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Key Industries : Film
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Fire Department Assistance
Key Industries | Film | Fire Department Assistance 

 
 
 


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The permission of the Fire Chief is required if a film production company wishes to film Fire personnel, vehicles, equipment, buildings, uniforms, etc. The request must be made in writing to the Calgary Fire Department. All pertinent details of the script involving the Fire Department, as well as a brief outline of the film, is required a minimum of ten (10) working days prior to their use.

The Calgary Fire Department is recognized as an industry leader and has established an impeccable reputation. any film content which tarnishes the Fire service or the reputation of The City of Calgary Fire Department will not be supported and the use of Fire personnel, vehicles, equipment and uniforms will not be allowed.

If a production company requires the Fire Department to be present on an assigned basis, the request must be made through the Film, Television & Creative Industries office at least ten (10) days in advance.

Use of Fire Hydrants

If the use of a fire hydrant is required, contact the Film, Television & Creative Industries office at least two (2) working days in advance. The fire hydrant will be inspected by Water Services and the film production company's staff will be trained on its use. After completion of filming, Water Services will reinspect the hydrant. If the hydrant is damaged, Water Services will repair the hydrant and bill the film company for the costs incurred.

If a Fire emergency occurs, the Fire Department's use of the fire hydrant shall supersede any other use of the hydrant. The Fire Department must be provided with unobstructed access to the fire hydrant for the duration of the emergency.

Permits for Explosives and Pyrotechnics

Credentials
Three (3) weeks prior to filming, the Fire Marshal's Office requires a faxed credential outline of the "Blaster" in charge of the explosives and details of their experience, and the credentials and experiences of the Pyrotechnician in charge of all pyro-effects. All credentials will be reviewed by a Safety Codes Officer (Fire Discipline), and if required, the Senior Inspector of the Explosives Branch of Canada in Ottawa will be contacted for verification of qualifications. The Fire Marshal's Office has the right of refusal of any Blaster or Pyrotechnician not holding valid certifications.

Requests for permits for:
  • the transport of any explosives and/or fireworks;
  • the use of any explosives;
  • the use of any fireworks;
  • the use of any pyrotechnics; or
  • the burning of any buildings or vehicles, etc.
must be made in writing to the Logistics Coordinator ten (10) working days in advance. Permits may be obtained from the City of Calgary Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau or through the Film Permit Coordinator.

The following information must be provided ten (10) working days prior to any explosive, pyrotechnic effect or burning permit being issued:
  • a complete "story board" on what effect is to be done
  • a complete description of the device, materials, etc. being used to create the special effect
  • "exact" amount of explosives to be used and the types of explosives to be used. Types will include who the manufacturer is and the color coding (i.e. "det. cords")
  • the type of delays to be used
  • how the effect is to be fired, electrically or remotely, or manually
  • the Blaster in charge must be the same person previously approved
  • the Pyrotechnician in charge must be the same person previously approved
  • the exact location including distances from any and all buildings
  • proof of insurance in the amount of $5,000,000 (five million dolars)
  • the safety precautions and apparatus used to protect the public, cast and crew
Information provided for the permit may be faxed to the Calgary Police Service Tactical Unit and any effect that is unknown to both the Fire Prevention Bureau and Police Tactical Unit may be required to have a pre-test to determine its explosives limits. The use of any black powders, "Det. Cords", pyro-pak pyrotechnics or any other high explosives will require the attendance of an assigned Safety Codes Officer (Fire Discipline) and may require a member of the Calgary Police Service Tactical Unit to examine and/or offer advice regarding the explosive.

Once an inspection of the site and the special effect to be used has been completed, the assigned Safety Codes Officer (Fire Discipline) shall sign the appropriate permit for that effect. The effect shall not be used until the permit is signed and the effect approved.

Any special effect not using high explosives, i.e. propane cannon, gasoline, etc. will require the attendance of an assigned Safety Codes Officer (Fire Discipline).

The Safety Codes Officer (Fire Discipline) may stop the effect at any time if the public, cast, crew, etc. is in danger from the effect.

Storage and Transportation of Explosives

A magazine, the manner in which the explosives shall be stored therein and the conditions under which explosives may be stored shall be governed by and subject to the provisions of the Explosives Act (Canada) and the regulations made thereunder. The transportation of explosives shall be governed by and subject to the provisions of the Explosives Act (Canada) and the regulations thereunder.

Fire Prevention Bureau
  • Telephone: (403) 287-4250 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday to Friday and from 8:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
  • Fax: (403) 243-9947