Background

Encampments are an area where an individual or a group of people experiencing shelterlessness stay together often in tents or other temporary structures and at times in abandoned buildings.

Due to the nature of their duties, firefighters and fire inspectors are often required to enter encampments in a range of situations. These environments can present multiple hazards, requiring a high level of situational awareness at all times.

Fire services should stay informed about the location and status of encampments within their response areas and conduct pre-planning as needed to support safe and effective operations.

Fire officials should liaise with local police services, paramedic services and social services regarding the coordination of emergency and non-emergency responses and services.

Concerns and hazards

The primary concerns for firefighters and fire inspectors entering unsheltered encampments are:

  • mental health issues within the community
  • potential workplace violence
  • weapons of all types
  • drugs and drug paraphernalia and/or residue
  • communicable diseases
  • illegal electrical connections
  • batteries used as a source of energy and chemicals associated with them
  • propane/gasoline or any other types of flammable/combustible gases and liquids
  • traps to prevent entry
  • structural issues (if in or on a structure)
  • animals
  • exposure to raw sewage
  • exposure to noxious weeds

Actions for employers

Employers should develop training in consultation with the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative. This training may include, but is not limited to, an assessment of surroundings and de-escalation techniques.

Establish written policies and procedures for personnel required to enter encampments. When preparing these policies and procedures, consider ensuring the fire department policies and procedures are consistent with those of other agencies such as:

  • police
  • paramedic services
  • social services
  • public health
  • municipal by-laws

Considerations

Be aware of the following possibilities that could pose dangers to your crew:

  • illegal modifications to any vacant building or encampment
  • unexpected electrical connections

Due to risk of injury, accident or assault, or building modifications, firefighters may require assistance from allied agencies such as:

  • paramedic services
  • police
  • by-law officers
  • building department officials

Personal protective equipment

Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is to be worn when entering an encampment.

For firefighters, this may include:

  • bunker coat
  • pants
  • firefighting boots
  • N95 respirators

For inspectors, this may include:

  • long sleeve shirts
  • long pants
  • N95 respirators
  • steel toe and shanked shoes or boots

Puncture resistant gloves should be considered for all personnel while in the encampment area.

Applicable regulations and acts

Read:

  • Occupational Health and Safety Act
    • clause 25(2)(a): employer must provide information, instruction and supervision to a worker to protect their health or safety
    • clause 25(2)(d): employer must acquaint a worker or a person in authority over a worker with hazards
    • clause 25(2)(h): employer must take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers

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