Executive Chief Fire Officer

September 15th, 2020

Last night the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs held their Celebration of Excellence as part of their annual conference, Fire Rescue Canada 2020, which was held virtually this year.  Division Chief Shawn White was one of seven chief officers from across the country who officially received the professional designation of Executive Chief Fire Officer (ECFO).


 Also, Senior Firefighter Karen Trecartin was entered in the ECFO Aspire program, a program to help develop aspiring chief officers and she received a bursary to offset the costs of the process. 


Launched in 2018, the ECFO professional designation replaced the Chief Fire Officer program in Canada, and acknowledges the fire service leaders who showcase best practices through proving 30 competencies that fall within seven themes: leadership, human resources, governance, business acumen, finance, fire prevention, and fire technical.


The Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department is proud to have the distinction that all four of its chief officers hold the ECFO designation, who are part of a group of only 115 ECFO designated chief officers across the country.


Fire Prevention and COVID-19

August 20, 2020
As a fire department, we are doing our best to balance the safety precautions required for COVID-19 while also serving our community through our fire prevention programs.  Below you will see how we have adapted many of our fire prevention programs to match the recommendations by provincial health authorities.  These programs and precautions are subject to change based on any COVID-19 or provincial guideline changes.


Station Tours

• Groups of 10 people or less (For larger groups, tours will be offered in groups of 10 while others wait outside)
• Face masks are required for visitors for the duration of the tour
• All visitors must pass COVID-19 screening before entering the station
• All visitors must use hand sanitizer prior to beginning the tour
• Visitors will not enter apparatus and will be encouraged to minimize touching of equipment as much as possible
• The contact information of the tour organizer is required prior to delivering the tour

HomeSafe Home Inspections

• Firefighters will wear face masks for the duration of the inspection
• The homeowner (and other occupants involved in the inspection) will be encouraged to wear a face mask
• A maximum of two firefighters will conduct the home inspection
• Firefighters will sanitize their hands (and any equipment) beforehand and on completion of the inspection

Public Speaking Events

• The department will participate in public speaking events where the occupancy of the facility is based on the ability to maintain physical distancing between people


Site Visits/Public Events

• The department will participate in outdoor events where physical distancing is possible and there are not more than 50 people attending
• Firefighters will wear face masks for the duration of the event

Fire Prevention Week

• The department will deliver social media messages based on the theme of fire prevention week (to be announced)
• The fire department open house will not be held this year


Firefighter for a Day Program

• The educational component will be made available online rather than in person in school
• The contest will be made available online
• The contest winners will visit the station following the guidelines above for station tours


Car Seat Installation

• Car seat installations will take place on an individual basis
• Firefighter will wear a face mask during the installation
• Vehicle owners will be encouraged to maintain physical distancing and to wear a face mask

Fire Department Members Complete Educational Program

July 29, 2020
Four members of the department recently completed the Certificate in Fire Service Leadership program from Dalhousie University.  This year long program introduces theories on leadership, operations, and human resources and is the first step towards a broader education in the fire service and opens up opportunities for further career advancement.  Pictured below is Deputy Chief Dan McCoy presenting certificates to Senior Firefighter Shane Johnson, Senior Firefighter Shane Day, Firefighter Justin Cowan, and Firefighter Andrew Steeves.


Senior Firefighter Shane Day
Senior Firefighter Shane Day
Firefighter Justin Cowan
Firefighter Justin Cowan
Firefighter Andrew Steeves
Firefighter Andrew Steeves
Senior Firefighter Shane Johnson
Senior Firefighter Shane Johnson
Senior Firefighter Shane Day
Senior Firefighter Shane Day
Firefighter Justin Cowan
Firefighter Justin Cowan
Firefighter Andrew Steeves
Firefighter Andrew Steeves
Senior Firefighter Shane Johnson
Senior Firefighter Shane Johnson

House Fire in Rothesay

June 3rd, 2020

Around 5:30 am this morning, firefighters were dispatched to a house fire on the Rothesay Road, in Rothesay.  One of the occupants noticed the smoke and alerted the rest of the occupants who escaped the home with no injuries.  Firefighters contained the fire to the basement however the home sustained fire damage in the basement and extensive smoke damage throughout.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.


If you have questions about home fire safety or would like a free home safety inspection, please contact us.  We can conduct home inspections while taking precautions for COVID-19.

1 Dead, 3 Injured After House Fire in Rothesay

April 5th, 2020
Just before 2 am on Sunday, firefighters were dispatched for a house fire on Bartlett Road in Rothesay.  The occupants of the home were alerted to the fire by a smoke alarm and when firefighters arrived, three adults had already escaped the home with the assistance of a neighbour and police, while a fourth was not accounted for.  The house was fully engulfed in fire and 17 firefighters were on scene for six hours to extinguish the fire.  The three adults were transported by Ambulance New Brunswick paramedics to the hospital with minor injuries while the fourth occupant, a family friend of the occupants, died at the scene.  The occupants are being assisted by the Canadian Red Cross.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.


2019 Annual Report

Our 2019 annual report is now available.  Please take a look back by reading our report here:  2019 Annual Report

Fire in Quispamsis

March 26th, 2020

Just before 5 am this morning firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire on Parkside Road in Quispamsis. A fire in the kitchen was extinguished quickly but the smoke damage has made the home temporarily uninhabitable. Three adults have had temporary accommodations provided by the Red Cross.

Please be sure during this period of social isolation to check your smoke alarms and talk about home escape planning, especially if your sleeping arrangements have changed.


A Statement from Fire Chief Bill Ireland Regarding COVID-19 and the Fire Service

Issued: March 16th, 2020


Like countless organizations throughout the community and around the world, the Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department is actively monitoring the COVID-19 situation.  Since this first began to emerge in January and increased as a local threat in March, we have followed guidance provided by provincial health agencies and have taken a number of precautions to help mitigate risk as we focus on the safety and well-being of our community and our firefighters.  We are attending meetings and coordinating planning with both towns and other emergency response agencies. 

To keep our firefighters healthy so that they are available to respond to emergencies, we are suspending most of our regular fire prevention activities and limiting the visitors allowed into our fire stations.  For most normal questions and concerns, we can help you by phone or email, which are listed on our website at www.kvfire.ca.


You will notice a number of precautions that our members will be taking on emergency calls, such as masks and gowns.  We are implementing social distancing protocols so while we work with the community, we will respectfully be maintaining a social distance of two meters whenever possible.


This is an uncertain time for all of us.  I want to assure you that the Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department and all emergency services remain fully functional. This is a situation that can change rapidly, but through emergency planning and working with our partners, we are prepared to manage impacts on our community and on our department.   We are working with the Kennebecasis Firefighters Union to ensure they can help support the families of our firefighters and our community at large.


We will be posting fire safety messages and home safety messages over the next weeks to help keep you safe at home.  In the meantime, wash your hands, take care of loved ones, and follow the advice of our health professionals.

For specific information on COVID-19, please visit:


gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/ocmoh/cdc/content/respiratory_diseases/coronavirus.html 

Ice Rescue on the Kennebecasis River

February 2nd, 2020

Just after 11 pm on Saturday night, the KVFD was dispatched for an ice rescue on the Kennebecasis River. Two individuals riding an ATV drove into open water and had to be rescued by firefighters. Details on the individuals and their condition is not available at this time.
The KVFD is advising that residents that currently there are areas of open water on the Kennebecasis River and to use extreme caution when using the ice for recreation. Residents should consult local weather forecasts as well as public alerts from the Government of New Brunswick before using the ice for recreation.

Holiday Relief Firefighter

Interested in a career with us? The KVFD is hiring firefighters for the entry level position of Holiday Relief Firefighter. Follow the link below for information on the job posting and the job application.

If you have questions, message us here .

https://bit.ly/38aw5g9

Family Escapes House Fire in Quispamsis

December 14th, 2019
Smoke alarms alerted a family of three to a fire in their basement early Friday morning.  Around 3:30 am, a fire started in the basement of a home on the Vincent Road in Quispamsis.  Working smoke alarms gave the family time to escape the fire without injury.  When firefighters arrived, there was fire in the basement of the home that had extended into an upstairs bathroom and they were able to extinguish the fire quickly.  There was fire damage to two rooms  and significant smoke damage throughout the home.  The Canadian Red Cross was on scene to assist with clothing and accommodations for the residents.
Kennebecasis Regional Police and Ambulance NB paramedics were also on scene.  The fire is under investigation.

Engine 2

We are pleased to announce that this past weekend on November 30th, 2019, our new Engine 2 was put into service at Station 2 in Quispamsis.


This truck, a 2019 Spartan built by Dependable Fire Trucks, has a 1250 gallon per minute pump, carries 1000 gallons of water, and carries equipment for fires, car accidents, medical emergencies, and all of the other types of emergencies we respond to as a fire department.


This truck replaces the old Engine 2 which after a decade of service on the "front line" will move into a back-up role as an engine.


Fire Department Accreditation

The KVFD is proud to be pursuing fire service excellence by entering the accreditation process with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International.   Accreditation is defined by the CFAI as "an all-hazard, quality improvement model based on risk analysis and self-assessment that promotes the establishment of community-adopted performance targets for fire and emergency service agencies."  Accreditation is an international recognition of achievement and organizations from a wide variety of professions and industry seek accreditation. From health care to engineering, organizations seek accreditation to demonstrate that they are performing to industry best practices and are holding themselves accountable through an external peer review.  As a registered agency with the CFAI, we are just beginning the long but worthwhile journey to fire department accreditation.

 Fire Prevention Week 2019

The theme for fire prevention week, October 6th to October 12th,  is "Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice your Escape!" with a focus on home escape planning.  Be sure to follow us on Facebook for daily messages about fire prevention and home escape planning.  Also, visit our annual fire department open house on Saturday!

Visitors are encouraged to tour the fire station, view the numerous emergency response vehicles, meet the firefighters, check out the tools, and learn what services KVFD offers. Firefighters will be available to answer any questions you may have about fire safety!

Please join us at Fire Station #1 at 7 Campbell Drive in Rothesay on October 12th between 11AM-2PM!

Garage Damaged by Fire

A compost bin that caught fire damaged the attached garage of a home in Quispamsis around 11 pm last evening.  Firefighters were dispatched after the fire was discovered and it was quickly extinguished before more significant damage was done to the garage.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Division Chief Shawn White


The KVFD is proud to announce the promotion of Lieutenant Shawn White to Division Chief. DC White joined the KVFD as a volunteer in 2000 and became a career firefighter in 2004. He was promoted to Senior Firefighter in 2011 and then to Lieutenant in 2015.


DC White holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Brunswick and has completed certificate programs in Fire Service Leadership and Fire Service Administration from Dalhousie University. DC White is a certified fire service instructor and fire inspector and will be responsible for employee development and safety.


We wish Shawn all the best in his new position.

Junior Firefighter Camp


Our 2nd Annual Junior Firefighter Camp is all set for July 23rd, 24th, and 25th from 9:30 am until 12:00 pm for children aged 10 to 12.

Children of this age range are beginning to learn how to be independent at home and begin coming home from school alone and/or spend increasing amounts of time unsupervised.

Our Junior Firefighters can expect a new hands-on activity as well as life safety education each day of camp. The title “Junior Firefighter” allows us to demonstrate some aspects of the firefighter profession while at the same time adding in safety information, i.e. cooking safety and home escape planning.

Space is limited and parents/guardians are required to submit a completed registration form by June 17th to Division Chief Mike Boyle by email at mboyle@kvfire.ca or in person at 7 Campbell Drive.

Registrations will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

The registration form is available at Station 1 or by following the link below:

http://bit.ly/2019firefightercamp

Fire destroys Quispamsis family's home

Around 6 pm Tuesday evening, firefighters were dispatched to a fire on the Chamberlain Road in Quispamsis.  On arrival, firefighters encountered fire and heavy smoke in the home.  Initial reports indicated that there may have been someone trapped in the basement however after searching the home firefighters confirmed that the house was empty.  However they did find the family dog which had perished in the fire. 
The home had significant smoke and fire damage.  The homeowners were away when the fire occurred and are staying with friends.

Firefighters remained on scene for approximately four hours and the cause remains under investigation.


Finance Administrator (20 hours/week)

The Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department Inc. is seeking a qualified individual to assume the responsibility of Finance Administrator. This is a part-time position that offers a flexible schedule and the ability to perform some of the work off-site.

The Finance Administrator will be responsible for managing accounts payable, accounts receivable, completing payroll and maintaining appropriate financial documentation through an organized system of filing. Other responsibilities will include producing monthly financial reports and year end statements, invoice processing and payment, budget planning, interpretation of the Collective Agreement, maintaining records of paid and unpaid leaves, managing employee benefits and pension and other financial reporting as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

  • Post-Secondary Degree or Diploma in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or other related field.
  • Strong working knowledge of accounts payable and accounts receivable functions.
  • Experience with budget, accounting, and reporting systems.
  • Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills.
  • Ability to respond appropriately in pressure situations with a calm and steady demeanor.
  • Able to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
  • High standard of professionalism and attention to detail
  • Strong computer skills including Sage (Simply Accounting) and Microsoft Office
  • Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality

QUALIFIED CANDIDATES ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT THEIR RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO:

Fire Chief Bill Ireland 7 Campbell Drive Rothesay, N.B. E2E 5B6
Or by Email to: admin@kvfire.ca

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MAY 31, 2019.

We thank all applicants and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.


2018 Annual Report

From floods to radio systems, 2018 was a significant year for the KVFD. Have a look back at 2018 by reviewing our annual report.

Annual Report



Fire Damages Home in Quispamsis

February 11th, 2019
A home on Sunrise Drive in Quispamsis had significant fire and smoke damage after a fire early Sunday evening.  Firefighters were dispatched around 6 pm after a passerby noticed smoke coming from the home.  After making entry they found the kitchen heavily involved in fire and extinguished it quickly, however the home had smoke damage throughout. 

No one was home at the time of the fire and there were no injuries.  10 firefighters were on scene for 3 hours to complete overhaul of the home.

The cause of the fire was accidental.

Joint Mental Health Initiative

February 4th, 2019

The Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department, in partnership with the Kennebecasis Firefighter’s Union, is pleased to announce the launch of its Joint Mental Health Initiative.  This initiative, with a simple goal of keeping our members healthy, has four main areas of focus including both preventative and reactive measures. 

 

These areas include prevention (stigma, resiliency, education, workplace culture) emergency response (during and post incident), organizational crisis, and individual issues ranging from family issues to PTSD.

 

With support from our IAFF Peer Support members, our Chaplain, Dr. Bruce Smith, and members of our management team, the department is proud to support our members with this initiative.  Throughout the month of February, the department will be delivering a “Road to Mental Readiness” refresher course to our members and hosting Michael Johnston, founder of Hope for Heroes Canada, to discuss PTSD.

 


Busy Weekend for KVFD Firefighters

January 28th, 2019

 Friday night began a busy weekend for KVFD firefighters with an accident on Highway 1 and at the same time a smell of gas in a home in Quispamsis.  On Saturday in French Village, a car was destroyed by fire and damaged a nearby garage.  Later that afternoon, Tank 1 assisted Hampton Fire Rescue with water supply for a fully involved garage fire.  Saturday evening firefighters assisted the Kennebecasis Regional Police with scene lighting and an area search while they searched for a missing person in Rothesay.

Van Damaged by Fire in Quispamsis

January 14, 2019

The KVFD was dispatched for a vehicle fire on the Hammond River Road in Quispamsis just after 11 am today.  The engine compartment of a utility van was fully engulfed in flames and it was extinguished quickly by the responding firefighters.  The cause is under investigation.

Shortly after, firefighters responded to a dumpster on fire on Sierra Avenue in Rothesay.

Photo credit: Paul Wood