STOP SELLING OF GROW-OP EQUIPMENT - FIRE CHIEFS

Canada's fire chiefs are calling for the government to restrict the
sale of hydroponics equipment in an attempt to quash the proliferation
of clandestine marijuana grow operations.

Such illegal operations have plagued Niagara Falls for
years.

"These operations create a significant hazard for the community and
for the health and safety of firefighters not only in Niagara, but
across the country," Ontario Fire Marshal Pat Burke said Wednesday.
More than 400 fire service officials from across Canada were in
Niagara Falls this week for a national conference of the Canadian
Association of Fire Chiefs.

The focus of the conference was to consider several resolutions which
would improve the safety of firefighters and the residents they serve.

One of the resolutions passed Wednesday was the call for regulations
of hydroponics equipment sales.

Such equipment is commonly used in residential marijuana growing
operations and present a significant danger of fire and electrocution
when installed incorrectly.

The CAFC wants the government to restrict the sale of equipment
through licensed retailers and purchasers withvalid electrical permits.

Members also support a resolution that would require all new
residential buildings to be equipped with automatic sprinkler systems.

"I don't believe there's a fire chief anywhere in Canada that wouldn't
support mandatory sprinklers. Each one of them has horror stories they
can tell you where a disaster would have been averted if sprinkler
systems had been introduced," said Burke, CAFC president and former
fire chief for Niagara Falls.

A multi-million dollar fire in Edmonton last July renewed the
association's concern that urgent action is needed by the federal government.

"While new building technologies such as the replacement of steel
support beams with wood laminates and the use of vinyl siding may
reduce building costs, the increased risk to lives and property in the
event of a fire is incalculable," said CAFC director Don Warden. The
association also plans to form a standing committee to give Canadian
fire services a stronger voice in the development of proposed
amendments to the National Building Code.

"We need to be more involved because there are significant issues
cropping up that concern firefighter and resident safety," he said.
Fire Rescue Canada 2007, the 99th annual symposium of fire service
professionals, was hosted by the Niagara Falls Fire Department.

"We are excited to be hosting a national forum that will expand and
sharpen the skills of fire service leaders in Canada," said Niagara
Falls fire Chief Lee Smith.