TBayTel Green Tec Recycling Event 2013
Wesway
Brand New You
Mallon's Corporate Impressions
Twice As Nice Thrift Store
North Country Cycle and Sports
Bragg Custom Cabinetry
News
Click here to see more
Subscribe
Community Calendar
Click here for full listings.
Poll
How would you grade the city’s response to the recent flood threat?





Total Votes: 301
View Results Past Polls

Market Research

Do you own your own home?
Who's Modo
User Submitted Photo Gallery
Submit Your Own Photos
Email
2012-06-20 at NOON

Firefighters expect to inspect smoke alarms in 5,000 households

By tbnewswatch.com
Tony and Adams PartiesCocktail Parties, Birthday Parties, Receptions and Showers...click here and book your party at TnA's today!Click Here

Firefighters expect to inspect smoke alarms in 5,000 households

Thunder Bay firefighters will be visiting people’s homes over the next few days to test for working smoke alarms.

Officials with the local fire department participate in this initiative every year on the first day of summer.

Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue Capt. Terry Hanchar said they have a set number of houses that they're targeting.

“We have a grid map of the city and every year we target so many homes and this year we are targeting 5,000 homes,” Hanchar told a CKPR Radio reporter during an interview Wednesday morning.

Hanchar added that they will also be encouraging residents to have a fire safety plan in place.

They will not lay any fines during these check ups.


(CKPR Radio)

Click here to submit a letter to the editor.
iCar

Click here to report a typo or error

Tbnewswatch.com(44)

Comments

We've improved our comment system.
imchino says:
Yea...like I'm going to let random strangers into my house, just because they ask, lol.
I think I can handle the task of checking my own alarm. ...they came here once and told me it was manditory to come in...I told them to beat it.
6/20/2012 12:28:48 PM
retiredintbay says:
Manditory? The word is "mandatory", and I can't say I believe you. It's not mandatory that they come in, but it is the law that you have working smoke alarms.

I've encountered the firefighters at my house and my parent's house. Both times they simply went through a survey, asking if I've tested them, changed the batteries etc. Not once did they ask to come in or say that it was "mandatory" that they come in. I even offered to let them inspect my parents' if they wanted, and was informed it wasn't necessary if I've already tested them.

So yeah "imchino", maybe you should report these firemen that claim it's mandatory that they come in to inspect them, because I highly doubt you were told that.

I'm glad to see them out ensuring our safety, even if it is only just a reminder to check our batteries etc. One of the firefighters told me that I'd be surprised how many people don't have working detectors, or even a detector at all. They'll install new ones for the elderly.
6/20/2012 3:35:13 PM
Marak says:
imchino is right. They came to my place one day a few years ago and were insisting they be allowed in. I wasn't home and thank god my wife knows better and told them to bugger off. They also state they won't be laying fines but I've been told they have in some cases...who knows if this is true, but once they are in your house if they spot something they don't like they certainly can if they want to.

Now if they pop by my house again, maybe they can check my fire pit instead of my smoke detectors and save me the cost of applying for an inspection AGAIN this year...yeah right...
6/20/2012 4:05:49 PM
digdug76 says:
I've had a fire pit for 5 years and it's been inspected once. Why would you have to apply for an inspection AGAIN this year? Obviously you're doing something wrong. My friends and I all have backyard fire permits and have all been inspected once. We simply return to the firehall every year to renew it. They don't come to inspect anything. It's one and done.

You should figure it out and it will be easy for you too. :)
6/21/2012 8:39:02 AM
TBDR says:
Come on man, they're firefighters, and they're offering this as a service to residents. There's no need to be a douchebag about it
6/20/2012 3:48:39 PM
Tom Sanderson says:
Are you on glue. They don't ask to come in and check your detectors. They ask you a few questions and are on their way to the neighbours. Anyone who says the firemen tell you that they want to enter your home to inspect the fire alarms is full of it.
If you have a fire and you didn't have a smoke detector pay the price for the services rendered by the fire department. If you have detectors you would be alerted long before you would need a fire truck to douse your house.
6/21/2012 10:33:11 PM
michaelnigharvey says:
I checked mine, all working fine. Go do something else useful....like pick up used needles in the parks.
6/20/2012 1:22:43 PM
Sui Generis says:
I'm with the previous posters. They're not police, and don't have warrants ... then they aren't coming in. I'll be happy to check my own, thanks.
6/20/2012 2:21:56 PM
grs says:
So in other words you're fine with taking care of yourself where fire is concerned but if it involves water or sewer you want the city to take care of you?

Just looking for some clarification.
6/20/2012 3:59:20 PM
woodzee says:
As a Landlord I have had many problems with Tenants removing smoke detectors, taking the batteries out and disabling the wired in detectors. I've had to give 24 hrs notice before inspections and the idiots forget to reinstall them. I think this action will help. I always have extra smoke detectors on hand to replace the removed ones and 9V batteries.
6/20/2012 6:56:53 PM
yer joking says:
Just make sure you have working smoke detectors in the proper locations or the reply will be "Yes your Honor, Happy to pay the $$$ fine"
6/21/2012 8:47:29 AM
Fluffy says:
I need a little carpentry work done. Maybe I'll snag one of them for a side job!
6/20/2012 2:44:39 PM
North18 says:
michaelnigharvey, you mean that you seen discarded needles in the park and you didn't pick them up? why wouldn't you? And what makes you think the firemen or police officers shuold do this job?They have no more training for this than you or I. You want to help out the city, go put on a pair of rubber gloves and do it yourself.
6/20/2012 2:56:57 PM
klee says:
What is wrong with you people - they have our best interest at heart here. A little support perhaps!!!
6/20/2012 3:29:05 PM
wayne says:
ask for official photo I.D. before letting them in.
6/20/2012 4:20:21 PM
imchino says:
LOL...what's next??? Cameras in our living rooms?
A simple reminder in the paper & on the radio would suffice. This is just wasted money and a disruption of privacy.
...and "retiredintbay", there is nothing to report...I told them to leave.
That "No Tresspassing" sign I posted, means exactly that.
6/20/2012 4:46:07 PM
Glyder says:
Seriously you guys are always bitching that the firefighters are overpaid and don't do anything. So now they are going out and doing something while on the clock (don't see how its costing any more money) and your bitching about that.

You can't have it both ways. What would you like them to do? Rescue kittens in a tree? You would complain about that.

Unreal.
6/20/2012 11:10:37 PM
Glyder says:
Oh, and that "NO TRESPASSING" sign...just to clarify, does that apply to them when your house is on fire? Or are they just allowed to stand on the road and watch your house go up in flames..."sorry sir, you have a no trespassing sign, you didn't let us in to check your alarm, so we assumed we wouldn't be allowed in to fight the fire"

6/20/2012 11:13:56 PM
passlake says:
not that I'm downplaying the importance of working smoke detectors, but in today's budget cuts and fiscal constraints, if our fire department has the time to knock on that many doors in "a few days", maybe there is an excess of crews and stations...

I'm not an expert in this field, but if the police had enough people on duty to knock on 5000 doors to discuss (insert issue here) over the course of a few days, I know a lot of people would be questioning why we are paying so many officers to "do nothing". (and by "do nothing" I mean not solving crimes, catching speeders, etc.)

can the same questions be asked of the Fire department or are they still the untouchable service? 2 new firehalls and more management in this years budget when EMS and police are regularly struggling to meet the demand of calls for service, I guess they ARE still untouchable...
6/20/2012 4:48:04 PM
ruralmedic says:
to be fair.. we did get a new headquarters.. and they have added more ambulances over the past few years..

but yes, the city's EMS is almost always busy..
6/20/2012 6:12:46 PM
passlake says:
oh right.. thanks. I forgot about that new base.
6/20/2012 11:45:46 PM
blunderbayresident says:
I have nothing but respect for emergency personnel but when it comes to this bullcrap law, my attitude does a 180. Section 8 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms provides everyone in Canada with protection against unreasonable search and seizure. If you want someone to check you’re smoke detectors, then let them. If not, then ask them to produce a warrant. No warrant – no entry - period! I say a polite “no, off my property and have a nice day” unless they decide to really push me!
6/20/2012 5:57:41 PM
Lally says:
Why the sudden hate-on for firefighters? The more people that are reminded, the better. That way, they can't whine that they didn't know working smoke detectors are a smart idea if their house burns down because they didn't notice the fire until it was too late.

People complain about government interfering in their lives until they want the government to fix their lives.
6/20/2012 6:20:00 PM
really??? says:
honestly, those negative comments are not needed. They do this as an "initiative"...you are not obligated to let them in....unless the fire inspector comes - then you have no choice. And if a fireman shows up - they are in uniform....do you really need to ask for proper I.D.? Oh, just one favor TBFD - if you are coming to my house, could you please give me a warning....wanna get the girls over for drinks ;)
6/21/2012 12:15:54 AM
wayne says:
And what is the cost to city tax payers for this inspection of smoke detectors in 5,000 homes?

Homeowners should be responsible for making sure they have properly working and new (less than 10 yrs old) smoke detectors.
6/21/2012 12:38:08 AM
Glyder says:
If they are already working, and being paid for being on shift, how is there any extra cost involved?

If they are pulling in guys on their off days (most likely not) then why the concern?
6/21/2012 8:45:29 AM
realistic1 says:
The firefighters don't have enough real work to keep them busy so this is their excuse. We are not that stupid.
6/21/2012 2:39:34 AM
really??? says:
obviously you are..... they don't have enough work? Hmm - they are called to MVA's, they are called to all 911 medical emergencies, they are called to assist search and rescue, they are called to assist when your kitty gets stuck in a tree, or the dog gets stuck in a culvert. Oh, and then they have to clean their truck, maintain and check, and double check their equipment DAILY. You do want their equipment to work properly when your house is burning down right? They also clean their own fire hall, as well do regular training and testing. Now what do they do with all their spare time???? They raise funds for toys for tots, they do school site visits, and they do guided tours with school and youth groups. Firemen are very well respected and admired. These men (and some women) go INTO a burning building when everyone else is running OUT. Keep up the good work TBFD. Oh I forgot - they also get called to FIRES. Ignorant people.
6/22/2012 12:45:38 AM
unionbay880 says:
I still haven't figured out the mentality of this city. Firefighters don't do enough, now the do too much. Just so I understand do you hate all persons in authority? Or everyone with a good paying job (one that you believe pays bettertahn your own)?
6/21/2012 5:30:02 AM
digdug76 says:
Official Photo ID? They have it, I've seen it.

Passlake - 5000 doors over a few days? They must be speed walkers.

I haven't let them in my house, they can offer, but they can't force it. To whoever is saying that the firefighters will give out fines, really? I know a couple firefighters and they don't have the power to give out fines. I believe the inspectors do though, and they're not the ones visiting the houses doing the surveys.
6/21/2012 8:36:13 AM
passlake says:
5000? yes. as the title of the article says..

over a few days? yes. as the second sentence says.

let's do some math.. "a few" is usually 3 days, right? let's say 5 to make it easier.

1000 houses in a day. they aren't inspecting early morning hours, nor late at night.. so 12 hours or so per day.. that's around 84 houses in an hour, between 8 crews.. so each crew does about 10 in an hour... say it takes 3 minutes to walk between houses, knock on the door, get an answer, talk for a minute and move on.. that's 30 minutes of each hour (50%) of their time doing these inspections..

when they aren't doing these, what do they spend that 50% of their day doing?

Not knocking the FD, but if you look at actual fire-related calls, historically the numbers are falling.. yet we maintain nearly the same level of service that we've had for the past 50-60 years (outside of the closure of Pacific Avenue hall in 1993)... other departments balance their numbers based on demand.. shouldn't they?
6/21/2012 10:53:57 AM
imhere says:
They aren't searching or seizing anything. They just want to ensure your smoke alarms are working. We had to call them out to the house for an actual fire and they asked at that time if they could check them and they did. Much to our surprise one wasn't working well and they replaced it with a new one, no questions asked. I think it's a smart thing. This is a great service to the city - and they already mentioned no fines would be laid. Let them do their job.
6/21/2012 8:52:56 AM
anotherview says:
The fire department does not ask to come in but OFFERS to come in to check if you are unsure of your smoke alarm situation. It is a service to inform you of the regulations and yes, in situations ie elderly, will install a new alarm or battery. Yes, for all of the complaining about the guys not doing enough for their salary, here is a service that is offered and the negativity is still apparent. No, charges will not be laid in this situation, however, if a fire occurs, and they respond and no working smoke detectors are found, then charges could be laid. As for cost, the price of some fuel and pamphlets and the smoke detectors....not a bad deal for the citizens. Yes, always ask for ID for anyone who offers to come into your house, although the big red truck usually gives it away...
6/21/2012 9:40:19 AM
tbayguy009 says:
Let's be clear about the term 'firefighter'.

Taxpayers expect (by paying taxes), that these trained personel will respond and put a fire out in a time of emergency. That is the very purpose of their existance and hopefully that need never arises.

BUT They aren't suppoesed to be fire'nannies' who represent some nanny state. Provincial guidelines are a good idea, but when the threat of fines exist, those guidelines become a method of forcing people to conform. Even beyond that, forced entry into a home without any emergency existing is wrong. Just an abuse of power, discrace of uniform.

Firefighters should not think that forced entry is a good public image to present themselves in.

If the ederly aren't able to check their own smoke alarms, then they should ask that someone around them to verify the alarms are functioning.

And NO, the public doesn't need 'certification' courses to install these things. The simple instruction manuals are fine.
6/21/2012 10:53:14 AM
digdug76 says:
Nobody forces their way in. Why would you spread lies? Forced entry into a home? Haha. Yeah okay.

Well we're a city with a Giant Heart, but we're also a city with Giant Whiners. Need proof? Simply read through the comments on here.

Someone please post a nice picture of a block of cheese to go with all the whine!
6/21/2012 4:14:05 PM
tbayguy009 says:
Wearing a uniform and insisting on 'looking' is intimidation enough. They have the code book to enforce and can easily cite 'something', especially preying on the unknowledgeable.

Read the accounts above. Does the reality of other people's REAL LIFE experiences puzzle you some how?

The REAL whiners are the whiners complaining about the whinners. That is simply bullying on their part.

Oh and by the way, there have laws about that too. Too many people are being silenced into saying nothing. Especially when the giant heart is a giant foot.
6/21/2012 5:13:07 PM
tbayguy009 says:
Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997

PART VI
INSPECTIONS

Interpretation

18. For the purposes of this Part, fire safety includes safety from the risk that a fire, if started, would seriously endanger the health and safety of any person or the quality of the natural environment for any use that can be made of it. 1997, c. 4, s. 18.

Inspectors

19. (1) The Fire Marshal, an assistant to the Fire Marshal or a fire chief is an inspector for the purposes of this Part.

Inspections

(2) An inspector may, without a warrant, enter and inspect land and premises for the purposes of assessing fire safety.

Time of entry

(3) The power to enter and inspect land and premises without a warrant may be exercised at all reasonable times.

Assistance

(4) An inspector who enters land or premises under this section may take with him or her a police officer or such other person as he or she considers advisable to assist.

HAHA to you .... do REALLY have anything to say now?

re:spreading lies

6/21/2012 5:23:41 PM
digdug76 says:
Here's a neat quote from the CJ.

"The smoke alarm canvas will run throughout the summer and into October.
No charges will be laid during an inspection, Hay said. However, if firefighters attend a fire call and it’s determined there were no working smoke alarms, a ticket will be issued."

No, it's not thousands of homes in a few days. That's ridiculous. Walking door to door and talking to residents, leaving to attend calls, returning to continue...and you think they'll be done 1000's of homes in a few days. That's brilliant.

Oh look, no charges will be laid during the inspections. Weird, people on here claimed that charges would be laid by the firefighters.

Maybe the inspectors, after a situation in which you didn't have working detectors....seeing as it's the law.

Keep up the whining. Poor Passlake, his life must have a huge void in it if he/she is so enthralled with the FD constantly. :)

Get a hobby, relax, stop stressing and worrying...and most of all, complaining.
6/21/2012 4:27:16 PM
passlake says:
Yet if you see 5 police cars at a coffee shop, what's your first thought? What would you think if you saw that for the good majority of the day every day? Eventually wouldn't you start thinking "hmm.. maybe we have too many if they have all this time to sit around and drink coffee?"

That's a very common and accepted way of thinking.. but as soon as I replace "police" with "firefighter", replace "coffee shop" with "fire hall" and say 40 staff, instead of 5-10, suddenly I'm whining?
6/21/2012 5:28:15 PM
brooky says:
They came to my door last year or the year before. "Do you having working smoke alarms on every floor"? YesI do. Would you like to see them? "No. Thanks for your time".

What a bunch of nonsense. These guys are being paid 80-90 k a year for this? I'm sure that there's more than a few students that would jump at the chance to perform this mindless exercise at $15.00 per hour.
6/21/2012 8:31:24 PM
digdug76 says:
So people complain that they sit in the station and don't have enough to do. So in the summer they go out and do door to door surveys regarding smoke alarms and fire safety.

Now you're complaining about that and want to give that job to a student? That's simply brilliant.

6/22/2012 10:17:42 AM
nvjgu says:
Nothing to do so the higher up's come up with stuff like this," pathetic.
6/22/2012 7:08:44 AM
Glyder says:
You never have anything positive to say, and here is yet another example. So, here is what I am going to do for you. I am going to give you the opportunity to do something positive.

You, yes YOU! are to come up with something for the firefighters to do. Since you obviously are smarter than the "higher ups", it shouldn't take you long.

6/22/2012 2:03:44 PM
passlake says:
I'll take this one nvjgu..

If they "need something to do", they aren't being utilized very well.

Either there's not enough calls or there's too many crews..

It would be ridiculous to expect them to increase their call volume, so is the next rationale step? Maybe we have too many stations.. do we really need two brand new ones built LESS than 5km from each other? I don't see why we couldn't maintain acceptable coverage with 7 stations. After all, we were all told that when Neebing station had mould issues, coverage wasn't comprimised by having the crew respond out of another fire hall. The savings on the facility alone (building the new one) is in the millions.

but yes, the untouchables...
6/23/2012 12:08:00 AM
Comments for this story are semi-moderated. Read our comment guideline.

Add a new comment.
You must log in to add comments.
Create a new account
Forgot password?
Log In
 
 
© 2013 Dougall Media.