Non-winterized fire vehicle plays role in fatal fire

By Sharon Weatherall

 

The following story brings attention to the need for more fire services funding in First Nation communities for not only appropriate and safe equipment, but for training. The concern about non-winterized trucks servicing Northern communities was picked by CBC radio after being published on the Anishinabek News web site earlier this year. There are some representatives in fire services who are bravely speaking up to make things better for First Nation communities across the board, while also hoping to lower the threat to lives of people who rely on those services.

   

If a fire truck had been ready and able to carry water to the scene, disaster may have been averted in a devastating fire that recently claimed four lives on Mishkeegogamang First Nation.

Certified Fire Protection Specialist Lawrence Laviolette says “there is a possibility that if the truck had been winterized lives could have been saved. According to the police response time for the vehicle was within five minutes.”

Unfortunately because the band’s 1000 litre truck is not stored in a heated garage it could not be left filled with water, as well part of the pump and intake line was frozen. Because of this insufficient water was available to suppress the fire – too little, too late.

“A thousand litres of water could have been the amount needed to save those people,” said Laviolette who acts as an advisor for First Nation’s on fire safety issues who request assistance.

“My heart goes out to the community and family, we must work towards stopping these tragedies from happening.”

The Mishkeegogamang fire truck was one of about 20 fire trucks funded by Aboriginal Affairs Northern Development Canada (AANDC) (formerly INAC) and purchased by Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation (OFNTSC) in 2009/2010. The vehicles were purchased in Florida from a company named DARCH and dropped off to recipient First Nation communities, some of which were asked by OFNTSC to ‘sign off’ on them.

Laviolette says the Mishkeegogamang fire truck is “below standards” and does not meet the requirements for Northern community climates. The majority of trucks purchased in 2010 were not equipped as winterized packages and were also missing equipment such as under decking below the pump, panel shelving in the compartments and heating systems to keep them charged with air/battery and most importantly an enclosed pump compartment with a properly designed heating system to keep them ready in cold weather.

According to Laviolette OFNTSC did not ensure before delivery that designated communities had a heated fire hall or building to store the new trucks with proper heating - in one case it was suggested heated traps be purchased to cover the apparatus’s. He is also concerned with the lack of training these communities received regarding operation of the trucks.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901 Manual Chapter 4 - General Requirements (4.3.2) stipulates ‘After acceptance of the fire apparatus, the purchaser shall be responsible for ongoing training of personnel to develop and maintain proficiency regarding the proper and safe use of the apparatus and the associated equipment.

In 2010 one community was handed a DVD when its truck was dropped off and the representative left without a follow-up. Laviolette was called by that community to give fire fighters some training. There were other communities that received trucks which didn’t even have a fire department or fire fighters.

 “All the Southern trucks delivered to the North are improperly designed for the cold weather climates,” said Laviolette, who has been in the fire service business for 40 years.

OFNTSC media department directed Anishinabek News over to the AANDC communication department for some answers since the funding for the trucks came from there initially.

In response to questions about how the communities were chosen to receive trucks and follow up training, Susan Bertrand Manager, Communications, Executive Services & Communications AANDC replied, “the OFNTSC works with Tribal Councils and First Nations to determine their firefighting needs and brings recommendations to AANDC Ontario Region. Acting on those recommendations, AANDC Ontario Region provides funding to the OFNTSC which then procures and purchases the equipment and services on the First Nations’ behalf.”

 

According to Bertrand there were storage criteria for communities receiving the trucks.  She said “it is important to note that AANDC required that First Nations chosen to receive the fire trucks confirm that each location had heated storage facilities”.

Kichenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation is a Northern community that received one of the trucks in question but due to lack of funding cannot use it during winter months.

“The truck is not fully equipped or modified for our region; it’s for a Southern community. Yesterday it was minus 51 here. For that reason we are not even taking it out - it remains parked through the winter,” said Chief Donny Morris.

“We have no other fire trucks in the community other than regular water trucks with a pump on them to try and soak a house on fire but they cannot spray. There is no fire department here just a fire prevention officer who trains volunteers.”

Ron Kyle, a mainstream professional firefighter for over 31 years is familiar with the issues facing First Nation communities that received trucks and had a personal opinion to express.

“No training has been done in the operation of these trucks - most do not have a winter package, and many other items that would make this vehicle ready to fight fires. These vehicles are very light duty and not fully equipped, as delivered, to work in this type of environment,” said Kyle who has been on apparatus purchasing and supply committees for several years on the 5^th largest fire department in North America and currently holds the rank of operations Captain.

“Some communities do not have a suitable heated facility to house them. Three of them were just dumped off with no instruction despite a glowing website saying how there was a close working relationship during initial assessments and four days of training for each community. One community had to spend close to $20,000 to properly equip their truck to fight fires. I wonder if they were even Transport Canada approved as there are no mud flaps or other items that are required for all other vehicles imported into Canada.”

Kyle also operates a company that helps third world countries by providing fire trucks, ambulances, firefighting equipment and supplies, training and medical and education equipment and supplies and has over 30 years experience in heavy transportation vehicles.

“I see this as a waste of millions of tax payer dollars with no accountability. There are lots of good used heavy duty custom made fire trucks available for a fraction of the cost of these NEW trucks that are broken down or not equipped for the Northern climate,” said Kyle.

Beausoleil First Nation (BFN) received one of the trucks lacking certain equipment and accessories to make it serviceable in winter. The fire department, Chief and Council dished out $30,000 - $15,000 just to upgrade to the trucks’ standard and another $15,000 to add all the equipment required certifying the truck properly to basic NFPA and Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) standards.

“When BFN Fire Department asked for money to upgrade the truck Tech Services (OFNTSC) said the band had to use its own money. We received a letter at this time saying the value of the truck was $210,000,” said Fire Chief Allan Manitowabi wondering if the trucks were even tendered.

“We were fortunate to have had the funds to fix our truck – we had the support of our band to do the upgrades. Some First Nations took the trucks out of need. I worry about, and feel sorry for other communities that are having problems with trucks not built to meet the needs of the community and cannot afford to fix them.”

When Manitowabi contacted DARCH to order upgrades for the BFN truck it was explained to him the trucks were bought ‘as is’. Even with additional equipment and parts the island fire truck is now classified as a pumper/rescue - de-classified from a #1 pumper.

When it comes to whose responsibility it is to provide proper training and storage for the fire trucks so they would be operated safely and efficiently all year round Bertrand at AADNC reports that health and safety of all Canadians is a priority for her Government.

“That is why we provide considerable funding to First Nations to support operations and maintenance, fire protection infrastructure and fire protection training on reserve – through which First Nations manage fire protection training on reserve to meet the needs of their communities,” answered Bertrand.

 

For more information the First Nations Fire Protection Strategy is available online: http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1317308114314/1317308317352.

Tripping in Cuba to celebrate a special birthday

By Sharon Weatherall

Have you ever kissed a dolphin – it’s quite an experience.  Just to touch their rubbery skin is something you will never forget.  I had the opportunity to get to know one up close just a couple of weeks ago on a family trip.

My mom and siblings (save one older brother) and three of the older grandkids vacationed in Cuba recently – a special trip to celebrate my mother’s 80^th birthday. It was a lot of fun considering we had never really gone away in a large group like that before.

Located on the stunning beachfront of Cayo Santa Maria, we stayed at the all-inclusive Hotel HUSA Cayo Santa Maria resort. It was a massive place with 1368 rooms, 21 buildings, four pools, medical services, a spa, eight restaurants and seven bars - as well as bar fridges in your rooms.   We were allowed three a la carte dinners during our stay. The hotel had just added new menus to these restaurants featuring Seafood, Italian, Spanish, Cuban, French, Asian, Mexican and Peruvian. In fact we celebrated mom’s birthday dinner at the Italian a la carte and management went out of the way to make this a very special evening complete with birthday cake and champagne.

Aside from the a la cartes unfortunately we had to suffer buffet dining options offering anything but the delicious international culinary experiences they boasted. In truth the food sucked, but we survived and I for one did not gain any weight on the trip like I usually do at all-inclusive get-aways.  When people tell you “Cuba is Cuba” when it comes to the food - believe them and only go to places that have been tried and true. The Cubans are simple people who prepare simple menus – but at Husa the cooks could take a few culinary lessons for sure. I mean I am not a picky eater and just about anything will satisfy my grumbling tummy but there are times when I draw the line. I lived on fresh bread and buns - which were warm and tasty, BBQ turkey and pork at the lunch buffet for the most part. In the morning grilled ham and cheese sandwiches hit the spot better than cold eggs and greasy uncooked bacon and tasteless sausage.  Dinner was the same thing day after day – a lot of rice, pasta and minced meatballs.

There - that’s the worst I have say about my Cuba vacation – the rest is pretty positive.

The place had nightly entertainment featuring lively theatrical productions, and close by a business centre, spa and nightclub were located in the small village of Pueblo Estrella – just a short distance from the resort. We went there twice to a market place they hosted with local venders during the daytime. They also had a really good pizza place where you could enjoy a pizza for four Cuban paseos and a cigar store where they rolled them right in front of you. My nephew enjoyed the night club twice so it must have been ok.  The Pueblo La Estrella was inaugurated in December 2009. People who wanted to visit could get a shuttle ride or walk there.

Hotel HUSA Cayo Santa Maria is 90 minutes to Santa Clara Airport, 30 minutes to Caibarien, and 10 minutes to Pueblo Las Estrellas. The ride along a giant causeway with over 40 different bridges is nice to see in the daytime but at night when we arrived it was pitch black outside. They were selling beer on the bus so we had to make one ‘natural’ toilet stop and everyone one got off the bus to pee on the side of the road with warnings not to step too far to the left in case you fell into the water! It was funny to see the shock on people’s faces – but hey when you gotta go, you gotta go.

The ultimate and most beautiful part of the vacation was the magnificent beach – miles of powdery white sand along the sparkling shoreline. The water was crystal clear multi-coloured shades of aquamarine - calm on some days and with foamy wave tops on others. It is 100 percent the number one draw to this destination and people couldn’t seem to keep away from it. I know I walked the beach every morning and swam at least twice a day. Where else do you find tepid water you can peer through from waist deep and see the colour of your toe nail polish as if you were looking through a magnifying glass?

The HUSA Cayo Santa Maria is located in the central sector of Playa Santa Maria which is the main beach on the island. There is a shared service between the Beach and the Colonial sides which were sold under one name ‘HUSA Cayo Santa Maria’ and share services. Depending on the occupancy rate, one section might be closed which was the case when we were there – the Beach was closed and we stayed in building number 27 of the Colonial section which was close to the pool, the ocean and the lobby. The original project was apparently four hotels: Beach, Colonial, Caribe and Tropical. Caribe and Tropical (former Barcelo) are administered by Blue Diamond Hotels & Resorts a division of Sunwing Travel Group under the name of Memories Paraiso Azul Beach Resort. Memories is a short distance from Husa.

We flew to Cuba  via Sunwing and had no problems with the flight except the times were late – we didn’t arrive at the resort until 11 p.m. our first night and the flight out on the day we left was delayed by two hours. So after leaving Husa at 6:30 p.m. we arrived at the Santa Clara Airport to wait three more hours and then boarded just before midnight. We were going through customs at the Toronto Airport at 3 a.m.  – good job we had booked into the International Plaza for the night.  This was where we had left our car for seven nights and  I tell you there are no more comfortable beds at any place I have stayed in the city than at that lovely place.

During the holiday through our Sunwing representative we booked a fun and relaxing catamaran cruise on the crystal waters of the Caribbean Sea. This was my gift to my mother who enjoys being out on the water and it was a full day excursion for her enjoyment. The only one who couldn’t go with us that day was my brother who had gotten too sunburned the day before in the Husa pool enjoying a few too many brews. Luckily he got his money back the next day with no questions asked.

On the catamaran cruise we let the wind catch our sails gliding us out to the sea. As it sailed east, beyond the coast of Cayo Santa Maria, our catamaran made three main stops throughout the voyage, where we enjoyed exploring in crystal clear waters along a sandy shore and environmental area,  a lobster lunch and interaction with dolphins at the dolphin center, snorkelling at the Coral Reef Barrier. We also enjoyed a well-stocked bar onboard, sun decks for basking in the sun, and comfortable shaded lounge for breaks from the sun. This relaxing voyage was a great way to work on our tans and enjoy the stunning beauty of the Caribbean. The seafood lunch was the best food many of us had eaten since arriving in Cuba and well worth the money.

As mentioned above the  dolphinarium in Cayo Santa Maria was a huge hit. Located near Cayo Ensenachos a few kilometers from Cayo Santa Maria, it is operated by Gaviota Marinas. Prior to it’s opening in August 2011 customers who wanted to swim with dolphins had to go in the neighboring province of Cienfuegos - a trip of over three hours including a city tour of Cienfuegos. The largest in all Latin America, the dolphinarium is quite impressive. Cubans have put a lot of effort into this successful  project which features  pools  of 2.400 m2 on average where the dolphins can swim happily. The project will someday include an aquarium and a lobster breeding farm from which many will supply the restaurant! In total there will be six pools for a total of 21 dolphins, a dolphin entertainment area with 260 seats that features two shows per day and also a special area for sea lions giving two shows per day.

There were other excursions available from Husa including going on a jeep tour into the countryside, driving speed boats/motor bikes or hopping a small plane for Havana and much more to do if you wanted. Some of the excursions were full day and some were half and the cost varied. But if you didn’t want to go anywhere you could just sit back and relax at the resort around the pool or spend the day down at the ocean.

We had a great time just being together. After spending long days out in the sun then meeting for meals in the evening some of us didn’t last long enough to attend the shows, while others hit the sack immediately after. We intended to go to the club one night but in all honesty we were just too tired to get there. It operated from 11p.m. until 2 a.m. so it was hard to stay awake.

Between cleaning up at the end of the day and actually having dinner – we sat in a breezy lobby and were served drinks and chatted.  The service here was good but a little on the slow side at times. The Cubans do not really like people going up to the bar to order and in some cases will let you stand for quite some time before they get you a drink. It’s better to find a table and wait for a server. Order a couple of drinks at a time to make sure you don’t run out before she/he comes back. 

 

As far as cleanliness the place was ok. We heard some people complaining about their rooms, bugs and maid service etc., but in our case all of that was acceptable – we had clean bedding, clean towels and a fridge stocked with beer, water and pop.  We even had a happy gardener who worked hard to keep the grounds looking great and monitored a family of small kittens outside our building.  The colourful gardens of Husa were beautiful and in full bloom when we were there.

It was a nice holiday and a good experience for my mom who hadn’t been away in many years and had never been to an all-inclusive.  In hind sight it’s we could have made a better choice than Cuba because of the food – but the price was right and it got us away from the snow. The whole time we were gone we had excellent temperatures   and sunshine every day – in fact the heat was often intense. It was a bonus after coming from the worst winter in years.

Next time we will pick Dominican, Jamaica or Bahamas where we know the food is better because we have been there and tried it. Even a different location in Cuba would do as the last time we were in Varadero it wasn’t so bad. But the experience was well worthwhile and the ocean was to die for so we can’t complain. It’s part of life trying out different locations and getting the best experience out of them that you can. Being together as a family in an exotic get-away created some memories we won’t soon forget.