5.1 Department Communications
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue Services has an agreement for fire dispatch with Thunder Bay Police.
All incoming 911 calls are answered at the police communication facility. Subsequently, the call
is transferred to the Fire Dispatcher and communicated to the appropriate apparatus.
The required key components essential in a successful call-taking/dispatch process are a reliable
radio communications infrastructure, well trained professional Fire Communicators, and a
strongly supported Computer-Aided Dispatch system. These components are critical in meeting
established service levels and providing firefighter health and safety at emergency scenes. The
present operating model of contracting services from the Police Communications
Divisions is 13 years old and has not been thoroughly reviewed since Fire Dispatch
ceased to be a function of Thunder Bay Telephone.
TBFR operates an analog radio system that uses a number of repeaters and towers to boost
and relay radio signals. Truck, portable and station radios are relatively modern, but supporting
infrastructure is antiquated with many components more than 25 years old, requiring significant
maintenance and repairs.
TBFR uses 4 radio channels. Channel 1 is the main operating channel. This channel is repeated
across the city and is both monitored and recorded by fire dispatch. Channel 3 is a radio to
radio Simplex frequency and is not repeated or monitored by fire dispatch. Channel 3 is a radio
to radio frequency that is repeated by way of an apparatus mounted mobile repeater. This frequency
was recently established in order to enhance communications during interior operations
at large structures where construction materials are detrimental to effective fire ground communications.
Channel 3 is also not recorded or monitored by fire dispatch. Channel 4 is an additional
tactical frequency that can be used during large scale operations or during situations
where concurrent emergencies are taking place. This frequency is repeated and recorded at fire
dispatch. However, the frequency is not monitored or answered by the fire dispatcher.
Finally, neighbouring communities in the Thunder Bay district are experiencing similar fire dispatch
and radio communication issues, and some to a much greater degree.
It is recommended that TBFR undertake the following:
RECOMMENDATION 5.1.1 Request an RFP to review the current dispatch model of contracting
Fire Dispatch, the radio communications system, and the computer-aided dispatch
system. Attention should be given to referenced and applicable industry standards
including NFPA and Provincial Public Fire Safety Guidelines.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue Services has an agreement for fire dispatch with Thunder Bay Police.
All incoming 911 calls are answered at the police communication facility. Subsequently, the call
is transferred to the Fire Dispatcher and communicated to the appropriate apparatus.
The required key components essential in a successful call-taking/dispatch process are a reliable
radio communications infrastructure, well trained professional Fire Communicators, and a
strongly supported Computer-Aided Dispatch system. These components are critical in meeting
established service levels and providing firefighter health and safety at emergency scenes. The
present operating model of contracting services from the Police Communications
Divisions is 13 years old and has not been thoroughly reviewed since Fire Dispatch
ceased to be a function of Thunder Bay Telephone.
TBFR operates an analog radio system that uses a number of repeaters and towers to boost
and relay radio signals. Truck, portable and station radios are relatively modern, but supporting
infrastructure is antiquated with many components more than 25 years old, requiring significant
maintenance and repairs.
TBFR uses 4 radio channels. Channel 1 is the main operating channel. This channel is repeated
across the city and is both monitored and recorded by fire dispatch. Channel 3 is a radio to
radio Simplex frequency and is not repeated or monitored by fire dispatch. Channel 3 is a radio
to radio frequency that is repeated by way of an apparatus mounted mobile repeater. This frequency
was recently established in order to enhance communications during interior operations
at large structures where construction materials are detrimental to effective fire ground communications.
Channel 3 is also not recorded or monitored by fire dispatch. Channel 4 is an additional
tactical frequency that can be used during large scale operations or during situations
where concurrent emergencies are taking place. This frequency is repeated and recorded at fire
dispatch. However, the frequency is not monitored or answered by the fire dispatcher.
Finally, neighbouring communities in the Thunder Bay district are experiencing similar fire dispatch
and radio communication issues, and some to a much greater degree.
It is recommended that TBFR undertake the following:
RECOMMENDATION 5.1.1 Request an RFP to review the current dispatch model of contracting
Fire Dispatch, the radio communications system, and the computer-aided dispatch
system. Attention should be given to referenced and applicable industry standards
including NFPA and Provincial Public Fire Safety Guidelines.
