wide support, tremendous support, all across Ontario,” adds Pettapiece.
