Emergency Planning & Strategic Development

Background

The Emergency Planning & Strategic Development (EPSD) Unit of Fire Protection Services provides advice and assistance to government, municipalities and others with regard to multi-agency emergency planning/response and development of risk management support tools and resources. EPSD provides direct support to the fire service for large scale or complex incidents and coordinates response by Provincial teams to emergencies involving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosion (CBRNE), Hazardous Materials (HazMat), heavy urban search and rescue (HUSAR). The goal of this program is to ensure that competent, multi-disciplinary teams are available on a province-wide basis to respond to large-scale and / or complex natural or human-caused emergencies in a planned, coordinated and timely manner.

EPSD also facilitates the design and development of resources to assist fire service leaders in risk management, compliance, and decision making.

EPSD Mandate

• Manage the Provincial CBRNE/Hazmat/HUSAR program
• Train, support and create partnerships with first responders for response to complex natural or human-caused emergencies
• Support investigations of fires/explosions involving hazardous materials.
• Provide pre-incident and on-scene support to first responders, OFM staff members and other stakeholders
• Provide technical support to the Community Safety Enhancements (CSE) Unit
• Support and participate in the maintenance of Provincial emergency plans.
• Develop support tools and resources for the fire service to assist in risk management.

For more information, contact:

Emergency Planning and Strategic Development
c/o Office of the Fire Marshal
Phone: (416) 325-3100

Provincial CBRNE/Hazmat/HUSAR Program