IAFF Responding to the Interface

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) partnered with the Government of Canada and Kamloops Fire Rescue and fire fighters from across the Canada and United States to launch a pilot Responding to the Interface (RTI) train the trainer program.

Fifty IAFF structural fire fighters from BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan enrolled in the training, twenty five (25) for the inaugural launch August 1-4, 2023 in Kamloops BC. Master Trainers from Cal Fire and Austin, Texas and Mark Brise from Local 913 Kamloops) led the training for the “Train the Trainer” program.

Wiildfires in the interface are happening more regularly. Responding to wildfires in the interface requires specialized training methodologies in tactics and strategies. Dealing with interface wildfires is dangerous and unpredictable due to the topography, vegetation fuel sources, variable hazards, winds and dry heat. The RTI program enhances public and responder safety in the interface.

— Mike Carter, IAFF 6th District Vice President

The IAFF is thankful to the federal government for providing funding for the essential wildfire training program so our trainers can train others across the country to safely protect our communities in the interface.

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), in partnership with Natural Resources Canada and the City of Kamloops, is hosting a training program next week to prepare structural fire fighters for the dangers and hazards of wildfires.

Guest: Mike Carter - IAFF 6th District Vice President (representing Western Canada)

Guest: Mark Brise - a Kamloops fire fighter and member of IAFF Local 913

Source: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3xkOoIyGutbR6SXQUjaEmJ?si=5rChjPA4Ra6IhiFy06e3GA

 

Source: Global BC https://fb.watch/mc8yzsuobR/

 
 

Kamloops hosts interface firefighting course for structural firefighters.

Source: CFJC Today

 
 

BCPFFA Executive Board Announces New Leadership Team

BCPFFA Executive Board Announces New Leadership Team

It is with great pleasure, that on behalf of the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association (BCPFFA), we announce a new BCPFFA leadership team. At the 42nd Biennial BCPFFA Convention in Campbell River, BC, over 175 delegates from 51 registered IAFF affiliate locals assembled to discuss important issues on behalf of their members and to elect candidates to the executive board. View Convention Images.

Introducing your New BCPFFA Executive Board

Back Row (left to right): Andrew Zado, Curtis Gibbons, Saverio Lattanzio, Matt Crompton, Mike McMillan, Kris Krutop, Stewart Dumont.

Front Row (left to right): Ryan Stewart, Steve Farina, Brian Catinus, Todd Schierling, Rob Weeks, Lee DePellegrin.

2023 BCPFFA Executive Board

The executive board looks forward to serving its 55 affiliates in the best interests of all members of the BCPFFA and working with all levels of government to provide public and fire fighters safety across the province. Learn more about the board. 

The new members and roles on the board are as follows:

Todd Schierling, President-Acclaimed

Todd is a Local 1271 Surrey member who held the position of BCPFFA secretary-treasurer for the past seven years. Todd supported his predecessor, President Gord Ditchburn and the board to achieve several gains for the BCPFFA membership including the expansion of several cancers/illnesses, EMS scope of practice changes and supporting our affiliates with resources, education and training. Todd brings ingenuity, vision and resourcefulness to the executive board, and we look forward to his leadership.

“I am humbled and honoured to be acclaimed as President of the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association and work with a dedicated and strong leadership team serving our 55 local affiliates. I am thankful for the leaders who served before us, and built a strong foundation for our executive board to steward, protect, and improve upon wherever possible. I look forward to working with Secretary-Treasurer Brian Catinus and our entire board with the vision, unity, and leadership required to advance the BCPFFA agenda - working tirelessly to advocate for our IAFF members and their families.” -- Todd Schierling, BCPFFA President (acclaimed)

Brian Catinus, Secretary/Treasurer-Acclaimed

Brian,  Local 967 Saanich president sits on several BCPFFA committees including Finance, Grievance, Database/IT, Resolutions and Convention.  Additionally, Brian is a Field Service Rep for IAFF 6th District, Mike Carter. Brian has played an integral role in BC’s labour movement where he has been instrumental in advancing the IAFF / BCPFFA agenda forward. Brian brings a strong leadership skill set to the board in areas of labour relations and government affairs.

“This new executive board has been given an opportunity to continue the great work of so many before us, who worked tirelessly to ensure continually safer and more equitable working conditions for our members. I am honoured to work with this board, as well as our affiliates and committee members across this province to ensure our focus never waivers from making the fire service safer for our members and the communities they serve.” — Brian Catinus, BCPFFA Secretary-Treasurer (accliamed)

New to the board are, 

Matt Crompton vice President acclaimed, and Andrew Zado Vice President elect.

Executive Board Members acclaimed;  

Executive Vice President Rob Weeks (Vancouver) and Regional Vice Presidents Steve Farina (Lower Mainland North), Mike McMillan (Lower Mainland South), Saverio Lattanzio (Fraser Valley), Kris Krutop (Okanagan) and Lee DePellegrin (Kootenays). 

Trustees Re-elected

Stewart Dumont L1668, Ryan Stewart L1183, Curtis Gibbons L1399

 

At convention, several governance related policy resolutions were adopted including Land Acknowledgement (acknowledging the respective ancestral and customary lands at provincial conferences and events), and Human Relations Committee (to support locals with resources in areas such as Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Leadership).

Honorary and Emeritus Membership resolution were proposed and supported unanimously by the delegation for the outstanding and impactful work to their local, region and province.

  • President Emeritus Member Gord Ditchburn, L18 Vancouver

  • Honorary Member Miles Ritchie, L323 Burnaby

  • Honorary Member Jeff Clark, L323 Burnaby

  • Honorary Member Dave Harcus, L4449 Maple Ridge

Stepping away from the executive board this convention was Gord Ditchburn who served fourteen years on the board, the last seven as President. Gord received President Emeritus Membership by a resolution unanimously supported by 55 locals in BC and the Yukon.  Gord was celebrated for his longstanding and impactful advocacy work to the province. Gord will continue his work through the IAFF Canadian Office as Western Senior Executive.  The board wishes Gord and his family the very best.

"Gord made a tremendous impact for fire fighters and their families in BC in areas of cancer presumptive coverage, EMS, Mental Health and much more. He provided sound leadership to his team and built solidarity across the province. We are proud of our contributions and service to the labour movement under Gord’s leadership..

— Newly acclaimed President Todd Schierling

Also, stepping away from their regional vice presidents’ roles are Chad Porter L905 President Nanaimo (Island Region) and Dean Aussem L1372 (Northern Region) who is retiring this month. We are thankful for their leadership and contributions and wish them and their families the very best.

NEW AFFILIATION
We are pleased to welcome View Royal IAFF Local 5419 and Colwood IAFF Local 5420 to the BCPFFA membership.

The British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters Association is an organization that is comprised of the 55 locals who represent over 4300 professional men and women fire fighters in BC. All 55 locals are members of the International Association of Fire Fighters.

All locals support their communities in a variety of charitable initiatives that support youth, families and senior’s programs, and the IAFF’s charity (MD Canada).  Additionally, the locals are proud contributors to the BCPFFA’s provincial charity – the BCPFF Burn Fund.

Sincerely, 

BCPFFA Executive Board

Per

BRITISH COLUMBIA PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION

 
 
 
 

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ABOUT THE BCPFFA

The BCPFFA is a service provider for its affiliates offering training and education in areas of provincial legislation, occupational health and safety, WorkSafe advocacy, financial assistance, bargaining, labour law, and advocacy for best practices in both public safety and fire fighter safety. 

The BCPFFA executive board is comprised of thirteen elected representatives; Two principal officers (President and Secretary-Treasurer), eight regional Vice Presidents and three Trustees. They represent 55 Locals of over 4300 professional men and women in fire fighting - suppression, training, fire prevention, dispatch, mechanical, emergency preparedness, and clerical support staff.

Burn Fund 45th Annual General Meeting

SAVE THE DATE - JUNE 13, 2023

The 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Tuesday, June 13th at 1:00 PST.  

The AGM will be a hybrid session with an opportunity to attend in person and via Zoom. The in-person meeting will be held at the Burn Fund Centre in Vancouver.

For Registration details, watch for internal communications to all Local Burn Fund Reps and Local Leaders. Coming soon.

In addition, we encourage all Local Burn Fund Reps to reach out to Kristin Bibbs, Development Manager for details for the “Local Burn Fund Rep. Workshop” on June 12th prior to AGM. We look forward to bringing our Burn Fund rep ambassadors together this AGM.

Burn Fund Centre Opening Anniversary

The Burn Fund Centre officially opened on March 18, 2016

In 2002, the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund recognized the need to provide accommodation for the families of burn survivors and began a visioning exercise that led to the creation of the Burn Fund Centre which officially opened on March 18, 2016.

On this day, the Burn Fund Centre opened its doors welcoming the burn survivor community and the donors and fire fighters who made the Centre a reality. The Burn Fund Centre answers a critical need for suitable short-term patient accommodation for burn and trauma survivors and their families. It also serves as the home of the Burn Fund and BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association offices and offers accommodation to fire fighters visiting Vancouver for medical treatment.

Total Project Budget: $13.1M

  • City of Vancouver provided land for the Centre;

  • $4M investment from BC Housing & BC Ministry of Health;

  • $2.5M donation from the Jack & Darlene Poole Foundation;

  • $1.3M pledged from Fire Fighter Locals;

  • $750,000 in donated services from Concert Properties;

  • Ground Breaking – September 17, 2014;

  • Construction Started – November, 2014;

  • Construction Completed – December 2015;

  • Burn Fund Offices move to new location December 2015;

  • Grand Opening – March 18, 2016!

  • HomeAway Accommodation Suites opened in April 2016

Take a virtual Tour of the Burn Fund Centre

During Burn Awareness Week, members from Richmond Fire Department created this short video about the Burn Fund Centre.

 

Learn more Board of Director, Erin Dempsey-Moore and Prevention Officer, Kylie McDonald.

 

HOMEAWAY PROGRAM

The Centre provides 8 short-term accommodations—a home away from home, for British Columbians needing to travel to Vancouver under emergency circumstances for medical treatment due to burn and major trauma injuries, patients in discharge transition or returning for follow up treatment.  The suites include a kitchenette and there is also a communal full service family kitchen for meal preparation. Guests will find other comforts of home provided such as a family living room, library/study and outdoor decks.

Since March 2016,

  • 795 visitors have stayed over 11,000 nights at the HomeAway Accommodation Centre.

  • Longest stay was 1 year;

  • Youngest guest 18 months old;

IMPACT QUOTES

“The Home Away Program enabled my mom to stay in Vancouver to be with me through my burn recovery and be at the hospital every day to support me. It also gave me a safe, welcoming space to continue to heal before I was able to go home. I was given resources and an immense amount of support through the people I met at Burn Fund.”

—Talia, Burn Survivor

“We arrived in Vancouver with our son who had an accident with hot oil. The Burn Fund has been one of the most wonderful experiences throughout this time. Peter the manager has helped with everything we needed! We were here for 52 days and I couldn’t be more grateful to find this place. Thank you for your home away from home!”

—Taylor, Burn Survivor Parent

THE TEAM

Our incredible staff team occupies the 3rd floor office space and board rooms shared by both the BCPFFA and Burn Fund respective boards. Thanks to all our Fire Fighter locals, Burn Fund Reps, donors, partners and friends of the Burn Fund. We could not do this work without you!

 
 
 
 

International Women's Day

British Columbia’s Professional Firefighters recognize the crucial role of strong leadership and its positive impact on the lives of our members. We understand that effective leadership takes time, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the many exceptional women in our union who not only make our communities safer but also step up into leadership roles.

Leaders such as Darcie Sibbald, a dedicated firefighter who has been serving with Whistler Fire Rescue since 2000. She started her professional career in 2005 and has been an active member of Local holding the position of Secretary/Treasurer for ten years before becoming the local's President. “Collaboration, education, and good governance are essential for building strong Union/Labour relations. As a union representative, I am committed to fostering these values to ensure that our members receive the support and resources they need to thrive in their work. By working together, we can create a safer and more equitable workplace for all firefighters."

Leaders like Debra Rogers, a dedicated member of Campbell River Fire Rescue since 2009. Debra started as a fire dispatcher and transitioned into the suppression division as a firefighter. Debra assumed the role of Secretary with Local 1668 in 2022. As the only woman serving in the suppression division, she is determined to promote diversity and represent the issues specific to women in the fire service. Debra's involvement in the BCPFFA Women's Advisory Committee is a testament to her commitment to advancing these important issues.

Katrina Davison serves on the Vancouver Local 18 Executive Board and was elected to the International Association of Fire Fighters Human Relations Committee. She has been dedicated to promoting equality and fair treatment in the fire service and her election to the IAFF Human Relations Committee is a testament to her commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring that all firefighters are treated fairly and with respect.

The BCPFFA acknowledges the valuable contributions of women in firefighting. We believe that gender should never be a barrier to achieving success and that everyone, regardless of gender, should be able to achieve their goals in the fire service. We take pride in our union's diversity and inclusivity and recognize that a more diverse workforce leads to better outcomes and improved safety for our communities.

On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the many remarkable women in our union who have made significant contributions to the firefighting profession. We applaud their courage, determination, and leadership, which have helped make our communities safer and our union stronger.




Burn Awareness Week

BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund and BC Children's Hospital launch new e-learning course during Burn Awareness Week

BC Children’s Hospital has more than 1,000 burn-related visits each year. The new course takes just 30 minutes and is a critical resource for caregivers to learn about burn prevention.

Vancouver, B.C., February 7, 2023 – A new e-learning platform created by the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, with support from BC Children’s Hospital, is being launched during this year’s Burn Awareness Week (February 5 - 11). The course is a resource for caregivers to learn about burn and scald prevention. 

Each year at BC Children’s Hospital there are more than 1,000 burn-related visits for both treatment and follow-up appointments. Children with burn injuries require specialized care and a highly trained team of experts to not only treat the physical injuries, but also to care for the emotional well-being of both the patient and the family. 

“Approximately 150 patients with new burn injuries are treated at BC Children’s Hospital each year alone, with 78 per cent of those injuries occurring in kids under the age of five,” said Gayanne Pacholzuk, Prevention Coordinator at the Burn Fund. “One of the easiest steps we can all take to reduce the risk of burns in households is to share resources with caregivers on how to prevent these incidents from happening.”

The theme for Burn Awareness Week 2023 is scalds, which account for 70 per cent of all burn injuries in toddlers. Scalds are most often caused by hot liquids, steam or hot bath water. The most common occurrence is when a toddler reaches for their parent’s mug of hot coffee or tea, knocking it onto themselves. Toddlers are at a developmental stage where they need to explore and experiment, often lacking awareness of danger in certain situations. 

“Burns happen in seconds and they can be quite severe. As a doctor and parent, myself, I really want caregivers and parents to know that most toddler burns are scalds that happen in a home environment with hot liquids that we deal with every day,” says Dr. Sally Hynes, Burn Director at BC Children’s Hospital. “This e-learning course details important information on prevention, burn care and when to seek treatment from medical professionals at the hospital.” 

The free Too Hot for Tots e-learning course is now available to anyone who would like to learn more about scald prevention. Especially relevant to those with toddlers in their lives, this course offers an informative and interactive learning experience in just 30 minutes. Learn from BC Children’s Hospital Burn Director, Dr. Sally Hynes and hear personal stories from burn survivors and their families. The course can be accessed here or through the Burn Fund website. 

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About the Burn Fund

Fire fighters have been answering the call to support young burn survivors since the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund was founded in 1978. From rescue to recovery, more than 4,000 professional fire fighters in communities across BC and the Yukon are advancing the Burn Fund’s mission of supporting burn survivors through every step of their healing journey. 

The Burn Fund was created by the fire fighters to fund urgent equipment needs for burn survivors at BC’s trauma hospitals. Today the Burn Fund’s support has expanded to offer empowering programs for burn survivors of all ages, including Burn Camp for kids, as well as welcoming burn survivors and their families to the Burn Fund Centre, a home away from home for those travelling to Vancouver for treatment. Learn more at burnfund.org and follow the Burn Fund on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. at @BCBurnFund.
 

About BC Children's Hospital Foundation

BC Children’s Hospital is the only hospital in the province devoted exclusively to the care of children and youth. It’s one of the few pediatric medical and teaching facilities in Canada with an acute care centre, research institute, mental health facility, and rehabilitation centre all in one place. BC Children’s provides specialized care, innovative therapies, and pediatric expertise for BC’s kids, including the sickest and most seriously injured. At BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, we raise funds to provide kids with excellence in healthcare by continuously driving advancements provincially and globally. The generosity of donors fuels our ability to conquer childhood diseases, prevent illness and injury, and prioritize the unique needs of kids in every aspect of their care. Follow us at @bcchf or visit bcchf.ca for more information.

PHOTO ASSETS: Photos and videos can be found in this folder

MEDIA CONTACT
Nicole Clark, Director of Communications
BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund
P: 778.789.0820
E: communications@burnfund.org