Office of the Fire Marshal

STANDARD INCIDENT REPORTING: SELECTED ISSUES

Non fire: Medical

41%

Non fire: False Non fire: Public

CO calls Hazard
4% 4%

Non fire: False Non fire: Rescue

fire calls 9%
18%

Non fire: Pre fire Non fire: Other

conditions Structure
12%
4% fires with
loss or injury
2%

Content includes selected issues: Emergency Response type reporting guide,

reporting possible cause, the OFM verification process, document retention,
legislative authority, purpose and timelines for reporting.

March 2011 Page 1 of 16

STANDARD INCIDENT REPORTING: SELECTED ISSUES

In 2009 a new Standard Incident Reporting system (forms and requirements) was introduced.
Complete documentation was distributed to all fire departments and is available on the web. This
document itemizes some key components of reporting to assist fire departments in reporting accurately
and consistently across the province.

REPORTING Fire department staff are a vital source for information on the impact of fire
FIRE CAUSE in Ontario. Fire fighters are the “reporters” from the fire scene.
AND OTHER
FIRE DETAILS
The SIR is a “snapshot” view by the fire service at the time of the incident. All
details – for example possible cause, ignition source, area of origin, and object
first ignited - should be reported based on the impressions of the fire personnel on
the scene at the time of the fire. To ensure accurate reporting, the required
information should be gathered as soon as possible after the incident.

Please do not use “undetermined” if personnel on the scene observe a

possible cause, area of fire origin, ignition source or other key information
collected by the SIR. The SIR is not an investigative report for any specific fire.
This data is used for assessing trends and the impact of fire in Ontario. If a follow
up investigation is done, these reports may be revised.

Also, please note there is a new code for Cause:

Cause code 98 Unintentional, cause undetermined : use where no possible cause is
observed, but it is not a “suspicious” fire. In addition, the codes under Cause Intentional
have been revised to “Suspected…”. These are not legal terms or determinations.
See details under “Reporting Possible Cause on the OFM Standard Incident Report”

TIMELINES The Fire Marshal’s Directive 08-001 requires fire departments to file reports on a
FOR quarterly basis (Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep, Oct-Dec) in the month immediately following
REPORTING the end of the quarter (Apr, Jul, Oct, Jan). Reports may be filed more often – monthly or
weekly.

Reports will not be accepted after June 30th in the year following the incident.
Revisions may be filed up to June 30th of the following year.

WHEN TO File a FIRE report (response type codes 1 or 3) for any emergency response where there
FILE A FIRE is evidence of an uncontrolled fire – e.g. fire damage – even if the fire department does
REPORT not put out the fire.

File a FIRE report for any “controlled” fire where the fire department puts the fire out.

If there was an explosion before or during the fire, file a FIRE report: Response type 2.

March 2011 Page 2 of 16

$0 LOSS In fire incidents (response type 1 or 2) where there is no property loss (for example
an outdoor fire, garbage fire), $0 is the appropriate entry.
Do not put $1 in the estimated dollar loss when there was no $ loss.
If your data entry system requires a $ loss and you enter $1 this is also accepted,
the data will be revised by the OFM to $0.
Fire departments are asked to confirm losses less than $4 and $500,000 or greater.

EXPOSURE FIRE A separate report is required for uncontrolled fires which spread to adjacent
REPORTING properties (1 for each additional fire/property) and the total number of these reports
should be entered in the Total Exposures field. Do not include the initial fire in this
total.

The initial fire should have an Exposure number 0 in the Exposure number field, and
on each related fire report enter a sequential number starting at 1 for Exposure
number.

DO NOT file a separate incident report for heat or smoke damage to an

adjacent property where there is no evidence of an uncontrolled fire. DO
NOT enter a number in either the total exposures field or the exposure
number field. Report heat or smoke exposure damages in the total estimated
loss for the single incident report.

REPORTING The OFM response type codes are for the actual situation and action, which may not
RESPONSE TYPE be the same as the call type recorded for the incoming call. To code response type:
1) Fire or Explosion – codes 1, 2 (explosion) or 3
2) Non fire - Use the code that best reports the ACTION of the fire department.
3) If there is not a code which fits the action, then use the code that best reports the
actual emergency situation.
See full details on reporting response type in the second part of this document

CO RESPONSE CO False Calls – codes 37 and 38: Use these codes where there was no CO
TYPES present

CODE 53 (new code) CO Incident, CO present (NOT false alarm) use this ONLY
when it is determined by the FD that Carbon Monoxide was present.
See full details on reporting response type in the second part of this document.

DOCUMENTATION Full documentation is available to fire departments at the OFM website:

https://www.ofm.ca/eng_index.asp
NEW: Standard Incident Reporting & Statistics
For the password fire departments may contact the OFM at
OFMstatistics@ontario.ca

March 2011 Page 3 of 16

 Reporting Response type on the Ontario OFM Standard Incident Form

SIR Response Type is for reporting the ACTUAL activity of the fire department or the ACTUAL
emergency situation as determined by the FD on their arrival.
SIR Response Type is not for reporting the initial call classification.

Fire departments are involved in many activities at every emergency call. This document provides
definitions for fire department reporting of emergency responses to the Ontario Office of the Fire
Marshal on the Standard Incident Report in Section A, Response type. The classifications below
reflect the priorities in OFM SIR reporting.

Response type category Definition

FIRE/EXPLOSION/NO LOSS OUTDOOR FIRE A fire or explosion occurrence is defined as any
instance of destructive and uncontrolled
burning, including explosion of combustible solids,
liquids or gases.

ASSISTING OTHER FIRE DEPARTMENT Fire departments providing assistance from

outside the incident jurisdiction complete only
the first portion of the report unless the local fire
department is not at the scene.

NON FIRE EMERGENCY CALLS (including false alarms) Report the activity of the fire department
or the emergency situation as determined by the
FD on arrival at the scene.

The following tables show the SIR response types. The first column – Defining the response type –
addresses the broad category of incident type in the form of a question about the incident. If the
answer is yes to the question in the first column, the codes provided in the next columns apply, if the
answer is no, then continue down the first column until you find a question/category that fits the
incident. Where special conditions or exceptions apply you will find them noted in the column.

When you determine the type of incident (it fits with the type defined in the first column) go to the next
column on the right and determine if this is an appropriate category for the incident. Where special
conditions or exceptions apply you will find them noted in this column.

The farthest column to the right provides the list of response types within that category and details to
ensure that your selection is consistent with OFM definitions for response type.

March 2011 Page 4 of 16

RESPONSE TYPE CODES: FIRE/EXPLOSION/NO LOSS OUTDOOR FIRE

Fires and explosions involving structures, vehicles or open areas (whether or not they result in property
losses, injuries or deaths) constitute the first category of occurrences in the response type codes.

For OFM SIR reporting purposes: A fire or explosion occurrence is defined as any instance of
destructive and uncontrolled burning, including explosion of combustible solids, liquids or gases.

These occurrences are the primary concern to the OFM due to its mandate. As a result, even if a fire
department is notified of such an incident after it has already occurred, the occurrence should be
reported.

FIRE/EXPLOSION
Defining the Response
type
WAS IT AN
UNCONTROLLED
FIRE OR AN
EXPLOSION?
(Including Combustion
explosions, excluding
Overpressure Rupture or
Munitions Explosion – NO
FIRE)
If the incident occurred in
another municipality see the
following section Assisting
Other Fire Departments
WAS IT A CONTROLLED
FIRE?
Fire intentionally set for
controlled burning with no
risk of spread or damage
to property AND
F.D. did NOT extinguish
fire.
Response type
Code Response type
class
Property 1 Fire
fires/explosions Code as Response type 1 - Fire
a) any fire resulting in injury (FF or CIV), fatality or dollar
loss
b) any fire occurring in any structure or vehicle
If there was an
c) any fire occurring in recycling/dump sites
explosion before or
d) outdoor fires where arson, vandalism or children
during the incident
playing was suspected
use code 2-
Explosion instead e) fire spread to another property (exposure fire)
of 1 - Fire. f) rekindle fires
2 Explosion (excluding codes 3, 11 to 13)
If there was an explosion before or during the incident
use this code instead of 1 - Fire.
An Outdoor fire 3 NO LOSS OUTDOOR fire (see exclusions)
which spreads, No loss: no fatality, no injury, no dollar loss.
resulting in exposure Outdoor: open land, trash container, etc.
fire(s) must be Exclusions: fires occurring in structures, vehicles,
reported as response recycling/dump sites, exposure fires, or outdoor fires
type 1 – Fire with the where arson, vandalism or children playing was
number of associated suspected or fires resulting in exposure fires (see
exposure fires. Response type 1)
All exclusions for
response type 3 must Example of exclusion:
be reported as What if there was a small outdoor fire, not suspected
response type 1 – arson or children playing, with no $ loss, but a FF was
Fire. injured during the incident? This must be reported as 01-
Fire because there was an injury. An Injury report should
be completed as well as Sections A and B of the SIR with
estimated dollar loss of $0.
Burning (controlled) 23 Open air burning/unauthorized controlled burning
No uncontrolled fire, no burning permit.
If the F.D. If the F.D. extinguishes the fire use Response type 3 No
extinguished the fire loss outdoor fire
use Response type 3 If the “controlled” burning spreads resulting in a loss or
No loss outdoor fire. exposure fire use Response type 1.
36 Authorized controlled burning – complaint
If the “controlled” No uncontrolled fire, burning permit issued.
burning spreads If the F.D. extinguishes the fire use Response type 3 No
resulting in a loss or loss outdoor fire
exposure fire use If the “controlled” burning spreads resulting in a loss or
Response type 1. exposure fire use Response type 1.

March 2011 Page 5 of 16

RESPONSE TYPE CODES: ASSISTING OTHER FIRE DEPARTMENT

The jurisdictional (local) fire department is always responsible for completing the full details of a fire/
non-fire incident, including details relating to the civilian fire injuries when they are at the scene of the
incident. Fire departments providing assistance from outside the incident jurisdiction complete only the
first portion of the report and the address when the local fire department was at the scene. When the
local department is not at the scene, the fire department at the scene should complete a full report.
Each fire department reports their respective firefighter injuries.

The Aid to/from other fire department field on the SIR should also be filled in by both departments
with the appropriate code: 1 Mutual Aid 2 Automatic Aid 3 Fire Protection Agreement

Defining the Response type Response

type class
DID THE CALL OCCUR IN Other
ANOTHER MUNICIPALITY AND Response
WAS THE LOCAL FD
PRESENT?
1. Local municipality’s FD
attends the incident scene:
As the assisting FD, use
these codes for “Assisting
Other FD”, the local
department completes a
report with full incident
information.
Code Response type
910 Assisting Other FD: Mutual Aid
Also enter a code in the additional field:
Aid to/from other FD = 1 Mutual Aid
This “Aid to/from other FD” field should be coded for all
Once on scene incidents where an FD either assists another fire
use 910 to 912. department or was assisted by another fire department.
If assistance 911 Assisting Other FD: Automatic Aid
was not Note: Aid to/from other FD = 2 Automatic Aid
required upon
arrival, codes
912 Assisting Other FD: Fire Protection Agreement
910 to 912 are
Note: Aid to/from other FD = 3 Fire Protection Agreement
still valid.

2. Local municipality’s FD 913 Assisting Other FD: Other

does not attend the scene: used for mutual aid STANDBY where your FD was
Do not use these codes There is no requested to standby by another municipality as a result
As the attending FD, duplication of a specific incident but assistance was not required
complete an incident report when all during the standby period and so you did not attend the
with full information on the assisting FD’s scene. If your FD attended the scene or another incident
type of incident, and details on scene (not during this time, then use the appropriate code for
required. Also, ensure that stations), file assisting (910 to 912) or for the event.
the Aid to/from other FD field assistance
is coded. reports, BUT,
only one SIR
with full
incident details
must be filed.

March 2011 Page 6 of 16

RESPONSE TYPE CODES: NON FIRE EMERGENCY CALLS (including False Alarms)

SIR Response Type is for reporting the ACTUAL activity of the fire department or the emergency
situation as determined by the FD on their arrival. It is not for reporting the initial call classification.
Please report on the non-fire response type using the listed codes, prioritizing as follows:
1. the situation occurred at an illegal grow or drug operation – first priority
2. report the FD activity, false alarms and other key situations – choose code on white
background. Fire departments may perform many activities at the emergency scene, select only
one code from the list based on the priorities noted below.
3. Where the situation is not in an illegal grow or drug operation and there is no appropriate FD
activity code then report on the emergency situation using the most appropriate code – in the
listing below, these codes will have a grey background e.g. Public Hazard, Rescue codes, Medical
/ resuscitator calls, Other response.

Defining the Response Response type

Code Response type
type class
DID THE CALL (non fire) Other Response 921 Illegal grow operation (no fire)
OCCUR AT THE SITE OF 922 Illegal drug operation (no fire)
AN ILLEGAL GROW OR
DRUG OPERATION?
WAS IT A PRE FIRE Pre fire conditions/ 21 Overheat (no fire, e.g. engines, mechanical devices)
CONDITION? no fire 22 Pot on Stove (no fire)
Smoke, steam, but no No evidence of uncontrolled fire to cabinets and counter.
evidence of a fire - If there is evidence of Include pot on stove fire suppressed by lid, no fire spread.
UNCONTROLLED. uncontrolled fire,
24 Other Cooking/toasting/smoke/steam (no fire)
even if it was no
Exclude controlled fires longer burning, report 25 Lightning (no fire) no uncontrolled fire
(see codes 23 and 36) under Fire codes 1 26 Fireworks (no fire) no uncontrolled fire
through 3 29 Other pre fire conditions (no fire)
Including smoke from chimney (e.g. blocked), wood stove,
BBQ etc. where there was NO evidence of uncontrolled
fire. If there was evidence of uncontrolled fire, use
FIRE/Explosion response types (1, 2 or 3)
WAS IT A FALSE ALARM False fire calls 31 Alarm System Equipment – Malfunction
– FIRE OR CARBON These codes are for Activation as a result of electrical or mechanical failure of
MONOXIDE (CO)? false alarm FIRE the equipment.
calls only. 32 Alarm System Equipment - Accidental activation (exc.
If FIRE or CO call was a 31, 32 - DO NOT apply to
code 35) This code is used for accidental activation of an
false alarm but FD provided SFD alarms, (even from ALARM SYSTEM – usually in multi unit or commercial
monitoring agencies).
other assistance, use the These are for non- buildings from external conditions – steam, smoke, etc.
appropriate code to residential alarms 33 Human - Malicious intent, prank
describe the FD activity.
Alarm was intentionally activated for reasons above.
34 Human - Perceived Emergency
Other “false alarm” codes Alarm was activated intentionally or emergency services
are listed below in their was called but there was no actual emergency
respective response If alarm is triggered by 35 Human - Accidental (alarm accidentally activated by
categories cooking smoke, use person) Smoke detector activation (not ALARM
58-Public Hazard false code 24, NOT 35 SYSTEM - code 32) resulting from activities creating
alarm steam, smoke, etc.
699-Rescue false alarm 39 Other False Fire Call
899-Medical false alarm Including detectors activation by atmospheric conditions,
power surges, smoke detector/alarm malfunctions.
CO False calls 37 CO false alarm - perceived emergency (no CO
These codes are for present)
false alarms CO only. 38 CO false alarm - equipment malfunction (no CO
present)

March 2011 Page 7 of 16

Defining the Response Response type
Code Response type
type class
WAS IT A RUPTURE OR Overpressure 11 Overpressure Rupture (no fire, e.g. steam boilers, hot
MUNITION EXPLOSION – rupture/munitions water)
NO FIRE? explosion (no fire) 12 Munitions Explosion - (no fire, e.g. bombs, dynamites)
13 Overpressure Rupture - gas pipe (no fire)
WAS THE EMERGENCY Public Hazard 53 CO incident, CO present (exc. false alarms)
SITUATION A PUBLIC Including incidents Even if medical aid was provided by the FD, code as a
HAZARD? where CO is CO call
Were hazardous materials present. 41 Gas Leak - Natural Gas
involved?
42 Gas Leak - Propane
43 Gas Leak - Refrigeration
44 Gas Leak - Miscellaneous
45 Spill - Gasoline or Fuel
46 Spill - Toxic Chemical
47 Spill - Miscellaneous
48 Radio-active Material Problem
49 Ruptured Water, Steam Pipe
50 Power Lines Down, Arcing
51 Bomb, Explosive Removal, Standby
54 Suspicious substance
57 Public Hazard no action required
58 Public Hazard call false alarm
For calls that are incorrectly perceived by the caller as
public hazard, such as Cable and Telephone wires down
(these are not hazardous) or suspicious odour.
NOTE: If other type of assistance provided by FD, use the
appropriate code to describe the activity.
59 Other Public Hazard
For public hazard incidents that are not listed between 41
and 58, including conditions resulting from flooding

March 2011 Page 8 of 16

Defining the Response Response type
Code Response type
type class
WAS RESCUE REQUIRED Rescue 601 Trench rescue (non fire)
(non fire incident)? 602 Confined space rescue (non fire)
Identify the rescue
603 High angle rescue (non fire)
Rescue: persons in danger activity first (601 -
due to their proximity to the 605, 61, 67-69), and 604 Low angle rescue (non fire)
occurrence who are unable if not listed use the 605 Animal rescue
to self evacuate and are code for the rescue 61 Vehicle Extrication
assisted to safety by FD situation (62 to 66)
personnel (excludes 62 Vehicle Collision
Exception: If FD personnel provided Medical Aid only at
persons evacuated for
precautionary reasons) the accident scene (no rescue or extrication) then code
using medical activity or medical emergency codes.
Included in this definition 63 Building Collapse
are persons rescued from 64 Commercial/Industrial Accident
elevators or other 65 Home/Residential Accident
circumstances where they
could not extricate 66 Persons Trapped in Elevator
themselves and FD 67 Water Rescue
assisted in the extrication, 68 Water Ice Rescue
e.g. vehicle extrication, 69 Other Rescue
collision, collapse, trapped
in elevator, water rescue, 698 Rescue no action required
water ice rescue. No rescue action was necessary because the incident
was resolved (the cat was out of the tree by the time FD
Please ensure the arrived).
number of persons 699 Rescue false alarm
rescued is reported. Incident was a false call requesting rescue activity (the cat
was not really in the tree, it was a bird).
NOTE: If other type of assistance was provided use the
appropriate code to describe the activity.
DID THE FD ADMINISTER Medical/resuscitator 701 Oxygen administered (by FD personnel)
Oxygen, CPR or use a call 702 CPR administered (by FD personnel)
Defibrillator?
703 Defibrillator used (by FD personnel)
Where more than
IF CO present: even if one of these
medical aid was provided activities were
by the FD, code as 53 CO performed, code the
incident, CO present last activity
completed.
WAS THIS A MEDICAL Medical/resuscitator 71 Asphyxia, Respiratory Condition
EMERGENCY? call 73 Seizure
74 Electric Shock
If the FD administered
oxygen, CPR or defibrillator 75 Traumatic Shock
use codes 701 to 703. 76 Chest pains or suspected heart attack
82 Burns
IF CO present: even if
medical aid was provided 84 Medical Aid Not Required on Arrival
by the FD, code as 53 CO Patient did not need medical aid (call wasn't cancelled on
route). If other service (police or EMS) determined that
incident, CO present
assistance was not required – use code 98 or 898).
85 Vital signs absent, DOA
86 Alcohol or drug related
88 Accident or illness related - cuts, fractures, person
fainted, etc. including persons who are unconscious.

March 2011 Page 9 of 16

Defining the Response
type
DID ANOTHER AGENCY
ALREADY ON SCENE
REQUEST ASSISTANCE?
Assistance provided does
not match other ACTIVITY
codes.
Please ensure that the
Alarm to Fire Department
code is
3 – from Ambulance
4 – from Police services
9 – other alarm
WAS THE CALL
CANCELLED OR THE
INCIDENT LOCATION
INVALID?
FD ACTIVITY or
EMERGENCY SITUATION
DOES NOT FIT ANY OF
THE RESPONSE TYPES
Must be an emergency
incident
Where appropriate please
use codes
29 Other pre fire condition
39 Other false fire call
59 Other public hazard
69 Other rescue
89 Other medical
March 2011
Response type
Code Response type
class
89 - Only when RDPS 89 Other Medical/Resuscitator Call
doesn't attend OR alarm
to FD is 1 or 2 Includes patient lifting or other medical activities and
conditions not listed above.
898 Medical/resuscitator call no action required
No FD aid necessary because the incident was resolved,
that is, aid was already administered by EMS or others.
899 Medical/resuscitator call false alarm
Incident was falsely reported as needing medical attention
and no assistance (medical or other) was provided.
NOTE: If other type of assistance provided use the
appropriate code to describe the activity.
Other response 92 Assistance to Police (exc 921 and 922)
92 - Only use if action is taken Exclusion: if illegal drug or grow operation present use
- If DRPS doesn't require
assistance, use 98
921 or 922.
93 Assistance to Other Agencies (exc 921 and 922)
Other “agency” does Exclusion: if illegal drug or grow operation present use
not include other Fire 921 or 922. ONLY USE IF if Alarm to FD is a 3, 4 or 9
Department. Use for:
If agency is another • Lift assist
FD, use codes 910 to • Patient packing transfers (FD escorting)
*This only applies if the FD takes NO OTHER ACTION (no CPR, Defib etc)
912 (even if the
assistance was not If RDPS arrives and does not require assistance, use code 98
required once on
If Alarm to FD is 1 or 2, use another code
scene).
Other response 96 Call cancelled on route
Call may be cancelled in station or on route. If FD arrives
on scene then use appropriate code.
97 Incident not found
98 Assistance not required by other agency
Upon arrival, agency informs FD assistance not required.
Other response 94 Other Public Service
Must be an (specifically in response to an emergency call out)
emergency incident 99 Other Response
Do not file a report Must be an emergency incident
for non emergency
FD activities.
Where appropriate please use codes
Where appropriate 29 Other pre fire condition
please use other 39 Other false fire call
codes by category. 59 Other public hazard
69 Other rescue
89 Other medical
Page 10 of 16
 SUMMARY: REPORTING RESPONSE TYPE ON THE ONTARIO OFM STANDARD INCIDENT REPORT
RESPONSE TYPE CODES Rescue
WAS IT AN UNCONTROLLED 61 Vehicle Extrication
Property Fires/Explosions
FIRE OR 62 Vehicle Collision
AN EXPLOSION? 1 Fire
63 Building Collapse
Response type codes: 1 or 2 2 Explosion (exc. Codes 3, 11 to 13)
If there is a fire and an explosion at an incident, 64 Commercial/Industrial Accident
3 No loss outdoor fire
report as an Explosion – code 2 (excluding arson, vandalism, children 65 Home/Residential Accident
OR playing, recycling or dump fires) 66 Persons Trapped in Elevator
NO LOSS OUTDOOR FIRE Overpressure rupture/explosion (no 67 Water Rescue
No loss: no fatality, injury and no $ loss.
Outdoor: open land, trash container, etc. fire) 68 Water Ice Rescue
And not resulting in an exposure fire 11 Overpressure Rupture (no fire, e.g. steam 69 Other Rescue
Response type code: 3 boilers, hot water) 601 Trench rescue (non fire)
12 Munition Explosion - (no fire, e.g. bombs, 602 Confined space rescue (non fire)
DID THE CALL OCCUR IN ANOTHER dynamites)
MUNICIPALITY AND THE LOCAL 603 High angle rescue (non fire)
13 Overpressure Rupture - gas pipe (no fire)
F.D. WAS PRESENT? 604 Low angle rescue (non fire)
Response type codes: 910 to 913
Pre fire conditions/no fire 605 Animal rescue
21 Overheat (no fire, e.g. engines, mechanical 698 Rescue no action required
WAS IT A PRECONDITION TO AN devices)
699 Rescue false alarm
UNCONTROLLED FIRE? 22 Pot on Stove (no fire)
Medical/Resuscitator
(smoke, steam, fireworks, etc. no evidence of 24 Other Cooking/toasting/smoke/steam
uncontrolled burning or fire damage) (no fire) 701 Oxygen administered
Response type codes: 21 to 29 25 Lightning (no fire) 702 CPR administered
26 Fireworks (no fire) 703 Defibrillator used
WAS IT A CONTROLLED FIRE? 71 Asphyxia, Respiratory condition
The FD did not extinguish the fire. 29 Other pre fire conditions (no fire)
Burning (controlled) 73 Seizure
Response type codes: 23 or 36
23 Open air burning/unauthorized controlled 74 Electric shock
burning (no uncontrolled fire) 75 Traumatic shock
DID THE CALL (non fire) OCCUR AT 36 Authorized controlled burning - complaint 76 Chest pains or suspected heart attack
THE SITE OF AN ILLEGAL GROW 82 Burns
False fire calls
OR DRUG OPERATION? 84 Medical Aid Not Required on Arrival
Response type codes: 921 or 922 31 Alarm System Equipment - Malfunction
32 Alarm System Equipment - Accidental 85 Vital signs absent, DOA
WAS IT A FALSE FIRE ALARM? activation (exc. code 35) 86 Alcohol or drug related
Response type codes: 31 to 35 or 39 33 Human - Malicious intent, prank 88 Accident or illness related – cuts,
or 34 Human - Perceived Emergency fractures, person fainted, etc.
FALSE CO alarm (NO carbon 35 Human - Accidental (alarm accidentally 89 Other Medical/resuscitator Call
monoxide present)? activated by person) 898 Medical/resuscitator call no action
Response type code: 37 39 Other False Fire Call required
Another type of FALSE ALARM? 899 Medical/resuscitator call false alarm
Response type codes: 58, 699, 899
CO False calls
37 CO false alarm - perceived emergency Other response
WAS IT A CO CALL, and CO WAS (no CO present) 921 Illegal grow operation (no fire)
PRESENT? 38 CO false alarm - equipment malfunction 922 Illegal drug operation (no fire)
Response type code: 53 (no CO present) 910 Assisting other FD: Mutual Aid
Public Hazard 911 Assisting other FD: Automatic Aid
NON FIRE SITUATIONS (use where none 912 Assisting other FD: Fire Protection
of situations noted above are applicable) 53 CO incident, CO present (NOT false alarm)
Agreement
41 Gas Leak - Natural Gas
913 Assisting other FD: Other
What action did the fire department 42 Gas Leak - Propane
take? Rescue? Medical assistance? 92 Assisting Police (exc 921, 922)
43 Gas Leak - Refrigeration
If no “action” codes are applicable: 93 Assisting Other Agencies (exc 921, 922)
44 Gas Leak - Miscellaneous
What was the type of emergency 94 Other Public Service
45 Spill - Gasoline or Fuel
situation? (see shaded codes) 96 Call cancelled on route
46 Spill - Toxic Chemical
97 Incident not found
47 Spill - Miscellaneous
DID ANOTHER AGENCY ALREADY 98 Assistance not required by other agency
ON THE SCENE REQUEST 48 Radio-active Material Problem
99 Other Response
ASSISTANCE? 49 Ruptured Water, Steam Pipe
WAS THE CALL CANCELLED OR
Response type codes: 92 or 93 50 Power Lines Down, Arcing
THE INCIDENT LOCATION INVALID?
51 Bomb, Explosive Removal, Standby Response type codes: 96 or 97
54 Suspicious substance
IF NO CODES fit the emergency
action or emergency incident use 57 Public Hazard no action required
Code 99 Other response. 58 Public Hazard call false alarm
March 2011
Do not file a report for non 59 Other public hazard Page 11 of 16
emergency FD activities.
 Reporting Possible Cause on the Ontario OFM Standard Incident Form

A fire incident is the result of a set of conditions and a sequence of events that lead to the ignition of a
material by an ignition source. This sequence of events is usually initiated by human acts (something
which is done) or human omissions (something which has not been done). These acts or omissions are
the cause of the fire because they trigger the events which lead to ignition of the fire.

SIR reporting: Report the likely cause of fire based on observation and information available at the
time of incident reporting using the appropriate code.

Possible
Cause Class Possible cause subclass Code Possible Cause
Intentional Intentional 1 Suspected Arson
2 Riot/Civil Commotion
3 Suspected Vandalism
4 Suspected Youth Vandalism (Ages 12 to 17)
Unintentional Children Playing 11 Children Playing (Ages 11 and under)
Vehicle Collision 12 Vehicle Collision
Design/Construction/ 20 Design/Construction/Maintenance Deficiency
maintenance deficiency
28 Routine maintenance deficiency, (e.g. creosote, lint, grease
build up)
Misuse of ignition source or 44 Unattended
ignited material
45 Improperly Discarded
46 Used or Placed too Close to Combustibles
47 Improper handling of ignition source or ignited material
48 Used for purpose not intended
49 Improper storage
50 Other misuse of ignition source/material ignited
Mechanical or electrical 51 Mechanical Failure
failure
52 Electrical Failure
Other, unintentional 60 Other unintentional cause, not classified
Other 72 Rekindle
73 Natural cause
80 Exposure fire
Unintentional Undetermined 98 Unintentional, cause undetermined
Undetermined 99 Undetermined

Code 98 should be used for fires where the cause cannot be determined but it is deemed that it is NOT
a “suspicious” fire.
Code 99 should be used when it cannot be determined if the fire is a “suspicious” fire or not.

March 2011 Page 12 of 16

Causes are divided into three main categories:
Intentional refers to a fire incident that is (suspected to be) deliberately set or initiated.
Unintentional is defined as any fire ignition that was unintended and resulted from action or inaction.
Undetermined where a specific cause is not evident

Intentional
1 Suspected Arson: an intentionally set fire that is ignited to destroy property for personal gain.
2 Riot/Civil Commotion: an intentionally set fire that occurs during a riot or civil commotion.
3 Vandalism: an intentionally set fire that is ignited by person(s) aged 18 and over to destroy property for no
apparent purpose. (excludes Youth vandalism)
4 Youth Vandalism (Ages 12 to 17): an intentionally set fire that is ignited by person(s) aged 12 to 17 years to
destroy property for no apparent purpose.

Unintentional
11 Children Playing (11 and under): a fire started by a child playing.
12 Vehicle collision: a fire caused by a vehicle collision (with another vehicle, structure, or other).

Unintentional: Design/Construction/Maintenance deficiency

20 Design/Construction/Installation/Maintenance: a fire caused by a design fault, inadequacy of construction,
improper installation, or improper maintenance (excluding failure of routine maintenance)
28 Routine maintenance deficiency: fire that started as a result of lack of routine maintenance e.g. of
inadequate routine maintenance resulting in build up of creosote, lint, grease in households or businesses.

Unintentional: Misuse of Ignition source/material ignited

44 Unattended: a fire caused by an ignition source or igniting equipment that is left unattended.
45 Improperly Discarded: a fire caused by an ignition source that is discarded in an unsafe manner.
46 Used or Placed too Close to Combustibles: a fire caused by an ignition source or igniting equipment that is
either in contact with or close to combustible material.
47 Improper Handling: a fire caused by the improper handling of an object or material.
48 Used for Purpose Not Intended: a fire caused by an ignition source or igniting equipment that is used for a
purpose not intended.
49 Improper storage: a fire resulting from improper storage of ignition source/ignited materials
50 Other misuse: a fire resulting from a misuse of ignition source/ignited materials that cannot be classified
under other codes

Unintentional: Mechanical/Electrical Failure

51 Mechanical Failure: a fire caused by a malfunction in a mechanical system
52 Electrical Failure: a fire that is caused by a malfunction in an electrical system.

Unintentional: Other
60 Other Unintentional cause, not classified: This code is used when the cause has been
determined, is not a “suspicious” fire and the cause cannot be classified by any other cause code.

Other
72 Rekindle: a fire that was presumed to be extinguished and then reignited due to heat and proximity of
materials.
73 Natural Cause: a fire caused by lightning, static electricity, chemical reaction – spontaneous combustion
80 Exposure fire: a fire caused by exposure to an uncontrolled fire on a separate property/structure.

Undetermined
98 Unintentional, cause undetermined: This code is used for incidents where it has been determined that is not
a “suspicious” fire but information is not available to determine a possible cause or there are more than one
equally likely causes.
99 Undetermined: This code is to be used for fire incidents where there is no information to provide a basis for
determining that the possible cause is either Intentional (a “suspicious” fire) or Unintentional.

March 2011 Page 13 of 16

 Legislative authority for collecting information

Clauses 9(2)(f) and 9(2)(g) of the FIRE PROTECTION AND PREVENTION ACT, 1997 (FPPA)
states:
…. it is the duty of the Fire Marshal to keep a record of all fires reported, to develop and
maintain statistical records, and to conduct studies in respect of fire protection services.
The FPPA also states the following:
11. (1) The following persons are assistants to the Fire Marshal and shall follow the Fire
Marshal's directions in carrying out this Act,
(a) the fire chief of every fire department;
(b) the clerk of every municipality that does not have a fire department;
(c) any member of a fire prevention bureau established by a municipality; and
(d) every person designated by the Fire Marshal as an assistant to the Fire
Marshal.
Duty to report
(2) The assistants to the Fire Marshal shall report to the Fire Marshal all fires and
other matters related to fire protection services as may be specified by the Fire
Marshal.
Submitting report
(3) A report under subsection (2) shall be made in the form and manner and
within the time period specified by the Fire Marshal.

Purpose of incident reporting

The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) collects data on fire incidents, injuries and deaths
through the provincial fire loss reporting system and OFM Investigations. This
information is used for statistical and research purposes. The OFM has computer
databases dating back to 1983 and research on this data has provided a
comprehensive view of trends in fire losses. Historical analysis of fire loss data in
Ontario has resulted in the identification of common fire scenarios, properties and
persons at risk.

This information is valuable for the development of fire prevention programs, public
education and community risk assessment.

This data is made available to the public upon request. All provision of data is subject to the
provincial Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy legislation.

March 2011 Page 14 of 16

 Standardized reporting

For information collected to be compared over time and across municipalities, and to represent
all of Ontario it must be collected:
• in a consistent way
• using common definitions
• using the same codes
• within appropriate timelines

Incident reporting is a standardized method of tracking fire, explosion and other emergency
responses made by Ontario fire departments. A standardized reporting system is the only way
of gathering consistent data that provides information on trends at both the community and
provincial levels.
The 2009 SIR was reviewed and revised in consultation with all Ontario fire departments.
Fire fighters are the at-the-scene intelligence who provide the necessary information for
assessing the impact of fire in Ontario. Municipal fire department personnel record data for
each call using the Standard Incident Report and Injury forms or an electronic equivalent. The
report is filed with the OFM over the internet using the OFM data entry system or the report(s)
are compiled into an electronic dataset and e-mailed to the OFM for processing. The OFM
compiles the data and produces provincial studies and municipal reports.
A Standard Incident Report is required for every emergency response made by a fire
department (fire calls and non-fire calls). An Injury Report is required for all civilian injuries in
fire incidents only, and for fire fighters injured in responding to fire and non-fire calls.

OFM data verification with fire departments

The OFM uses computer applications that check the data to ensure the codes are valid and
the report is complete. When data files are sent to the OFM, the processing includes
checking for missing data, identifying missing injury or exposure reports, and flagging large
loss or $0 loss reports. A processing report is returned to the fire department within 5 days
of receiving the data file. The report includes a summary of the data received and any of
these data items identified. This allows fire departments to review the data during the year.

Departments who file using the OFM data entry system can print a log file with their reports at
any time during the year to check that all have been submitted.

In February a review of the data for the previous year is started:

a) an e-mail with the number of reports received and the date of the last report for the prior
year is sent to all fire departments with a reminder to complete their filing, and
b) in March reports are sent to the chief of the fire department requesting a review and
confirmation of the data.

This final year-end review is necessary to ensure that the OFM has received all reports, that the
reports have been processed correctly, and that any revisions necessary are filed and
recorded.

March 2011 Page 15 of 16

 OFM contact information is provided with the review package, and follow up phone calls are
made by the OFM if a fire department does not reply to verify the data.

Process for revising reports already filed

When a reporting error is made or when updated information becomes available, a revised
hardcopy report can be submitted by fax or the record can be sent again electronically within six
months of the initial filing date. Six months after the end of the year (June 30th of the year
following), data is moved to the OFM data warehouse. All reports and revisions must be filed
before this date.

If faxing: the fire department should clearly indicate which codes are changed, clearly label the
report at the top with the word REVISION and fax to the OFM.

Document Retention

Fire departments file their data electronically. For OFM purposes it is recommended that the
fire departments retain relevant electronic or paper materials until after they have verified the
data that they have filed with the OFM.

For fire departments who are using an external reporting system (that is, not the OFM data
entry system on the web) we send out verification reports when the reports are filed
electronically (within 5 days of receiving the electronic file).

The OFM sends final reports to all fire departments in March of the following year (see OFM
data verification with fire departments).

Document retention schedules are under the jurisdiction of the municipality.

There may be details in the fire reports that must be saved for a specific period of time so you
should check with your municipality.

March 2011 Page 16 of 16