FIREFIGHTERS WARN SASK. PARTY LEGISLATION ON BURNING DOWN DERELICT BUILDINGS PUTS THEIR HEALTH, COMMUNITY SAFETY AT RISK

The Saskatchewan Association of Fire Chiefs, Saskatchewan Volunteer Fire Fighters Association and Regina Professional Fire Fighters Local 181 are all raising serious, potentially life-threatening concerns with Bill 21, An Act to Amend the Construction Codes Act.  

Since the bill’s introduction, Saskatchewan NDP Municipal Affairs Shadow Minister Jared Clarke has conducted extensive consultation with municipalities and firefighter organizations. In those consultations, Clarke heard from countless firefighters and firefighter organizations that have concerns about intentionally burning down buildings and the risks that can come with a fire of that magnitude. 

One firefighter explained that the magnitude of the heat expressed from a home on fire can be felt 50-100 feet away and poses significant risk to neighbouring buildings. 

“The Saskatchewan NDP agree that municipalities need support to safely and cost-efficiently dispose of derelict buildings, but if we want to address it, it needs to be done responsibly, ensuring that firefighters and our communities are safe,” Clarke said. 

“We are concerned that this government introduced a Bill to create a pilot project to rely on volunteer firefighters to burn down derelict buildings, without any consultation with any firefighters.” 

Clarke will be joined in the Legislature Tuesday by Tyler Packham, president of Regina Professional Fire Fighters Local 181, who is coming to stand up for the safety of his members and Saskatchewan communities. 

“As fire fighters, we’re trained to protect lives, communities and property – not to stand by while buildings are intentionally set ablaze. While we understand and support the provincial government’s goal of addressing old and dilapidated buildings, purposely burning them down exposes communities to unnecessary risks, including harmful smoke, toxic carcinogens and the unpredictable nature of fire that could threaten nearby homes and businesses,” said Packham. “Fire is not a tool of convenience. Saskatchewan communities deserve safe and sensible solutions, not shortcuts that put their safety at risk. Local 181 urges provincial leaders to alter course and work with first responders to find a safe solution to this ongoing challenge.”  

During a committee debate on Bill 21 Tuesday, Clarke repeatedly grilled Minister Eric Schmalz about liability and who would be responsible if a firefighter was hurt or if a fire spread to neighbouring homes. 

He also asked whether municipalities would still be required to remove hazardous materials after a building was burned down. The Minister refused to answer any questions. 

Clarke again asked if these concerns he’s heard would be addressed during development of regulations and again the Minister refused to answer his questions.  

“Without a commitment from the Minister that firefighters and our communities will be safe from exposure and risk, the Saskatchewan NDP cannot, in good conscience, support this legislation,” Clarke said. “It’s deeply concerning to me that the Sask. Party is proceeding as planned, given the serious concerns we’ve heard.” 

Packham’s concerns are echoed in a statement by Mike Kwasnica,  Saskatchewan Association of Fire Chiefs President: 

On behalf of the Saskatchewan Association of Fire Chiefs (SAFC), we respectfully express our opposition to the provisions proposed in Bill 21 that would allow municipalities to direct fire departments to burn dilapidated buildings as a method of demolition.  
 
While we support efforts to address unsafe and derelict structures in our communities, the use of live burns for this purpose poses significant concerns to the health and safety of firefighters, the public, and the environment. Burning older buildings—many of which may contain asbestos, lead-based paint, and other toxic materials—releases hazardous contaminants into the air. Exposure to these substances can have long-term health effects on firefighters and residents nearby.  
 
Furthermore, Firefighters are trained to control and suppress fire—not to facilitate it as a demolition method. Live burning is a critical and valuable piece of training for fire departments if done safely. There needs to be consultation with the fire departments on how and when these practices can be done and must meet strict guidelines to ensure everyone goes home.   

The SAFC strongly urges the government to reconsider this provision of Bill 21. We recommend that alternative, safer methods of building removal be prioritized—methods that comply with environmental standards and workplace safety regulations.  
 
We remain committed to working collaboratively with the province and municipalities to ensure the safety and resilience of our communities, but not at the cost of our firefighters’ health and public well-being. 

As well, by Louis Cherpin, Saskatchewan Volunteer Fire Fighters Association President: 

On behalf of the Saskatchewan Volunteer Firefighters Association (SVFFA), we respectfully express our opposition to the provisions proposed in Bill 21 that would allow municipalities to direct fire departments to burn dilapidated buildings as a method of demolition. 

We of course support efforts to address unsafe and derelict buildings to keep our communities safe but the use of live burns for this purpose poses significant concerns to the health and safety of firefighters, the public, and the environment. 

Burning older buildings—many of which may contain asbestos, lead-based paint, and other toxic materials, releases hazardous contaminants into the air. Exposure to these substances can have long-term health effects on firefighters and residents nearby. Government has been advocating to keep our firefighters safe from unnecessary exposure to cancer causing toxins, and this proposed legislation flys in the face of that.  
 
Firefighters are trained to control and suppress fires and take time away from their families and risk their lives to do so. Exposing our members to danger just to facilitate a demolition does not achieve this. 

Live burning is a critical and valuable piece of training for fire departments if done safely. There needs to be consultation with the stakeholders on how and when these practices can be done and how they  must meet strict guidelines to ensure everyone goes home.  

The SVFFA strongly urges the government to reconsider this provision of Bill 21. We recommend that alternative, safer methods of building removal be prioritized—methods that comply with environmental standards and workplace safety regulations. 

 
We remain committed to working collaboratively with the province and municipalities to ensure the safety and resilience of our communities, but not at the cost of our firefighters’ health and public well-being. 
 

– 30 –