Volunteer Fire Department Regulations Bylaw No. 233, 2021 — full text, Clearwater, British Columbia

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DISTRICT OF CLEARWATER BYLAW No. 233, 2021 A bylaw for the continuation and regulation of the Volunteer Fire Department of the District of Clearwater WHEREAS the Community Charter provides that a municipality may establish and regulate services for the community, including a fire department, AND WHEREAS Council for the District of Clearwater wishes to define the powers, authorities and responsibilities of its fire department; THEREFORE, the Council of the District of Clearwater, in open meeting assembled, enacts as follows: 1 CITATION AND OTHER ENACTMENTS 1.1. This Bylaw may be cited as the District of Clearwater Volunteer Fire Department Regulations Bylaw No. 233, 2021". 1.2 The B.C. Fire Code, the Fire Services Act, and the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation 152/2019 (Environmental Management Act), all as amended or replaced, are in deemed to be in force and effect within the District. 2 INTERPRETATION 2.1 = In this Bylaw: Apparatus means any vehicle, equipment (including communications equipment), machinery, devices, supplies or materials used by the Fire Department in connection with fire suppression or dealing with an incident and any vehicle used to transport members or supplies fo an incident, but does not include personal vehicles of members used to transport themselves to the Fire Hall; Campfire means an open fire that burns wood in one pile not exceeding 0.5 metres in height and 0.5 metres in width. Category 2 Open Fire means an open fire, other than a campfire, that burns, material in one pile not exceeding 2 m in height and 3 m in width, material concurrently in 2 piles each not exceeding 2 m in height and 3 m in width or stubble or grass over an area that does not exceed 0.2 ha. Category 3 Open Fire means an open fire that burns, materia! concurrently in 3 or more piles each not exceeding 2 m in height and 3 m in width, material in one or more piles each exceeding 2 m in height or 3 m in width, one or more windrows or stubble or grass over an area exceeding 0.2 ha. Chief Administrative Officer or CAO shall mean the Chief Administrative Officer of the District, or a person appointed to act in their absence; Council means the Council of the District of Clearwater; Deputy Fire Chief means a member who is appointed by the Fire Chief to that position with the Fire Department; District means the District of Clearwater; Fire Department means Clearwater Volunteer Fire Department; Fire Chief means the person appointed by the Chief Administrative Officer as the Chief of the Volunteer Fire Department of the District, and includes any officer, member or inspector authorized in writing by the Fire Chief to act on his or her behalf; Fire Code means a fire code established by the Province of British Columbia by adopting the National Fire Code of Canada; Fire Services Act means the Fire Services Act, R.S.B.C, 1996, c.144 as amended or replaced from time to time. Fire safety inspection has the same meaning as in the Fire Safety Act (Bill 4, 2016) Incident means any fire, explosion or situation where a fire or explosion has occurred or is imminent or any other situation presenting a danger or imminent danger to life or property; Inspector means any Fire Department member authorized by the Fire Chief to carry out inspections under this Bylaw or a Provincial statute; Interface fire means any fire in a wildland-urban interface region where residential, industrial, recreational or agricultural structures are located proximate to or among combustible wildland fuel: Fire Department Bylaw 233 Page 2 of 25 Large scale emergency means any incident where the Fire Chief has determined that the personnel and resources available to the Fire Department are potentially insufficient, given the scale of the incident, , Member means a member of the Fire Department, whether full-time, part-time or as a volunteer and includes an officer, firefighter or auxiliary; Member in Charge means, in relation to an incident: a) if present, a Member assigned to take command; b) if an assigned Member is not present, the first Member present who is qualified to take command; or c) in the absence of a Member under paragraph (a) or (b), the first Member present until command is transferred to the Fire Chief or other Member assigned or having appropriate qualifications; Mutual aid agreement / Interagency Agreement means a written agreement(s) between agencies for the sharing of emergency resources and assistance during an incident, or for fire protection services to be provided outside the District's boundaries, and includes, without limitation, agreements between the District and the Blackpool Volunteer Fire Department; the Vavenby Volunteer Fire Department; and the government under the Wildfire Act; Operational guidelines means the operating guidelines governing the principal administration, operation and deployment of Fire Department, its personnel and resources as amended from time to time; Playbook means the British Columbia Fire Service Minimum Training Standards: Structure Firefighters - Competency and Training Playbook, issued by the Office of the Fire Commissioner, as amended, revised or replaced from time to time; Premises includes a parcel of land, a private dwelling, a public building, a motor vehicle, railway vehicle, aircraft, vessel or other means of transportation. Wildfire Act means the Wildfire Act [SBC 2004] Chapter 31 as amended or replaced from time to time Wildfire Regulation means the Wildfire Regulation BC Reg 38/2005 as amended or replaced from time to time 2.2. Except as otherwise defined herein, words and phrases in this Bylaw are to be construed in accordance with their meanings under the Community Charter, Fire Code, Fire Services Act, Fire Safety Act or the Interpretation Act, as the context and circumstances may require. A reference to an Act refers to a statute of the Province of British Columbia unless otherwise indicated, and a reference to any statute, regulation, bylaw or code refers to that enactment as it may be amended or replaced from time to time. The headings contained in this bylaw are for Fire Department Bylaw 233 Page 3 of 25 convenience only and are not to be construed as defining or in any way limiting the scope or the intent of the provisions of this bylaw. 2.3. Schedules A, B, C, D and E are attached to and form part of this Bylaw. 2.4 'If any provision of this bylaw is held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the provision may be severed from the bylaw and such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this bylaw. 3. FIRE DEPARTMENT SERVICE 3.1. The Fire Department as previously established shall continue to be known as the Clearwater Volunteer Fire Department, and the head of the department shall be known as the Fire Chief. 3.2 The Fire Department will endeavor to provide services under this Bylaw as set out in Schedule A for the protection of lives and property within the District from fire and fire hazards. Services provided by the Fire Department are subject to the availability of apparatus and Members who have completed appropriate levels of training. This Bylaw, the Fire Code, or mutual aid agreements do not amount to a warranty with respect to services or as to the certainty of timely response to incidents. The Fire Department is not required to provide a service if the Fire Chief or Member in Charge considers that the service cannot be delivered safely in accordance with applicable standards including those set out in the Playbook, this Bylaw or Provincial enactments. 3.3. Services and apparatus provided by the Fire Department are limited to the municipal boundaries set out in the District of Clearwater Letters Patent; except that services and apparatus may be provided outside those boundaries: (a) in accordance with a mutual aid agreement with the other jurisdiction. (b) as authorized by the BC Wildlife Service or other government agency. 4, FIRE CHIEF AND MEMBERS 4.1. The Fire Department shall consist of the Fire Chief, a Deputy Fire Chief, and such other officers and other Members as the Fire Chief deems necessary and as approved by Council. 4.2 The Fire Chief: (a) is appointed by Chief Administrative Officer; Fire Department Bylaw 233 Page 4 of 25 (b) reports to the Chief Administrative Officer in respect of management, budget and operations of the Fire Department, and to Council in respect of any matters for which Council has requested information from the Fire Chief; and (c) in consultation with the CAO, the Fire Chief may appoint a Deputy Fire Chief and other officers and Members who meet the qualifications of section 4.3, and may authorize them to act on behalf of the Fire Chief. 4.3. Apperson is qualified to be appointed by the Fire Chief to be a Member who: a) is at least 19 years of age; b) a Junior firefighter at 17 years of age (c) is of good character; (d) undergoes a criminal record check relevant to services provided by the Fire Department that is satisfactory to the Chief Administrative Officer and Fire Chief; and (e) passes such aptitude, physical, and other valid tests as may be required by the Fire Chief or Fire Commissioner to meet applicable levels of competency; (f) completes a probationary period of a minimum of six (6) months 4.4 |fa probationary Member fails to successfully complete such training, the Fire Chief may dismiss the Member or extend their probation period. 4.5 Every Member must adhere to the Code of Conduct established in Schedule B. 4.6 Remuneration rates will be set by Council Policy. 5. FIRE CHIEF 5.1. The Fire Chief has complete responsibility and authority over the Fire Department and is ultimately responsible to Chief Administrative Officer for proper administration and operation of the Fire Department. Without limiting the foregoing, but subject to section 3.2, the Fire Chief is responsible for the delivery of fire protection and suppression services, and other activities relating to these services in accordance with Schedule A of this Bylaw. 5.2 Subject to the direction of the Chief Administrative Officer, the Fire Chief shall establish policies, procedures, and rules to form standard operational guidelines and committees for the organization and administration of the Fire Department, including for: Fire Department Bylaw 233 Page 5 of 25 a) response to fire rescue and other incidents; b) pre-fire planning; c) disaster planning; d) fire prevention activities; and e) fire safety inspections; f) the use, care and protection of apparatus and other Fire Department property; g) the working conditions, conduct and discipline of Members; h) maintaining records and the efficient operation of the Fire Department; and i) compliance with this Bylaw, the Fire Code, and other bylaws of the District and Provincial or Federal enactments related to fire safety and prevention. 5.3 The Fire Chief may: a) take all measures the Fire Chief considers necessary or advisable for the prevention, control and extinguishing of fires and for the protection of life and property; b) give direction or make any order the Fire Chief considers necessary or advisable to ensure compliance with this Bylaw, the Fire Code or other bylaws of the District or Provincial enactments relating to fire safety and incident response; c) inquire into, investigate and record the causes of fires or other incidents within or affecting the District; d) collect and disseminate information about fires within or affecting the District; e) provide advice and recommendations to the District's Planning Department on fire related issues on the development of properties, such as emergency vehicle access, placement of fire hydrants, and Fire Code requirements; f) provide advice and recommendations to Council and District employees, and to the public generally, in relation to fire prevention or suppression; 5.4 'If the Fire Chief determines that weather conditions, drought, or local circumstances may cause outdoor fires of any kind to present a serious or imminent risk of fire spread or uncontrolled burning, the Fire Chief may, by notice posted in the area at risk, at the District's public notice posting place, and at such other sites and by methods that the Fire Chief considers appropriate, do either or both of the following: a) restrict or prohibit outdoor fires; b) restrict or prohibit access to outdoor trails, camping areas, and other recreational facilities located in or near forested areas within the District; Fire Department Bylaw 233 Page 6 of 25 5.5 The Fire Chief may require an owner or occupier of real property by notice in writing: a) to obtain a fire safety inspection; b) to undertake any actions for the purpose of removing or reducing any condition or thing that the Fire Chief considers is a fire hazard or increases the danger of fire or a risk to property or to life safety; and if the required action is not taken within the time specified in the notice, the Fire Chief may arrange for the work to be performed by a qualified Member, District employee or contracted service provider, at the expense of the property owner. 5.6 The Fire Chief may, in consultation with the Chief Administrative Officer, negotiate mutual aid agreements on behalf of the District, and when approved by Council, may execute such agreements. 5.7 In responding to an incident or enforcing this or another bylaw related to fire safety, the Fire Chief may require assistance from other officials of the District and may seek assistance from any police officers who may be available. 5.8 The Fire Chief must ensure that: a) Members are not tasked beyond their level of training, including when acting as Officers and for any role that to which they are assigned at an incident; and b) proper training records are maintained for all Members. 5.9 The Fire Chief may reprimand, suspend or recommend to the Chief Administrative Officer that a Member be dismissed for conduct that, in the opinion of the Fire Chief, would be detrimental to the discipline and efficiency of the Department. 6. AUTHORITY AT AN INCIDENT 6.1. The Fire Chief or Member In Charge at an incident: a) shall have control, direction and management of all Fire Department apparatus and other Members responding to the incident; b) where a Member is In Charge, shall continue to act until relieved by the Fire Chief or other Member appointed as Member in Charge; Fire Department Bylaw 233 Page 7 of 25 c) may cause a building or other structure or thing to be pulled down, demolished or otherwise removed if the Fire Chief or Member in Charge deems it necessary to prevent the spread of fire to other buildings, structure or things; d) may enter at any time any premises at or near the incident and to cause Members and apparatus to enter the premises as deemed necessary in order to combat, control or deal with the incident, e) may enter or pass through or over buildings and premises adjacent to an incident, or cause Members and apparatus to enter or pass through or over buildings and premises, where the Fire Chief or Member in Charge deems it necessary to gain access to the incident or to protect any person or property; f) may immediately direct and cause the removal of any substance or thing that, in the opinion of the Fire Chief or Member in Charge, presents a risk of fire, explosion, toxic release of a substance, or a serious danger to life or health, or damage to property; g) may order the evacuation or other removal of persons from a premise or an area if concerned that a fire, fire hazard or release of a toxic substance on the premises or area presents an imminent risk to life or health; h) may be assisted by persons who are not Members in whatever manner the Fire Chief or Member in Charge considers necessary to deal with the incident, i) may acquire or use any real or personal property considered necessary to prevent, respond to or alleviate the effects of an incident as set out in the Emergency Program Act; j) may establish boundaries or limits to keep persons from entering the area within which the incident is being attended by the Fire Department; and k) may restrict or terminate response activity where the Fire Chief or Member in Charge considers that the incident exceeds the training, apparatus or personnel available. 7. RESTRICTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS 7.1. A person must not: a) impede, obstruct or hinder the Fire Chief, a Member or other person assisting or acting under the direction of the Fire Chief or Member In Charge at an incident, Fire Department Bylaw 233 Page 8 of 25 b) refuse to comply with directions or orders of the Fire Chief or a Member in Charge at an incident, c) damage or destroy apparatus, or obstruct, impede or hinder the operation of any apparatus by a Member; d) drive a vehicle over a fire hose or other equipment unless authorized by the Fire Chief or Member in Charge at an incident, e) obstruct or otherwise interfere with access roads or other approaches to an incident, or fire hydrants, reservoirs or bodies of water required for firefighting purposes; f) interfere with or block fire hydrants or water sources used by the Fire Department; g) refuse access by the Fire Chief or a Member to land or a building or other structure for which an alarm of fire or report of an incident has been received or where the Fire Chief or a Member believes that a fire or other incident is occurring; h) obstruct or impede a fire inspector in carrying out a fire safety inspection or a fire investigator in carrying out a fire investigation; i) falsely represent to be a Member of the Fire Department; or j) provide false or misleading information to the Fire Chief, a Member or another person pursuant to a fire safety inspection or fire investigation. 7.2 Aperson must comply with any direction, notice or order: a) given by the Fire Chief or Member In Charge at an incident, b) given by the Fire Chief or a Member appointed to enforce this Bylaw in regard to compliance with this Bylaw; c) given by a fire inspector in relation to a condition identified at a fire safety inspection; or d) given under section 5.3 through 5.5. 7.3 Aperson who ignites, fuels, maintains or is otherwise responsible for a campfire or other outdoor fire or open burning must comply with the regulations set out in Schedule C and D as applicable. 7.4. The owner of a building or other structure that is vacant for more than 7 days must immediately act to ensure that the building or other structure is guarded or Fire Department Bylaw 233 Page 9 of 25 that all openings and points of entry are kept securely closed and fastened ina manner acceptable to the Fire Chief so as to prevent entry of unauthorized persons. If the owner fails to provide the necessary security to the vacant building within 48 hours of being notified by the Fire Chief, the Fire Chief may cause the work to be carried out at the cost of the owner. 7.5 The owner/occupier of a building or other structure that has been damaged due to fire, must within 24 hours of the incident, act to ensure that the building is guarded or that all openings and points of entry into the building or other structure are kept securely closed and fastened in a manner acceptable to the Fire Chief so as to prevent entry of unauthorized persons. If the building or other structure has been damaged due to fire and has been determined to be non- repairable, demolition and removal of the building or structure must be completed within 60 days of being notified by the Fire Chief or following the incident. Any cost associated with determining whether a building or structure is non-repairable will be at the expense of the owner. 7.6 -- Ifthe owner/occupier of any fire damaged building fails to comply with part 7.5 of this Bylaw within a reasonable time, then the Fire Chief may have the work on the building or structure or lands performed by the District or any other third party, at the expense of the owner/occupier by way of a fee imposed by the District. If the owner/occupier fails to pay the District the aforesaid fee, then the District may recover the fee in the same manner as municipal property taxes. 7.7 | The owner or occupier of any building in which any of the fire alarm system, automatic sprinkler system or emergency power system, or any portion thereof is not operating shall institute and maintain a Fire Watch in that building until all required systems are in operation. 7.8 A fire watch may also include a property which has been involved in a catastrophic structural fire or collapse, wildland urban interface fire or grass/brush fire. 7.9 An owner or occupier of a building or structure must ensure that the civic address for the property at which the building or structure is located is posted so as to be clearly visible form the road using numbers that shall be a minimum of 7.63 centimeters (3 inches) in height and of a colour that contrasts with the surface on which they are mounted. 7.10 The owner of a commercial or multi-residential use property shall ensure the unit number for each individual unit with a commercial or multi-residential use property are posted in a visible location at the entry to each unit, are a minimum of 7.63 centimeters (3 inches) in height and of a colour that contrasts with the surface on which they are mounted. Fire Department Bylaw 233 Page 10 of 25 7.11. The owner or occupier of any building required by the BC Fire Code to have a Fire Safety Plan must: a. Prepare the Fire Safety plan in a form and format acceptable to the Fire Chief and in conformance with all applicable sections of the BC Fire Code b. Submit the Fire Safety Plan to the Fire Chief within ninety (90) days of such order of the Fire Chief; and c. Place the Fire Safety Plan on the property in a Fire Safety Plan box or otherwise in a location and manner acceptable to the Fire Chief, such that the Fire Safety Plan is made available to Clearwater Fire Department at all times. 7.12 Every owner of premises must ensure that: a) fire exits within the premises are maintained in good working order and are kept free from obstruction at all times; ° b) where members of the public are invited or permitted access, the aisles, passages, stairways, fire exits, and other means of egress are not blocked by persons so as to prevent efficient exit in case of an incident, c) any condition, accumulation or thing that the Fire Chief has identified as a fire hazard, or that would increase the danger of fire, is removed from the premises or otherwise made safe, as directed by the Fire Chief; d) if directed by the Fire Chief, have any chimney, flue, or other exhaust structures or equipment inspected by a qualified professional inspector; and that any recommendation by the inspector is carried out; and e) any restriction or prohibition against outdoor fires notified under this Bylaw is observed. f) Smoke alarms are installed and maintained as required by the British Columbia Building Code, British Columbia Fire Code and this Bylaw g) Failure to maintain a smoke alarm in accordance with this Bylaw will be deemed to be an infraction, and the owner or occupier of the building containing a fire alarm system may be subject to a fine h) Occupants and/or owners of a residential dwelling or dwelling unit shail test the smoke alarms in compliance with the manufacturers' recommendation within each dwelling unit, suite, or sleeping room to ensure the smoke alarms are functioning correctly. Fire Department Bylaw 233 Page 11 of 25 8. ENTRY & ENFORCEMENT 8.1. The Fire Chief may enforce this Bylaw, and in consultation with the Chief Administrative Officer, may designate Members to inspect premises for compliance with this Bylaw and to carry out enforcement measures. 8.2 The following persons may, in accordance with applicable legislation, enter any premises: a) the Fire Chief or a Member authorized by the Fire Chief: i. to determine whether the requirements of this Bylaw are met, or ii. to carry out inspections of buildings as required under a Provincial enactment; ' iii. to carry out a fire investigation; iv. for the purpose of evacuating premises; b) a fire inspector to inspect for compliance with a Provincial enactment, and in doing so may be accompanied and assisted by a person possessing special knowledge relevant to the premises, and.in the case of or a police officer. 9. BURNING PERMITS 9.1. Burning Permits are required for all Category 2 and Category 3 Open Fires a) Open Burning under permit will be issued between October 1° until of May 15" of any year. b) Every application for a burning permit shall be made in the form as prescribed by Schedule E attached to and forming part of this Bylaw. c) Notwithstanding section 9.1 a), the Fire Chief may refuse to issue or may cancel a burning permit and/or order a fire extinguished whenever, in the opinion of the Fire Chief there may be a hazard to life or property or a fire may create a nuisance. d) Every open fire burning permit issued by the Fire Chief is suspended when an open burning ban, issued by the District or a fire protection agency having jurisdiction, is in effect. e) Every burning permit issued pursuant to section 9.1 b), shall be subject to the following conditions: i. Shall be issued to a person 18 years or older whom shall be present while the fire is burning until it is completely extinguished. ii. A burning permit may not be assigned or transferred to another person iil. in the case where the person is carrying out burning operations for the landowner, a letter of authorization from the property owner is required at the time of application Fire Department Bylaw 233 Page 12 of 25 iv. Sufficient equipment supplies and personnel must be onsite in order to prevent the fire from getting beyond control or causing damage or becoming hazardous to life or property or becoming a nuisance. V. Ensure the neighbours of adjoining properties are notified as to the times of the burns. Vi. Ensure that a burning pile is not located less than 500 m from schools in session, hospitals or facilities used for continuing care. vii. Ensure that a burning pile(s) does not contain prohibited materials as set out in Section 12 of the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation, BC Re 152/2019, Section 2 of Schedule 1 of the Waste Discharge Regulation and does not contain unnatural materials that are not indigenous to the property. viii. Ensure when added to a burning pile, logs, stumps, branches and other fuel shall be placed on the pile and not dropped or pushed on the pile. ix. Before burning is started, the person ensures that applicable conditions are met in Part 3 of the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation. -- x. Ensure all fires ignited under a burning permit must be extinguished prior to the expiry, or upon cancellation of the permit. 10. CONTRAVENTION AND PENALTY 10.1 A person commits an offence and is subject to the penalties imposed by this Bylaw, the District of Clearwater Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw and the Offence Acct if that person: a) contravenes a provisicn of this Bylaw; b) consénis to, allows;-or permits an act or thing to be done contrary to this c) negiécts or refrains from: doing anything required by a provision of this Bylaw: 10.2 Each day that a contraveniion of a provision of this Bylaw occurs or continues shall constitute a separate offence. 11. SEVERABILITY 11.1 Ifa portion or section of this Bylaw is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, then the invalid portion must be severed and the remainder of this bylaw is deemed to have been adopted without the severed section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, clause or phrase. Fire Department Bylaw 233 Page 13 of 25 12. REPEAL 12.1 The District of Clearwater Volunteer Fire Department Regulations Amendment Bylaw No. 125, 2014, and Bylaw No. 225, 2019 is repealed. READ A FIRST TIME this 19" day of January, 2021 READ A SECOND TIME this 19° day of January, 2021 READ A THIRD TIME this 19*" day of January, 2021 ADOPTED this 2nd day of February, 2021 Mayor 'Corporate Officer Certified to be a true and correct copy of Bylaw No. 233, 2021 cited as "District of Clearwater Volunteer Fire Department Regulations Bylaw No. 233, 2021" as adopted by the Council of the District of Clearwater this 2nd day of February {/2021. Mf J esii ulx, Corporate Officer Fire Department Bylaw 233 Page 14 of 25 Schedule A FIRE DEPARTMENT AUTHORIZED SERVICES Operational Standard The British Columbia Fire Service Minimum Training Standards: Structure Firefighters -- Competency and Training Playbook (May 2015) ("Playbook") is recognized as the applicable Provincial standard under which emergency response and training activities of the Clearwater Fire Department will be based. 1. The Fire Department will endeavor to provide the District with the following incidents and services at a level of service described in the Playbook as Interior Operations, subject to the Department's ability to safely deliver the service in accordance with applicable standards set out by the Workers Compensation Act and legislation related to fire services and safety, and to the operational limitations set out in section 2 of this Schedule: a) fire suppression, including suppression of grass fires and urban interface fires as well as buildings and other structures; b) preservation of life and protection of persons from injury or destruction by fire; c) fire-cause investigations and salvage operations as related to fire services; d) fire safety inspections, fire prevention, pre-fire planning and public education; e) first medical responder services (Purple and Red level only), as defined by First Responder Level 3 with AED and Spinal Endorsement protocol training; f) hazardous materials responses, awareness level only; g) large scale emergency, and h) services as deemed necessary or advisable by the Fire Chief to address incidents described in paragraphs (a) to (g). Operational Limitations 2. Availability for response will be determined by personnel of the Fire Department on a case-by-case basis and is dependent on the circumstances, availability of service, level of training and skill of responding personnel, timing and resources. The Fire Department may be limited to a lesser level, specifically, Exterior Level operations, as described in the Playbook. Fire Department Bylaw 233 Page 15 of 25 Training Standard Members of the Fire Department will be trained to at least the minimum competencies, as listed in Table A, in accordance with the Playbook for the Exterior Operations Level, within a training period to be determined by the Fire Chief. During the training period, new Members will progress through Exterior, then Interior Operations Service Level training, as described in the Playbook. During this qualification period, firefighters will only be authorized to operate under the qualification they have achieved. Table A Requirements Fire Fighting - Structural and vehicles | Exterior or Interior Level as identified in the Playbook -- eee NFPA 1021 Level I, ICS 200, Incident Safety Officer, Emergency Scene Management. Interface Immobilization Fire Department Bylaw 233 Page 16 of 25 Schedule B VOLUNTEER FIRE FIGHTERS CODE OF CONDUCT All Members of the District of Clearwater Volunteer Fire Department shall: 1. At all times, be governed by the ordinary and responsible rules of conduct observed by law-abiding citizens, and not commit any act that could discredit the Fire Department, its Members, or the District of Clearwater. When representing the Department, all Members shall be courteous and respectful in their contacts with the public; 2. operate through the Fire Chief in transacting the business of the Fire Department. 3. attend fire or emergency incidents to which they may be dispatched and perform to the best of their ability. Neglect, inefficiency or indifference of Members in performance of their duties constitutes unacceptable behavior and may result in discharge from the Fire Department. 4. exercise precaution and good judgment in order to avoid injury to themselves and to other Members; 5. adhere to the policies set out in the Operating Guidelines of the Fire Department; 6. accord obedience, proper respect and courtesy to Officers and Acting Officers of the Fire Department; 7. make truthful and accurate reports, and not make statements with intent to deceive; 8. _ not willfully discard, alter or mutilate any Department record, book, paper or document currently in use, unless authorized by the Fire Chief; 9. promptly notify the Fire Chief of any and all matters coming to their attention that affecting the interest of the Fire Department. 10. exercise caution to avoid unnecessary damage or loss of Department apparatus and other property and be responsible for the safekeeping and proper care of all Department property; 11. not remain on duty if their ability is impaired by the use of any mind-altering substance; 12. not use or take in any form of a mind-altering substance while on duty; Fire Department Bylaw 233 Page 17 of 25 13. while on duty, not indulge in obscene or uncivil language, altercations which might cause injury to any person or adverse public reaction; 14. refrain from engaging in any activity which reduces the Member's effectiveness; 15. refrain from promoting their names, in the context as a Member of the Department, for any commercial or business purpose, or for countenancing the use of the name and/or prestige of the Department for such purposes; 16. accept no reward, fee or gift from any person for services incidental to the performance of duty, except with permission of the Fire Chief; 17. treat all other Members with respect and without discrimination or prejudice; and 18. ensure driving behavior conforms to the Motor Vehicle Act and regulations at all times. Fire Department Bylaw 233 Page 18 of 25 Schedule C CAMPFIRE REGULATIONS 1. A person must not light, ignite or start, or permit, suffer or allow to be lighted, ignited, or started, a campfire except for warmth or preparation of food, and strictly in accordance with the following regulations: (a) Campfires have not been prohibited by order of the Fire Chief or the B.C. Wildfire Service or other government agency. (b) Never burn in strong wind conditions (c) The fire pit: i. must be at least 5 metres from adjacent property lines, buildings, trees, shrubs, debris or other combustible material; ii. size must not exceed 0.5 metres by 0.5 metres; iii. must be of a non-combustible material or be bordered by stones or bricks; iv. must be surrounded by a fuel break; and the campfire must be contained within the fire pit. (d) Only untreated lumber, dry and seasoned firewood may be used for fuel. Leaves, grass, hay, garden or woodland debris or other compostable waste must not be burned in a campfire. (e) The campfire must always be attended and continuously supervised and controlled by a competent person equipped with extinguishing materials and equipment, including at least: i. 8 litres of water in one or more containers at the site of the fire pit, close to the campfire; or ii. a shovel or firefighting hand tool. (f) The person attending must ensure the campfire: i. does not present a hazard or nuisance to other people; ii. is extinguished if conditions become unsafe for the fire to continue; and Fire Department Bylaw 233 Page 19 of 25 iii. is completely extinguished before sleeping or leaving the site. (g) After extinguishing the campfire, the person attending must ensure no embers remain and remaining ashes are cold. (h) If the fire spreads beyond the pit or otherwise becomes out of control, the person attending must: i. immediately carry out fire control and extinguish the fire, if practicable, and ii. report the fire as soon as possible to the Fire Department, the RCMP, or a fire emergency response centre, and comply with any directions given by the responder. Fire Department Bylaw 233 Page 20 of 25 Schedule D RESIDENTIAL AND OPEN BURNING REGULATIONS The District is within a designated "High Smoke Sensitivity Zone" under the Open Buming Smoke Control Regulation, B.C. Reg. 152/2019 (Environmental Management Act). This Schedule is to be interpreted consistently with that Regulation and the Wildfire Regulation (Wildfire Act). 1. A person must not light, fuel or maintain an open fire except in accordance with the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation 152/2019 and the Wildfire Act, as applicable. 2. A person may only light, fuel or maintain an open fire or conduct open burning within the District: (a) strictly in accordance with the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation 152/2019 and the Wildfire Act, and other Provincial enactments, as applicable; (b) where not prohibited by a Provincial enactment, order of the Fire Commissioner, or by notice of the Fire Chief under section 5.4 of this Bylaw: i. as acampfire, and in accordance with Schedule C. ii. in association with a residential use, to burn small pruning's and vegetable garden refuse classified as Cafegory 2 Open Fire between dawn and dusk during the period from October 1* until of May 15* of any year, and in accordance with this Schedule D; iii. for industrial or commercial purposes or for lot clearing, classified as Category 3 Open Fire in accordance with Schedule D. (c) by permit from the District of Clearwater obtained from the Fire Chief (d) if lighting a Category 3 fire, obtain a burn registration number from the Province of BC. Fire Department Bylaw 233 Page 21 of 25 Category 2 Open Fire (Residential / Garden Refuse) A person who lights, fuels or maintains a fire must ensure that: a) material in one pile does not exceed 2 m in height and 3 m in width, or material concurrently in 2 piles each do not exceed 2 m in height and 3 m in width or stubble or grass over an area that does not exceed .2 ha. b) any fire must be at least: - 4 metres from any log, stump, snag or tree, and - 15 metres from any slash, other flammable debris, or any structure; c) until completely extinguished, the fire is attended by at least one competent person over the age of 19. Category 3 Open Fire (Industrial, Commercial, Lot Clearing) 1. Under the Wildfire Regulation, a Category 3 open fire is a fire that: a. burns material concurrently in three or more piles, each not exceeding two metres in height and three metres in width; or b. burns material in one or more piles, with each pile exceeding two metres in height or three metres in width; or c. burns one or more windrows; or d. burns stubble or grass over an area greater than 0.2 hectares (2,000 square metres). 2. People may light, fuel, or make use of a Category 3 open fire within one kilometre of forest land or grassland when: a. there are no prohibitions or other restrictions in place for doing so; b. it is safe to do so and will continue to be safe; c. the person takes all necessary precautions to ensure that the fire is contained in the burn area; and d. a fuel break -- sometimes called a fire break -- has been established around the burn area, or around each debris pile or windrow. (A fuel break is a change in fuel type or condition, typically a strip of land cleared down to the mineral soil to prevent fire spread. 3. While the fire is burning and there is a potential risk of the fire escaping (i.e. spreading beyond its intended size), the person who lights or maintains the fire must: a. maintain the fuel break; Fire Department Bylaw 233 Page 22 of 25 b. have an adequate fire suppression system available at the burn site for fire control if the fire escapes; c. ensure that the fire is watched and patrolled by a person equipped with at least one firefighting hand tool, to stop the fire escaping; and d. ensure that the fire does not exceed the capacity of the people, firefighting tools and heavy equipment on site to take timely action to stop the fire from escaping. 4. In addition: a. The person who lights or maintains the fire must ensure that the fire is fully extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch by the date specified by the official or person who issued the burn permit. b. If the fire spreads beyond the burn area or becomes out of control, the person responsible must carry out fire control activities and extinguish the fire if practicable. c. Ifthe fire spreads beyond the burn area or becomes out of control, the person responsible must report the escaped fire to the Clearwater Fire Department by calling 911and BC Wildfire Service at 1 800 663-5555 5. Persons engaged in an "Industrial Activity" (as defined in the Wildfire Act) and carrying out fire control for a Category 3 open fire must make sufficient resources available to fight the fire. ( 6. Anyone who lights, fuels or makes use of a Category 3 open fire must comply with the Environmental Management Act and the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation. Before lighting a Category 3 fire, a. review "A Guide to the Open Burning Smoke Control! Regulation" (particularly the information about prohibited materials): https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/ environment/air-land-water/air/air- pollution/smokeburning/regulations/openburningregulation 7. The Environmental Management Act requires individuals to check local venting conditions prior to lighting a Category 3 open fire, to ensure that local conditions are suitable for burning. The venting index (sometimes called the ventilation index) is updated daily and is available at: a. https:/Awww2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-landwater/air/air- pollution/smoke-burning/ventilation-index Fire Department Bylaw 233 Page 23 of 25 Schedule E Burning Permit Please address all correspondence to: Fire Chief District of Clearwater PO Box 157 Clearwater, BC VOE 1NO (250) 674-2257 20 Permission is hereby granted to: Address: Telephone Number: (Home) (Business) To burn for (# of days) commencing on , 20 at the following street address: ! hereby declare that | have read and fully understand the regulations contained in Schedule "D" of the "District of Clearwater Volunteer Fire Department Regulations Bylaw No. 233, 2021", and agree to comply with such regulations. Signature of Person Receiving Permit: (Signature) (Date) Approval of the Fire Chief: (Signature) (Date) A copy of Schedule "D" of Bylaw 233, 2021 is to be provided to the applicant along with this permit. The applicant is also directed to the "Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation' of the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation as amended from time to time. A visit to the burn site will be requested at the discretion of the Fire Chief. Fire Department Bylaw 233 Page 24 of 25 Schedule F Fire Department Boundaries The boundaries for fire protection are as outlined in Section 2.0 of the District of Clearwater Letters Patent, Order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council No. 652, approved and ordered October 4, 2007. An exception for an industrial plant is outlined in Section 11.0 of the Letters Patent. { Fire Department Bylaw 233 Page 25 of 25 i