2006 Audit Recommendations - Status Tracking | ||||||||||||||
Audit: Fire Services | (Lead: Steve Kanellakos) | |||||||||||||
Audit Recommendation | Management Response | Budget Implications 2008 or Beyond | Related Council Motions | Status Update / Comments | ||||||||||
Audit Management Response | Action Required Based on DCM Implementation Plan | Management Timelines (Q1- Q4) | ($$ if known) | (Status, risks, issues regarding implementation, etc) | ||||||||||
7 | That the Ottawa Fire Service pursue the use of fire fighting resources to conduct ‘in-service’ inspections in order to enhance its current inspection program. | Management
agrees with the recommendation. Ottawa Fire Services will continue using fire fighting resources to conduct ‘in-service inspections' in support of specific targeted programs as has been done in the past. The current 'in-service' inspection program has focused on vulnerable communities such as elderly and the Wake-Up-Get a Working Smoke Alarm program, which has been highly successful and well received throughout the City. In the future, other programs such as barbeque inspection and kitchen inspection are also being considered as a means of promoting life safety within our community. However, to use front line fire fighting resources for Code enforcement inspections would be cost prohibitive. Extensive training from the Ontario Fire College is required before being qualified to complete Fire Code enforcement inspections. In addition, that training is required to be maintained on a regular basis, which would also result in additional training cost being incurred by the Branch. |
To use fire fighting resources to conduct ‘in-service’ inspections in order to enhance current inspection program. | Q2-2007 | Although these programs will continue to be a priority for the branch. Processes have been developed and established. Required action has therefore been COMPLETED. | |||||||||
9b) | establishing a follow-up with on-site crews as part of the investigation process. | Management
agrees with the recommendation.
Currently there is a follow-up between investigators and on-site crews as part of the fire investigation process. |
Establishing a follow-up with on-site crews as part of the investigation process | Q2-2007 | A follow-up with on-site crews as part of the investigation process has been designed and established. This action has therefore been COMPLETED | |||||||||
10 | That the Ottawa Fire Services pursue the use of fire fighting resources to conduct certain types of fire investigations in order to enhance the current investigation program. | Management
agrees with the recommendation and has been implementing a solution over the
past several years. In 2002, the Fire Prevention Service Delivery Model approved by Council, included a fire investigations’ component that identified the use of fire suppression staff to complete some fire investigations as well as a recommendation to Council that Fire Services increase the number of fires thoroughly investigated. In an effort to achieve these recommendations, the Ottawa Fire Services signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2003 with the Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM). The agreement was to allow Ottawa Fire Services to deliver the provincial “Fire Cause Determination” course locally, resulting in a lower cost and an accelerated pace of delivery. Currently, there are approximately 260 individuals who have received various levels of the Fire Investigator’s Course allowing Ottawa Fire Service to be compliant with the legislation in that all fires are now being investigated. |
Pursue the use of fire fighting resources to conduct certain types of fire investigations in order to enhance the current investigation program. | Q2-2007 | The Special Operations unit of Fire Services has already put the mechanisms in place in order to perform this function. This action has therefore been COMPLETED. | |||||||||