Mission’s old fire prevention bylaw is on its last ember but a new framework is on the horizon.
At Monday’s (Jan. 8) meeting, council voted unanimously to replace the existing 1999 bylaw with a 2023 bylaw upon adoption.
“The limits of [the old bylaw’s] scope no longer serve the enforcement needs of the Mission Fire Rescue Service,” MFRS assistant chief Ian Glasgow wrote in a report to council.
The report says the 1999 bylaw is limited as an enforcement tool because some fire code requirements it’s based on have since been either revised or deleted.
However, the new bylaw includes updated information and adds fire prevention practices that have become standard in Mission but aren’t easily enforceable.
The 2023 bylaw requires commercial property contacts to attend a fire alarm on their property to aid MFRS with access when investigating. Other new requirements have been added to address wildfire hazards and building security on vacant/damaged premises.
Signage in areas that can improve fire department vehicle access has also been incorporated into the new bylaw. Fire Department key lock boxes, a common ask from the MFRS, have also been added as a requirement for all buildings containing a fire alarm system.
A new re-inspection fee and a potential fine when a property contact fails to attend a fire alarm in a reasonable timeframe are new charges that have been introduced.
Councillors unanimously voted in favour of the new bylaw on its first three readings on Monday.
Council also resolved to support the Mission Emergency Support Services’ $11,000 grant application to UBCM for training, supply restocking and volunteer recognition.
The funding is expected to go towards Indigenous awareness training, conference fees and diversity training for Mission volunteers.
“The grant application also includes a request for funding for items to restock the ESS trailer and funding to host volunteer recognition events and provide gifts for Mission’s ESS Volunteers,” emergency program manager Monique Weir wrote in a report.
Weir writes that the need for more education to understand inclusion, diversity and Indigenous culture has been identified.
“With the increased demand on Mission’s volunteers, the need for increased training, validation and appreciation is an integral part of volunteer retention. It is challenging to recruit and retain volunteers to meet the increased need for response,” Weir wrote.
