Fire Ops 101 is the bridge between the fire service and the public. 

The Toronto Professional Fire Fighters' Association Local 3888 held a Fire Ops 101 event with one main goal in mind: To teach their mayor, city council members and city employees about fire fighting and rescue work. They also hoped to broaden their media coverage.  Thirty-two participants experienced seven scenarios, including a flashover, EMS drill and a live burn. Three media crews covered the event and it was featured live on the evening news.

Local 3888 held its Fire Ops 101 a few days before Toronto 's Municipal Legislative Conference, so conference attendees were able to discuss fire service issues with a new perspective. At the conference, fire department issues were on the table. Local 3888 asked for portable radios for all fire fighters -- not  just two on the truck — and because of the knowledge their elected officials gained from Fire Ops 101, they were able get radios for each fire fighter.  The local also proposed improvements in vehicle standards and successfully developed a five-year plan for upgrades and to purchase new engines.  At the conference, the city questioned the necessity of a three-tiered response to all emergency incidents. The local fought to keep this response in place and was able to protect coverage for all three entities: fire, EMS and police. Their decision makers had a new understanding about fire fighters and the fire service in their city after experiencing it for themselves.  The pre-conference Fire Ops 101 event that Toronto implemented was key in getting a voice at the table.