Joel Woznikoski

Private Members Bill Introduction of Firefighter Protection Act

Adam Olsen, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands of the BC Green Party

On March 14, 2024, a private members bill, the "Firefighter Protection Act" was introduced in the BC Legislature. The motion was carried and ordered to be placed on orders of the day for second reading at the next sitting of the House after today. This Private Members Bill, introduced by Adam Olsen, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands of the BC Green Party, is a crucial step towards ensuring the well-being of firefighters in British Columbia. For more information view Media release and Transcript and Video reading of Private Members Bill

“The British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters’ Association (BCPFFA) appreciates that the issue of fire fighter safety is being raised through this private members bill, and the BCPFFA will continue to advocate and work with the Province to safeguard our firefighters from dangerous ‘forever chemicals’ found in outdated protective gear,” says President Schierling.

At a press conference following the first reading in the BC Legislature, Schierling emphasized the importance of this bill, stating that the BC Government has the opportunity to lead the nation in mitigating the risk of exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and other harmful substances, and protect the safety of fire fighters.

Schierling goes on to say, “This bill is a crucial step towards protecting the safety of our fire fighters, and it will take efforts from all levels of government to make it happen.  At the local government level, with the advocacy of IAFF Local 18 and Vancouver's Mayor Ken Sim’s commitment during the BCPFFA FIRE OPS in 2023, Vancouver Fire Rescue Services have initiated efforts to implement non-PFAS personal protective equipment.”

Our best protection from heat and smoke contains PFAS.

Schierling highlighted the efforts of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) in leading the mission on PFAS mitigation, and how affiliate leaders will be pushing the federal government in Ottawa this April to address the heightened cancer risk faced by firefighters. We will advocate to ban the manufacture, import and use of PFAS and to implement other measures to protect fire fighters, the environment and all Canadians from these dangerous chemicals

Furthermore, in 2023, a joint statement was issued by the Fire Chiefs Association of BC (FCABC) and BCPFFA asking fire fighters to reduce exposure to PFAS in turnout gear by using several precautions.

 
 
 
 
 

Left to Right: BCPFFA Secretary Treasurer Brian Catinus, Central Saanich Local 4428 President Alex Levitt, Salt Spring Island Local 4467 President Warren Nuyens and BCPFFA President Todd Schierling

 

Burn Awareness Week 2024: Focus on Flammable Liquid Burns

BC Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund Raises Awareness During

Burn Awareness Week 2024: Focus on Flammable Liquid Burns

 
 
 
 

Vancouver, BC - February 5, 2024 - As Burn Awareness Week approaches from February 4-10, 2024, the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund is launching a campaign to draw attention to the critical issue of burn safety and prevention, with this year's theme centered around Flammable Liquid Burns.

The Burn Fund aims to shed light on the heightened risks associated with the use of flammable liquids and accelerants such as gasoline, acetone, paint thinners, and alcohol. Incidents involving these substances can escalate rapidly and unexpectedly, leading to severe injuries and traumatic experiences for burn survivors.

Burn injuries are not only exquisitely painful but also entail extensive medical procedures and care. Burn survivors often face challenges such as dressing changes, fluid loss, and a heightened risk of severe infections due to their compromised immune systems. Inhalation injuries, common in indoor fires, are also prevalent in flammable liquid fires, even outdoors, owing to the size of flames and exposure to toxic chemicals.

In the context of the rising trend of TikTok challenges encouraging the use of accelerants in videos, the Burn Fund underscores the importance of parental intervention. Parents are urged to emphasize fire safety with their children, as the misuse of flammable liquids can lead to serious injuries and, in extreme cases, loss of life.

To promote awareness and provide valuable insights into burn safety, the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund will be releasing a video series throughout Burn Awareness Week. The series will feature safety tips from a fire fighter and plastic surgeon, highlighting the crucial aspects of a burn survivor's journey: rescue and recovery.

Video Series Participants:

Brian Catinus, Saanich Fire Fighter Local 967 and Secretary-Treasurer of the BC Professional Fire Fighters Association and Burn Fund.

Dr. Sally Hynes, Burn Director for BC Children's Hospital and pediatric plastic surgeon with a focus on cleft lip and palate, congenital hand differences and burns.

Join us in spreading the message of caution and safety during Burn Awareness Week 2024. Together, we can prevent burn injuries and create a safer environment for all.

Campfire Safety Tips:

  1. Build your fire in a designated ring/pit at least 15 feet away (preferably downwind from tent, brush and other flammable objects).

  2. Keep children at a safe distance with a “circle of safety” at least 3 feet from the fire edge.

  3. Completely extinguish the fire and coals by pouring water, stirring, and pouring water again until it is cool. Never bury a fire.

  4. Fire pits retain heat up to 12 hours after being extinguished - hot enough to cause a severe burn.

  5. Don’t use an accelerant such as gasoline, kerosene or aerosol sprays to start a fire.

Gasoline Safety Tips:

  1. Use gasoline outdoors only, and store in cool, well-ventilated areas.

  2. Keep gasoline in a secure location, out of the reach of children.

  3. Use containers that have been listed, labeled, or approved for gasoline.

  4. Fill equipment with gas when engines are cool.

In the event of a burn injury:

  1. If you have burning flammable liquids on your body or clothes, STOP, DROP, AND ROLL until the flames have been extinguished. Then Call 911.

  2. Cool the burn with COOL (not cold) water to stop the burning process.

  3. Remove all clothing from the injured area.

  4. Cover the area with a clean dry sheet or bandage.

  5. Seek medical attention.

Why burn awareness is important:

  1. Each year at BC Children’s Hospital there are more than 1,000 burn-related visits for both treatment and follow-up appointments. Approximately 150 patients with new burn injuries are treated at BC Children’s Hospital each year alone.

  2. Scald burns account for 70 per cent of all burns in children in B.C. Scalds are most often caused by hot liquids, steam or hot bath water. 78 percent of burn injuries in children in B.C. happen to children under five. Toddlers are at a developmental stage where they need to explore and experiment, often lacking awareness of danger in certain situations.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Jane Spitz, Communications Manager

Email: jane@burnfund.org

Phone: 604-558-6614

About The BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund

From rescue to recovery, fire fighters have answered the call to support burn survivors across BC and the Yukon since 1978. The Burn Fund is dedicated to assisting burn survivors throughout their recovery every step of the way. The Burn Fund empowers survivors through programs and retreats. Offers accommodations to burn survivors and their families. Enhances medical care at BC’s trauma hospitals. And fills the gap with vital resources and treatment.

January marks Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month

 
 

January marks Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial time for the British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters Association (BCPFFA) to engage in educating our fire fighters about prevention and survival strategies.

Occupational cancer has become the leading cause of fatalities among fire fighters, surpassing the risks posed by fires and other on-scene incidents. As the BCPFFA, in partnership with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), we are committed to delivering targeted education, best practices, and resources to combat and mitigate the impact of cancer on fire fighters throughout this awareness month.

Throughout 2024's Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month, the BCPFFA, IAFF, and FCSN jointly aim to provide focused education and resources to reduce the prevalence of cancer among fire fighters. Our efforts will emphasize comprehensive strategies to minimize cancer risk across a fire fighter’s career, including implementing best practices in station design to reduce exposure to carcinogens, promoting safety protocols during firefighting operations, and addressing personal risk factors during off-duty hours such as nutrition and stress.

IAFF General President Edward Kelly emphasizes,

“Science confirms that PFAS forever chemicals are driving the alarming rate of cancer in the fire service. We must do everything we can to eliminate this threat, not just for those on the job today, but for generations of fire fighters to follow. Together, the IAFF and the FCSN will do whatever it takes to keep fire fighters healthy and safe.”

As an organization, we recognize the imperative of enhancing education, support, and resources for fire fighters navigating an occupational cancer diagnosis. By collaborating with dedicated groups, we are confident that this partnership will not only raise awareness but also save lives.

In reflection of our commitment, BCPFFA President Schierling states,

"Our members continue to face cancer diagnoses resulting from on-the-job exposures. We are resolute in our mission to equip our hard-working fire fighters with the latest guidance and data, ensuring they have the opportunity for a long, safe career and a healthy retirement."

Together, let us work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of our fire fighters and the safety of our communities.

 
 
 
 
 

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.