Timmins:   Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus says the federal government needs to do more in addressing fire safety. He is calling for a national bureau of fire statistics so that first responders and government can keep track of emerging trends in fire threats. Angus made the call at the Timmins fire hall alongside firefighter Ellard Beaven and local chief Mike Pintar.

Angus says there is a major gap in research and information surrounding fires. He says a federal bureau is needed to gather up statistics. “Right now we have no idea of how many people are dying from fires in Canada. We have no idea if there are unusual spikes in electrical fires. Firefighters need this information in order to be able to anticipate problems that are developing in various regions across this country.”

Angus has introduced a motion in the House of Commons calling for the establishment of a national office for fire statistics. Last year, Angus successfully pushed the federal government to set up a national hazardous materials training program. Angus credits a close working relationship with the Timmins firefighters for pushing a national agenda for fire safety. 

“I have been very proud to work with northern firefighters on establishing safety standards that will help people in every community in this country. It was the Timmins firefighters who came to my office and said we need a national training program for hazardous materials training. It was the Timmins firefighters who have raised the issue of the need for a national bureau for fire statistics.”

Ellard Beaven, President of Local 535 of the IAFF (International Association of Firefighters) says this is a no-brainer given we already have Stats Canada. “We can find out crime stats and crime rates instantly, but can’t find out about fire stats? What if there’s a spike in certain appliance fires, or maybe there is a crisis in one area and we don’t know about it. This bureau would help us get ahead on prevention.”

Angus says he will work with firefighters from across Canada to push all political parties to support the need for a national bureau of fire statistics.