Ottawa fire received fewer calls in 2020 as people spent more time at home
Ottawa firefighters responded to fewer calls for service in 2020, as many residents spent more time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, a new report says there was a significant increase in the severity of the incidents responded to by firefighters last year, including water and ice rescues.
The Ottawa Fire Service 2020 Annual Report shows firefighters responded to 22,582 incidents last year, down 13.2 per cent from 2019. There were a total of 63,784 vehicle responses in 2020, down 12 per cent from the year before.
"This is the first time since 2014 that Ottawa Fire Services has experienced this level of response volume," said the report for the community and protective services committee.
"This decrease is a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic along with the implementation and enforcement of various emergency orders which resulted in the closure of non-essential workplaces and more residents spending more time at home."
Here is a look at the top five response types for Ottawa firefighters in 2020:
- False alarm: 8,531
- Medical: 3,410
- Rescue: 2,932
- Miscellaneous: 2,734
- Fire related: 2,664
Firefighters responded to 1,086 fires in 2020, up from 1,008 calls in 2019.
The report says while there was a decrease in calls, there was a significant increase in the severity of the incidents being responded to.
"In 2020, Ottawa Fire Services responded to 176 water/ice rescues that represents an increase of 28 per cent compared to 2019," said the report.
"Ottawa Fire Services worked as part of the Ottawa Drowning Prevention Coalition (ODPC) to increase awareness around the importance of water safety through social media campaigns, media events, handouts, and colouring books for children."
911 CALLS
Ottawa's 911 line saw a drop in calls in 2020.
There were 294,259 calls to 911 last year, compared to 303,328 calls in 2019.
A report for the community and protective services committee says 64 per cent of 911 calls were for Ottawa Police, compared to 30.5 per cent for the Ottawa Paramedic Service and 3.1 per cent for fire.
Staff say there was a slight decrease in 911 calls in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and most residents staying home.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.