Proposed upgrade to fire training

By Sharon McLeay Times Contributor

Wheatland County is considering changing methods of its fire training from a module-based program to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) level 101 series training.
Stuart Larson, Wheatland County’s emergency, protective and fire services manager, told county council on Feb. 5 that changing the method of fire training would give fire crews a more practical and congruent application of training information.
“When I started here last month and started reviewing some of the fire policies put in place, one that really stood out for me was the fire services level of training,” said Larson.
He said the county is using a module system developed in the late 1990s and since then, upgrades have been done and methods of teaching have changed. He said current modules being used provide information on use of gear and equipment, but not necessarily developing the needed practical information for firefighting situations. He reminded council they have an obligation to provide competency-based training within a recognized standard.
The NFPA level 101 series training is both a provincial and international standard. Staff can be trained in the levels and it will save money in the long run, said Larson.
Each new course would take about 40 hours and be delivered over a 12-week period. About 180 hours is needed to certify for the first level practical and theory completion. Larson said currently they have no fire crews certified with a technician-level certification.
“How we would do this is, if you have previous training in an F-series course, I will recognize the job requirements in that,” said Larson. “We will sign them off and fill in the ones they are missing to get their certification.”
Larson said this change was implemented in Vulcan County and they found that it increased fire recruiting, as the training was relevant and could be delivered by certified staff. The cost for the training would be paid for by county and district fire associations.
“It is the cost of doing business,” said Alan Parking, Wheatland County chief administrative officer. “You can’t skip training just because you can’t afford that.”
Reeve Amber Link asked for a cost analysis for the next two to five years. She said to her level of understanding, currently the county is not legally required under current OH&S standards to provide for a semi-professional or professional level of training. She felt it could be expensive and would reduce the number of firefighters available for service because they may not be certified under the new system. She also asked staff to consult with the district fire associations and firefighters on any changes.
Deputy Reeve Glenn Koester asked that comparisons be broken down for what the districts receive in funding agreements compared to what Wheatland County receives for fire service and training provision.
“We are not committing to actually fully train to 1001 or Level 2. That would be at the option of the fire departments and the individuals. We want to train them within that standard, to that level of service,” said Larson. “In order to be an exterior firefighter and put wet stuff on the red stuff, you have to understand how to use a hose, use a nozzle, hose patterns, fuel loading. You don’t have to complete the entire course. We are just moving away from module-based learning.”
Larson said at least three days of training would bring crews up to minimum standards and could be completed with regular training days in six months or less.
Councillor Tom Ikert asked if there was a structure fire, what actions crews were currently allowed. Larson said crews in Wheatland County can only provide exterior fire exposure containment.
If a person is trapped in a burning building, most firefighters would not hesitate to enter, even without adequate training, but current standards and council directions do not allow interior fire entry or interior firefighting actions.
“It increases risk and liability when we don’t have adequate training,” said Judy Unsworth, Wheatland regional fire chief.
Parkin said that technically, Wheatland County crews are not allowed to enter a burning structure for safety and liability reasons, and what county or personal liability for the firefighter is in that situation is unclear.
“Once you commit to an interior attack, there are certain levels of training you must have, and if someone is hurt and we don’t have that level of training we are all going to jail,” said Larson.
Council asked that administration bring back a cost analysis for review at a later date.
There will be a provincial fire services guideline mandated by the province coming out in May 2019, which may define the use of the NFPA courses, so council may delay a decision until after its release.