qfrs media misrepresentations and duty of care concerns

8/9/2019 QFRS Media Misrepresentations and Duty of Care Concerns

1/16

QFRSMediaMisrepresentationsAndDutyOfCareConcerns.pdf | Updated: 07 October 2015 | Latest version: www.Scribd.com/doc/33694238 1 of 16

Queensland Fire & Rescue Service

Media Misrepresentations

& Duty of Care ConcernsJune - 12 July 2010

Has the QFRSs Failure, since 01 June 2006, to Adequately

Warn the Public about the Known Defects with Ionization Smoke

Alarms Caused A Real Risk of Harm to Consumers?

The mere presence of ionization-only stand-alone smoke alarms on the market without

at the same time providing consumers clear, conspicuous and unequivocal information

of the dangers associated with smouldering fires and ionization-only detectors

insensitivity to such fires, as compared to combination or photoelectric-only detectors,is fraudulent, unfair and deceptive and creates a real risk of harm to consumers.

Class Action Complaint & Jury Demand, page 25, clause 61, para 1 (emphasis added)...

Note:

- This document was produced after the QFRS Commissioners letter (pages 5 ~ 6) failed to address concerns with the QFRSs alleged failure in its Duty of Care to adequately warn the public about

the life-threatening defects with ionization smoke alarms.

- All media stories (pages 9 ~ 16) are in descending date order and from the public domain.
http://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/classactionhttp://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/classactionhttp://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238


2/16


3/16


O v e r v i e wQFRS - Media Misrepresentations & Duty of Care Concerns

01 June 2006The Australasian Fire & Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC) is the peak representative body ofall Australian & New Zealand Fire Brigades. Their official position on smoke alarms states,

17 Feb 2007The CAN Report, Recommending, Selling or Installing Ionization Smoke Alarms, A Criminal Actof Negligence?was sent, by registered mail, to the QFRS and all Commissioners of all Australian Fire Brigades. The reportwarned of the legal and life-threatening concerns for failing to disclose the life-threatening defects with ionizationsmoke alarms to the public. www.SmokeAlarmWarning.org/can.html

01 July 2007

Legislation comes into force mandating that all Queensland homes must be fitted with smoke alarms.The public were denied the opportunity to chose between the two types of smoke alarm technologies (ionization

and photoelectric) because they were not told adequately informed aboutAFACs official position i.e. thationization smoke alarms may not operate in time to alert occupants early enough to escape from smoulderingfires.

07 August 2009World Fire Safety Foundation writes to the Queensland Minister of Police, Corrective and Emergency Services,The Hon Neil Roberts about his misrepresentations in the media about ionization smoke alarms (see page 2 andWFSF comment below).

17 June 2010

Despite numerous emails and letters to the QFRS and the Minister of Police, Corrective and Emergency Serviceswarning of the QFRSs failure to adequately warn the public, Commissioner Lee Johnson, the head of the QFRSand the current head of AFAC, wrote to the Foundation (see pages 5 ~ 6) claiming,

AFAC, Position on Residential Smoke Alarms, 01 June, 2006

That all residential accommodation be fitted with photoelectric smoke alarms. . . . Ionization smoke alarms may not operate in time to alert occupants

early enough to escape from smouldering fires.

In addition QFRS continually review and updates or external

education material to align with the AFAC position statement.See QFRS Commissioner Lee Johnsons Letter: page 5 ~ 6

See WFSF comment to Commissioner Johnsons statement: page 6

World Fire Safety Foundation Comment:QFRS - Victims of the Forty Year Ionization Smoke Alarm Fraud

As a former full-time fire fighter I have the utmost admiration and respect for all fire fighters who frequentlyrisk their lives to protect ours. The (heads) Commissioners of all fire services are answerable to the

Ministers of Emergency Services in their respective states. This means the Commissioners areanswerable to politicians (see report about Minister Neil Roberts misrepresentations on page 2).

Overwhelming evidence (some of which is in this document) shows the QFRS, like most other AustralianFire Brigades, are victims of, and unwitting accomplices to 40 years of fire industry deceit about ionizationsmoke alarms. This statement is made in full knowledge of the empirical scientific test data (with)held bythe Australian Governments science agency, the CSIRO. When this CSIRO data was requested in a U.S.court case where three young girls had died in a home fitted with ionization alarms, it was only provided bythe manufacturer after ordered to do so by the court. Within 48 hours of the CSIRO data being provided, itwas sealed with a Protection Order and the case was settled out of court with a Confidentiality Order.Hear the radio interview in Montgomery Alabama with Australian and U.S. smoke alarm campaigners:The Law & You | Beasley Allen Law Firm | June 2014: www.SmokeAlarmWarning.org/ba.html#utc

The WFSF is providing this and other documents to the new QFES Commissioner and the newQueensland Minister for Emergency Services in the hope they will put saving lives before saving face.

Adrian Butler, Chairman, Co-Founder, The World Fire Safety Foundation, QLD, Australia | 07 October 2015
http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.smokealarmwarning.org/ba.html%23http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.smokealarmwarning.org/ba.html%23http://www.smokealarmwarning.org/ba.html%23http://www.smokealarmwarning.org/ba.html%23http://www.thewfsf.org/afachttp://www.thewfsf.org/afachttp://www.smokealarmwarning.org/can.htmlhttp://www.smokealarmwarning.org/can.htmlhttp://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238


4/16


From: Adrian ButlerDate: 11 May 2010 14:03

Subject: QFRS - Official Position re Smoke Alarms - Duty of Care ConcernTo: Graham Hanlon, Peter Ryan, David Isaac, Scott Chandler

Attention:- Superintendent Graham Hanlon, Executive Manager Fire Safety Command State Community Safety Operations Branch (SCSOB), QFRS- Superintendent Peter Ryan, QFRS - North East Command- Scott Chandler, Senior Media Advisor for The Hon Neil Roberts- David Isaac, Standards Australia Committee FP002 Ph: 0412-221-469et al

QFRS - Official Position re Smoke Alarms - Duty of Care Concern

Good Morning Graham, Peter, Scott, & David

Scott & Peter, I tried to calling you both numerous times on the phone this morning. After reviewing this message I'dsincerely appreciate it if you would please call me on 0409 782 166- thank you.

Graham, further to our discussion yesterday I am extremely concerned after my encounter with Superintendent Ryan onSaturday. Superintendent Ryan told me that the QFRS does not have an official position regarding smoke alarms and thatthe QFRS does not recommend one type of smoke alarm over an other, i.e. photoelectric over ionization. I met withfour separate members of the QFRS over the weekend and all four of them relayed the exact same message that I haveheard from countless QFRS fire fighters. None of them were aware of the official QFRS position on smoke alarms.

The events of the weekend has inspired a new series of documents - the QFRS version is live on the web Here > > >andattachedfor your convenience. Graham, please forward this document to the QFRS lawyer you will be seeing in the nextday or so and ask him if the QFRS has a Duty of Care to advise the public (and their own fire fighters) about the QFRS's

official position on smoke alarms in Queensland residential accommodation.

Scott, whenever we have taken this issue up with your Ministerial office we are advised the public is being informed aboutthe QFRS's official position on smoke alarms. The evidence does not support this claim.

The phone number for Mr David Isaac from Standards Australia is listed above if any of you would like to contact him aboutStandard Australia's official position on this issue (i.e. that they have formally acknowledgedthat ionization smoke alarmsare not fit-for-purpose and have corrected/rewritten Australia's flawed Smoke Alarm Standard, AS3786 accordingly).Mr Isaac's quote on the Foundation's website is poignant:"The public have been misled into believing that ionization smoke alarms are safe . . . I believe as an industry professional that I have a duty of care to get this information to the public.

Superintendent Ryan, I am prepared to either meet with you or send you information substantiating all claims made inthe attached document and on the World Fire Safety Foundation's website. Please advise if you will make AFAC's/theQFRS's official position on smoke alarms known to fire fighters in the North Eastern region.

Let's hope the truth about the type of alarms in almost all Queensland homes reaches the public (and our fire fighters)before moreneedless Queensland deaths this winter.

Thank you.

Sincerely

The World Fire Safety Foundation

Adrian Butler

Co-Founder, Chairman, former full-time firefighter

Suite 1, Level 4, NFPTV House

23 Ocean Grove, Currumbin, QLD 4223, Australia

W: www.TheWorldFireSafetyFoundation.org

E: [email protected]

11 May 2010:WFSF message to QFRS Superintendent Graham Hanlon

Let's hope the truth about the type of alarms in almost all Queensland homes reaches the public (and our fire fighters) before more needless Queensland deaths this winter.

Adrian Butler, Chairman, Co-Founder, World Fire Safety Foundation 11 May 2010
mailto:[email protected]://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/http://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/sahttp://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/sahttp://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/http://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/http://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/sahttp://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/sahttp://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/sahttp://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/sahttp://www.scribd.com/doc/31118309/Smoke-Alarms-Official-Position-QFRShttp://www.scribd.com/doc/31118309/Smoke-Alarms-Official-Position-QFRSmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238


5/16


17 June 2010:QFRS Commissioner Lee Johnsons letter to the WFSF - 1 of 2

Despite the Commissioners* rhetoric, the evidence on pages 9 ~ 16

shows how the QFRS has failed, since 01 June 2006, to adequately

warn the Queensland public of the known, life-threatening defects of

ionization smoke alarms in the media.*Commissioner Lee Johnson is the current President of AFAC
http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238


6/16


7/16


Re: Will the Fire Service Stand Up and Fight for What is Right?

Hi Graham,

Firstly, it was great to touch base again last week ... by the way, that is an impressive fire station at Burpengary. Thanks also for the

coffee.

Secondly, Adrian Butler has written a page about the "Childers Sparks Change" article from the Epoch Times, where he asks a couple of

questions of the QFRS' lawyers (see attached). At this time, he has only sent this to you. But there is something I want you to consider.

Graham, I am aware that the QFRS's lawyers think that the fire service's collective butts are covered legally; that they can make an

argument, in court, that the QFRS have taken enough necessary steps to ensure the fire service has legally met its 'duty of care.' But is

this enough?

I said to Adrian that next time you see the lawyers and they raise this point, that you may like to point out to them that they may win in a

court of law, but the court of public opinion in an entirely different thing. It is the latter that the lawyers should, without disregarding the

legal obligations, pay more attention to. Why?

Around the world, fire services are highly regarded by the public. In poll after poll after poll, firefighters come out at the "most trusted

profession." Firefighters are heroes. This is a double-edged sword. Let me explain.

A double-edged sword cuts both ways. When we first started our campaign we were scoffed at. Fire services told us we did not know

what we were talking about. They told us that they are the most trusted profession and that without their backing - backing they were at

pains to tell us would not be forthcoming - we would not be able to get out message out to the public; without their backing, the public

would not listen to what we have to say. But they were wrong. It has been a hard and arduous task, but we kept chipping away and

chipping away and where are we now?

Now, the fire services acknowledge the veracity of what we claimed, and have adopted what we had been saying for over six years as

their position statement. That was four years ago. Now, the fire service has the unenviable task of alerting the public and facing the

possible tough questions. It also faces doing that in the face of criticism from the ABCB, from politicians, and from the media. Why?

Because the public perceives the fire service as the fire experts and the question is: "Surely, the fire service should havefigured out

sooner that something was wrong with ionization smoke alarms. After all, there have been concerns raised by the International

Association of Fire Chiefs, and the International Association of Fire Fighters, and the NFPA Journal, etc. Surely, someone in the

Australian Fire Service saw these. Why wasn't someone saying something?" What happens when politicians, the media, and the public

start asking these questions?

The trust people have in our fire service begins to get chipped away. Because the double-edged sword of the trust that people place in

the fire service, the fact that we think of firefighters as heroes, means that the fire service and fire fighters are expected to act like heroes.

We know our fire fighters brave the heat and flames of the fires, but we also expect the fire service to brave the heat and flames of

criticism in order to stand up for what is right. What the public will not accept, is that in the face of potential criticism for past failings that

the fire service cowers behind the shield of legal precedence. Not when lives are on the line. What do people expect of our heroes?

We expect them to stand up and fight. Right now, the fire service has the opportunity to take the lead and be the heroes; to warn the

public and to put pressure on the ABCB to adopt the proposed amendment to the smoke alarm standard. The public's perception of fire

fighters and the fire service are inextricably linked. If one stumbles, the other stumbles. If one is toppled from its pedestal, the other falls

from its pedestal also. A fallen hero is a terrible sight. A fallen reputation much harder to recover from, than to protect. This is what the

fire service risks. Is this a risk the fire service should be taking?

When we went out for coffee last week, I took note of how people looked at you in your uniform. Out of uniform, I am sure that you would

not garner so much admiration and respect from the public. Imagine though if you were wearing a Police Officer's uniform? Sadly,

because the reputation of our Police has been tarnished, instead of implicit trust and adoration, how do you think people would view you?

I was out with some friends the other night. These are hard-working, law-abiding people. Someone mentioned something about the

Police and I quickly became aware that no one said anything positive about them. These are not people who have run-ins with the

Police; they are not people with a chip on their shoulder. These are regular mums and dads. It is a sad state of affairs for the Police.

Their public image and reputation is not what it once was and they have a lot of work to do to restore public confidence, even more to

restore admiration and respect. Wouldn't you agree with me that it would be a tragic day if the fire service was ever to find itself in the

same position?

We really appreciated Commissioner Johnson's recent letter, if you are comfortable doing so, please forward this to him.

World Fire Safety Foundation

Karl Westwell

Co-Founder

28 June 2010:WFSF message to QFRS Superintendent Graham Hanlon
http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238


8/16


On 28 June 2011 at 12:27, Adrian Butler wrote:

Attention:Lee JohnsonCommissioner, Queensland Fire & Rescue Service (QFRS),President, Australasian Fire & Emergency Services Authorities CouncilCnr Park Road and Kedron Park Road,Kedron, QLD,4001c.c.- Narelle Secretan, P.A. to Commissioner Johnson,- Chief Superintendent Neil Reid, A/Assistant Commissioner, QFRS- Superintendent Graham Hanlon, QFRS- David Isaac, Standards Australia, FP002- Karl Westwell, Co-Founder, The World Fire Safety Foundation

Good Morning Commissioner

Commissioner Johnson: URGENT - Meeting Request to Resolve Smoke Alarm Issue

In letters from you and Minister Neil Roberts requests have been made that I correspond with SuperintendentGraham Hanlon regarding the ionization smoke alarm issue. Graham has advised that the QFRS legaldepartment are satisfied the QFRS have fulfilled Duty of Care responsibilities regarding adequately warningthe public about the proven and deadly limitations with ionization smoke alarms.

Despite the QFRS lawyers claim - there is a compelling argument that the QFRS has a Duty of Care to warnthe public that ionization smoke alarms are NOT fit-for-purpose as evidence by CSIRO test data andAFAC'sofficial positionof 01 June, 2006.

Please examine the evidence of QFRS misrepresentations regarding this issue: www.theWFSF.org/tourstory2b

Standards Australia did NOT mandate photoelectric smoke alarms in commercial buildings in April 2004because, "the change in the Australian standard has simply taken recognition of the fact that there is a disposalproblem", as claimed by Superintendent Graeme Thom in our ABC radio interview in April, 2005.

Standards Australia have NOT said "both types of alarms are suitable for homes"as claimed by ChiefSuperintendent Neil Reid in our recent ABC radio interview with Madonna King.

Chief Superintendent Neil Reid requested he and I meet, together with Superintendent Graham Hanlon andIan Shepard, after I published the numerous misrepresentations made by him in our recent ABC radio interviewon the Internet: www.theWFSF.org/tourstory2

Mr David Isaac from the FP002 committee of Standards Australia is behind the correction to AS3786.

David is known to the QFRS by offering his technical assistance in the past. He suggested he attend theproposed meeting along with myself and Karl Westwell, the other Co-Founder of the World Fire SafetyFoundation.

Commissioner, I urge you to deal with this issue personally beforethe proposed QFRS smoke alarm brochure,mentioned in the lead story on the 6pm Newson the 10th of May, 2011, is sent to all Queensland residents.

Please advise if you would be available for a meeting in the last two weeks of July when David Isaac will be inBrisbane (dates of David's Brisbane trip are to be confirmed).

Thank you.

Sincerely,

The World Fire Safety FoundationAdrian ButlerChairman, Co-Found er, Former FirefighterP.O. Box 170 Wondai, QLD 4606, AustraliaP: +61 409 782 166www.SmokeAlarmRecall.org

28 June 2011:WFSF message to QFRS Commissioner Lee Johnson
http://www.smokealarmrecall.org/http://www.thewfsf.org/tourstory2http://www.smokealarmrecall.org/http://www.smokealarmrecall.org/http://www.thewfsf.org/tourstory2http://www.thewfsf.org/tourstory2http://www.thewfsf.org/tourstory2http://www.thewfsf.org/tourstory2http://www.thewfsf.org/tourstory2bhttp://www.thewfsf.org/tourstory2bhttp://www.thewfsf.org/afachttp://www.thewfsf.org/afachttp://www.thewfsf.org/afachttp://www.thewfsf.org/afacmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238


9/16

Family of nine escapes Qld house fire12 July, 2010

A FAMILY of nine has escaped a fire that destroyed the top floor of a two-storey home on the Gold Coast. Firecrews took an hour to bring the fire at Benowa under control.

"Five adults and four children were home when the blaze broke out and were alerted by smoke alarms," the

Department of Community Safety said.

The top level of the Ivor Court home was destroyed and the lower level was extensively damaged by smoke andwater. The cause of the fire, which broke out about 11am (AEST) on Monday, is not yet known.

Extracted from: www.tweednews.com.au/story/2010/07/12/family-of-nine-escapes-qld-house-fire/

Family of nine escapes Qld house fire12 July, 2010 2:54PM

"Five adults and four children were home when the blaze broke out and were alerted by smokealarms," the Department of Community Safety said.

Extracted from: www.goldcoastmail.com.au/story/2010/07/12/family-of-nine-escapes-qld-house-fire/



Extracted from:http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/breaking-news/family-of-nine-escapes-gold-coast-house-fire/story-e6frea73-1225890790870


9 Ivor Court Benowa, Gold Coast, QLD Fire - 1 of 3


Extracted from:

www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/family-of-nine-escapes-gold-coast-house-fire/story-e6freuyi-1225890790870/


The family and friends were alerted to the fire when smoke alarms sounded in the two-storey Ivor Court houseat Benowa about 11am.


Extracted from: www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/nine-flee-gold-coast-luxury-home-blaze-20100712-10726.html

Sample Evidence of QFRS Media Misrepresentations and Duty of Care Concerns 1 of 8

Continued on next page . . .

This following Benowa house fire story is a classic case of media misrepresentations.

When the QFRS was advised that the story was false and the ionization alarms had failed

to sound an early warning they refused to ask the media to correct the story.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/nine-flee-gold-coast-luxury-home-blaze-20100712-10726.htmlhttp://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/nine-flee-gold-coast-luxury-home-blaze-20100712-10726.htmlhttp://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/family-of-nine-escapes-gold-coast-house-fire/story-e6freuyi-1225890790870http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/family-of-nine-escapes-gold-coast-house-fire/story-e6freuyi-1225890790870http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/breaking-news/family-of-nine-escapes-gold-coast-house-fire/story-e6frea73-1225890790870http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/breaking-news/family-of-nine-escapes-gold-coast-house-fire/story-e6frea73-1225890790870http://www.goldcoastmail.com.au/story/2010/07/12/family-of-nine-escapes-qld-house-fire/http://www.goldcoastmail.com.au/story/2010/07/12/family-of-nine-escapes-qld-house-fire/http://www.tweednews.com.au/story/2010/07/12/family-of-nine-escapes-qld-house-firehttp://www.tweednews.com.au/story/2010/07/12/family-of-nine-escapes-qld-house-fire


10/16




"Five adults and four children were home when the blaze broke out and were alerted by smoke alarms," theDepartment of Community Safety said.

Extracted from: http://www.allvoices.com/news/6284571-family-of-nine-escapes-qld-house-fire


"Five adults and four children were home when the blaze broke out and were alerted by smoke alarms," theDepartment of Community Safety said.

Extracted from web Here > > >

Family of nine escapes Qld house fire12 July, 2010 14:02 pm

Extracted from: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=7928229


Family of nine escapes Qld house fire12 July, 2010 2:02 pm

Extracted from: http://au.news.yahoo.com/queensland/a/-/local/7570440/family-of-nine-escapes-qld-house-fire/



Extracted from: http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-national/family-of-nine-escapes-qld-house-fire-20100712-10798.html



Continued on next page . . .

. . . Continued from previous page
http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-national/family-of-nine-escapes-qld-house-fire-20100712-10798.htmlhttp://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-national/family-of-nine-escapes-qld-house-fire-20100712-10798.htmlhttp://au.news.yahoo.com/queensland/a/-/local/7570440/family-of-nine-escapes-qld-house-fire/http://au.news.yahoo.com/queensland/a/-/local/7570440/family-of-nine-escapes-qld-house-fire/http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=7928229http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=7928229http://www.allvoices.com/s/event-6284571/aHR0cDovL25ld3Muc21oLmNvbS5hdS9icmVha2luZy1uZXdzLW5hdGlvbmFsL2ZhbWlseS1vZi1uaW5lLWVzY2FwZXMtcWxkLWhvdXNlLWZpcmUtMjAxMDA3MTItMTA3OTguaHRtbA==http://www.allvoices.com/s/event-6284571/aHR0cDovL25ld3Muc21oLmNvbS5hdS9icmVha2luZy1uZXdzLW5hdGlvbmFsL2ZhbWlseS1vZi1uaW5lLWVzY2FwZXMtcWxkLWhvdXNlLWZpcmUtMjAxMDA3MTItMTA3OTguaHRtbA==http://www.allvoices.com/news/6284571-family-of-nine-escapes-qld-house-firehttp://www.allvoices.com/news/6284571-family-of-nine-escapes-qld-house-firehttp://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238


11/16


Extracted from:

www.perthnow.com.au/news/breaking-news/family-of-nine-escapes-gold-coast-house-fire/story-e6frg12u-1225890790870

Family of nine escapes Qld house fire12 July 2010 12:02 pm

Extracted from: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/national/7570440/family-of-nine-escapes-qld-house-fire/




"Five adults and four children were home when the blaze broke out and werealerted by smoke alarms," the Department of Community Safety said.

F I C T I O N

F A C TThe home owner said the Kidde LIF3000 ionization alarms failed toactivate until after all 9 occupants narrowly escaped from the fire.

Fire destroyed the top floor of this luxury Gold Coast

home at 9 Ivor Court Benowa.

When Mr Tony Lazaredes, the home

owner, spoke to the World Fire Safety

Foundations Chairman, Adrian Butler,

Mr Lazaredes said the ionization smoke

alarms failed to activate until afterall 5

adults and 4 children narrowly escaped

the fire.


Note:

Copies of stories from around Australia have been included to demonstrate how easily falseinformation promoting deadly smoke alarms is disseminated by an unsuspecting media.


. . . Continued from previous page
http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/cbshttp://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/cbshttp://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/cbshttp://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/national/7570440/family-of-nine-escapes-qld-house-fire/http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/national/7570440/family-of-nine-escapes-qld-house-fire/http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/breaking-news/family-of-nine-escapes-gold-coast-house-fire/story-e6frg12u-1225890790870http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/breaking-news/family-of-nine-escapes-gold-coast-house-fire/story-e6frg12u-1225890790870


12/16

THE Queensland Fire and Rescue Service

(QFRS) is urging all Queenslanders to use

heaters safely this winter.

QFRS Brisbane region assistant commissioner,

Ian Mitchell, said south-west Brisbane

residents needed to be aware that heaters can

be an ignition source if not properly used or

maintained.

Ensure you regularly check the state of the

heater for any electrical faults such as fraying

cords, exposed cords, loosened bars. If you

are unsure or require assistance, always seek

the advice of an electrician or fire safetyprofessional, he said.

Make sure you take note of how long you

have had a heater for, older heaters tend to be more likely to suffer electrical faults through wear and tear and

if purchasing a newer model, look for heaters with safety switches that disengage the heater should it fall over.

Assistant commissioner Mitchell also warned of the fire risks with wood and gas heaters.

Wood heaters can take the form of ambient open fires or slow combustion devices. In the case of open

ambient devices, it's important to ensure there is a guard or screen to prevent embers from landing on

combustible items such as rugs, furniture or curtains, he said.

With regard to slow combustion devices don't leave clothes drying around them and ensure they are placed

well away from combustible items such as rugs, furniture and curtains.

If you're using a gas heater it's important to have this tested by a licensed plumber or gas fitter to ensure

there are no leaks or faults with the gas line.

Mr Mitchell said it was also important to educate children about heater safety.

Extracted from: www.thesatellite.com.au/story/2010/06/28/Heater-safety-urged-this-winter/

Fires that start from heaters frequently smoulder before breaking into flame.

AFACs official position on smoke alarms states:

Ionization smoke alarms may not operate in time to alert occupants early enough to escape from smouldering fires.Given the QFRSs commitment to adopt AFACs official position on smoke alarms (see Commissioners letter on third to last past

page of this document), does the QFRS have a Duty of Care to use the media to advise the public of the issue?

Extract from US Class Action And Jury Demand:

Kidde fails to inform consumers that ionization-only detectors can lag behind photoelectric and combination detectors by an hour

or more in detecting the presence of a deadly smouldering fire. This information is highly material to a consumers decision

as to which product to purchase and failure to provide such information in clear, unequivocal and conspicuous language

while continuing to sell ionization-only detectorsis unfair and deceptive.

Class Action Complaint and Jury Demand, page 16,clause 51, para 1

Could the QFRSs failure to warn the Queensland public about the known and deadly limitations of ionization smoke alarms be

deemed unfair? Is the QFRSs adequately warning consumers about ionization smoke alarms? Please see extract on page 1 of

this document from the Class Action Complaint & Jury Demand which clearly lays out the problem with ionization smoke alarmsand associated legal/Duty of Care obligations to warn consumers accordingly.

Tim Sticher from Ommaney fire station.


Heater safety urged this winter28 June, 2010

http://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/classactionhttp://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/classactionhttp://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/classactionhttp://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/classactionhttp://www.thesatellite.com.au/story/2010/06/28/Heater-safety-urged-this-winter/http://www.thesatellite.com.au/story/2010/06/28/Heater-safety-urged-this-winter/


13/16

BRISBANEA decade after a devastating fire ripped through a Childers

backpacker hostel, authorities are striving to ensure such a tragedy can never

be repeated.

The Palace Backpackers Hostel in the township, some 320 kilometres north of

Brisbane, was deliberately set alight by Robert Paul Long on June 23, 2000.

The blaze rapidly engulfed bedrooms and while 70 backpackers staying in the

hostel managed to make it to safety, many were trapped by the flames.

Fifteen people died, mainly young tourists on their first visit to Australia.

Long is serving a life sentence for murder and arson.

His committal hearing and trial in the Queensland Supreme Court heard that the

hostel's fire alarm was not working and managers had put bars on windows or

painted them shut for security reasons.

Maintenance records were not kept and hostel sta!had no training in fire

safety, the court heard.

Since the tragedy, new fire safety laws have been introduced and a review is

currently under way into budget accommodation across the state.

In 2000, the government's Childers Taskforce Report declared that there were inadequate fire safety standards in many hostels.It recommended a minimal standard of fire protection measures be imposed on hostel owners, including having hard-wired

smoke alarms, fire hose reels and fire evacuation plans.

The Building and Other Legislation Amendment Act was introduced in 2002.

The laws required new and existing hostels to install smoke alarms and emergency lighting, improved emergency exits, and a fire

safety management plan.

Enforcement of the laws has been ongoing.

In the past three-and-a-half years, the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service inspected 770 newly identified and unregistered

student and backpacker accommodation buildings.

Of those, 356 were ordered to reduce occupancy numbers and 139 were told to upgrade existing fire safety systems to comply

with the safety standard.

The inspections resulted in 34 prosecutions.

Meanwhile, Emergency Service Minister Neil Roberts launched a review in February into the state's budget accommodation.

He said when announcing the review that current laws and the inspection regime need to send a clear message to unscrupulous

operators that dodgy practices won't be tolerated.

The review will examine the current processes for identifying unregistered budget accommodation, the need to introduce new

identification strategies, and the adequacy of the current enforcement and penalty regime.

Representatives from the departments of Infrastructure and Planning and Communities, and the Local Government Association

have been invited to participate along with representatives from local councils.

A memorial service was held in Childers on Wednesday afternoon.

Extracted from: www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/37889/

. . . authorities are striving to ensure such a tragedy can never be repeated.

Apartment owners and the Queensland public at large are NOT aware of AFACs and the the QFRSs official position on smoke

alarms because it continues to be kept out of the media. Given the claim that authorities are striving to ensure such a tragedy

can never be repeated, should part of that striving be to warn the Queensland public that their ionization smoke alarms, according to

AFACs official position, ...may not operate in time to alert occupants early enough to escape from smouldering fires?

Questions for QFRS Lawyers:

Given the fact that AS3786 has been acknowledged by Standards Australia as flawed, when the next multiple-fatality apartment fire

happens when ionization smoke alarms have failed to alert occupants early enough, will the QFRS be able to produce evidence

from the mediaof their alleged attempt to advise the Qld public of AFACs official positionon smoke alarms of June, 2006?

Please examine the Colerain F.D. Letters: www.TheWorldFireSafetyFoundation.org/cfdand what can provide the empirical scientific

evidence to solve this issue - the Smoke Alarm Disclosure Letters at: www.TheWorldFireSafetyFoundation.org/sadl

Thank you.

Since the Childers tragedy, new fire safety laws

have been introduced and a review is currently

under way into budget accommodation across

the state. (Jenny Evans/ Getty Images)

27 June, 2010



Childers Sparks Change
http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/sadlhttp://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/cfdhttp://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/sadlhttp://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/sahttp://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/37889/http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/sadlhttp://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/sadlhttp://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/cfdhttp://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/cfdhttp://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/sahttp://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/sahttp://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/sadlhttp://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/sadlhttp://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/cfdhttp://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/cfdhttp://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/sahttp://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/sahttp://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/37889/http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/37889/


14/16

FOREST LAKE: The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service is

calling for senior citizens to review home fire safety in winter.

Retired Firefighters Association of Queensland president Ron

Smith said he delivered the volunteer-based Seniors Fire

Education Program in areas, such as Forest Lake and Goodna.

We work in collaboration with the Queensland Fire and Rescue

Service and go to groups, including respite centres, church

groups, as well as Probus clubs and masonic centres with

the intent of creating a safe fire environment for people who

are 50-plus, he said.

We talk about the importance of smoke alarms and making

sure that they are working and batteries are replaced every 12

months.

Mr Smith, who worked as a firefighter based at the Ipswich

Fire Station in the 1970s, said a new smoke alarm called Vibra

Alarm was available for people with hearing problems.

The State Government offers a $400 rebate for the purchase and installation of the alarm, Mr Smith

said. Brisbane Region Assistant Commissioner Ian Mitchell said heavy home security and no pre-plannedfire evacuation plan meant seniors were more vulnerable to fire risks.

It is important for people to keep keys in an easily accessible place close to doors and windows so in the

event of a fire they can quickly get out, he said.

For more information on the Seniors Fire Education Program visit www.fire.qld.gov.au. To find out more

about the Vibra Alarm phone 1300369003.

Extracted from: http://south-west-news.whereilive.com.au/news/story/beware-during-winter-firies-warn/

. . . We talk about the importance of smoke alarms and making sure

that they are working and batteries are replaced every 12 months.

The Queensland public at large are NOT aware of AFACs and the the QFRSs official position on smoke

alarms because it continues to be kept out of the media.

AFACs official position states, That all residential accommodation be fitted with photoelectric smoke

alarms ionization smoke alarms may not operate in time to alert occupants early enough to escape from

smouldering fires.

Ron Smith


Beware during winter, firies warn23 June, 2010

http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://south-west-news.whereilive.com.au/news/story/beware-during-winter-firies-warn/http://www.fire.qld.gov.au/http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/afachttp://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/afachttp://south-west-news.whereilive.com.au/news/story/beware-during-winter-firies-warn/http://south-west-news.whereilive.com.au/news/story/beware-during-winter-firies-warn/http://www.fire.qld.gov.au/http://www.fire.qld.gov.au/


15/16

Extracted from:

http://wynnum-herald.whereilive.com.au/news/story/be-fire-safe-this-winter/

http://australia.world-countries.net/archives/91807

Mr Kirby Ogborne, QFRS: The local fire service is committed to helping the public be fire safe this winter . . . keepingsmoke alarms in working order can give the vital seconds you need to survive a fire.

This article is misleading because:

a) it (mis)leads the public to believe that their existing ionization smoke alarms provide adequate protection, i.e. smoke alarms in

working order can give the vital seconds you need to survive a fire when AFAC warns, Ionization smoke alarms may not operate

in time to alert occupants early enough to escape from smouldering fires, and;

b) it fails to mention anything about, or in any way reflect AFACs and the QFRSs official position on smoke alarms.

Note:

a)QFRS Commissioner Lee Johnsons letter to the Foundation of 17 June, 2010 states: The QFRS adopts the Australasian Fire &

Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) Position on Smoke Alarms in Residential Accommodation . . . (see 2ndand 3rdto

last pages of this document), and;

b) AFAC/QFRSs official position:That all residential accommodation be fitted with photoelectric smoke alarms . . .

Ionization smoke alarms may not operate in time to alert occupants early enough to escape from smouldering fires.


21 June, 2010

Be fire safe this winter

http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://www.scribd.com/doc/33694238http://australia.world-countries.net/archives/91807http://australia.world-countries.net/archives/91807http://wynnum-herald.whereilive.com.au/news/story/be-fire-safe-this-winter/http://wynnum-herald.whereilive.com.au/news/story/be-fire-safe-this-winter/


16/16

Extracted from: www.gympietimes.com.au/story/2010/06/16/safe-guard-your-caravan-against-winter-fire-threat/

THE Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) is urging alltravellers to check their caravans are safe before heading off

this winter. QFRS North Coast Region Assistant Commissioner

Ray Eustace said caravans could pose hidden fire dangers.

Caravans and mobile homes have many ignition points, from

cooking elements to external gas bottles, there are many ways

caravans can pose risk to travellers, Assistant Commissioner

Eustace said.

Its important toensure your gas bottle is in good working

order, with no leaks. You can do this by making sure you have it

professionally tested. Also making sure that youve thoroughlycleaned the oven and stove before using them is a good practice

to avoid any burning of built-up food.

It is also important to ensure you have an evacuation plan, and

to ensure that no objects in the caravan obstruct that route.

Its important to ensure the path through the annexe of the

caravan and to the outside is clear in the event of an emergency

situation.

Travellers should make sure they have working smoke alarms too. In a confined space, fire can take

hold quickly and smoke alarms can alert you to the first sign of a fire and could save your life, he said.

Assistant Commissioner Eustace said by following a few easy steps you could stay safe this winter:

Install a fire blanket in your kitchen and know how to use it safely.

Never put water on a cooking fire which may contain oil

Switch off electrical appliances when not in use

Have older electrical equipment checked by a certified electrician at regular intervals

Make sure you change your smoke alarm batteries regularly

Keep a clear space of one metre around heaters

Make sure you have a fire evacuation plan

QFRS offers SafeHome, a free home fire safety audit service. The number to call is 1300 369 003.

Until July 30 residents can request a free gift of a fire blanket when they book a SafeHome inspection.

For more information go to www.fire.qld.gov.au

Check caravans for fire risk16 June, 2010

Ray Eustace warns about caravan fire

dangers.

Make sure you change your smoke alarm battery regularly.

- No mention of photoelectrics i.e. QFRS/AFAC official position on smoke alarms

- Information given by an Assistant Commissioner

- Photoelectric smoke alarms are mandatory in caravans in New Zealand (unconfirmed)

http://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/afachttp://www.gympietimes.com.au/story/2010/06/16/safe-guard-your-caravan-against-winter-fire-threat/http://www.fire.qld.gov.au/http://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/afachttp://www.theworldfiresafetyfoundation.org/afachttp://www.fire.qld.gov.au/http://www.fire.qld.gov.au/http://www.gympietimes.com.au/story/2010/06/16/safe-guard-your-caravan-against-winter-fire-threat/http://www.gympietimes.com.au/story/2010/06/16/safe-guard-your-caravan-against-winter-fire-threat/

qfrs media misrepresentations and duty of care concerns

Documents