Backstretch Fire Safety Plans
Following the tragedy of the Barn 11 Fire at Woodbine Racetrack in the summer of 2003, the Commission approved changes to require all Ontario racetracks to submit fire safety plans, as part of their annual application for licensing.
This initiative brings consistency to fire safety procedures at all racetracks and enhances health and safety in the backstretch areas. Racetracks are required to develop and submit a Fire Protection Plan and Safety Procedures document which serves as the initial step in addressing the issues surrounding backstretch fire safety. A guide outlining the areas that a fire safety plan must cover was provided to racetracks.
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Fire Safety Plans – Minimum Standards |
The purpose of this initiative is to ensure that common fire safety objectives are being met across the province, while allowing tracks to develop individual plans suitable for their own organization. Each racetrack is required to comply with their plan as a condition of their ORC licence.
The industry through the efforts of the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association has also created a number of programs to promote better barn fire safety standards through print material and via educational seminars.
Industry Programs