Fire Division

Live Christmas Tree Safety

• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched
• Cut 2" from base of tree
• Make sure tree is at least 1 meter away from any heat sources
• Ensure tree is not blocking an exit
• Add water daily - a tree can drink up to 4 liters of water a day

Christmas Tree Fire:  https://youtu.be/xr6b9b8FYKk

Lighting the Tree

• Look for the ULC or CSA label on Christmas lights.  These lights have been safety-tested
• Use indoor lights indoors only; use outdoor lights outdoors only.
• Replace any damaged strings of lights
• Follow manufacturer's recommendations for the number of light strands to connect
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords are not damaged
• Turn Christmas lights off before leaving home or going to bed

Yule Light up my life: https://youtu.be/3rkS3FesySU

Candle Safety

Remember: A candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn.  Think of using flameless candles in your home.  If you choose a candle with an open flame, please consider the following:

• Use candle holders that are sturdy, and won't tip over easily
• Put candle holder on a sturdy, unclutterd surface
• Light candles carefully.  Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame
• Extinguish the candle before it burns down to the holder
• Don't use candles if oxygen is used in your home.  Supplemental oxygen may cause a fire explosion
• Never leave children or pets alone in a room with a burning candle
• Keep matches and lighters up high and out of reach of small hands
• Keep anything that can burn at least one foot (30 cm) away from a burning candle

Deck the Halls with Fire Safety: https://youtu.be/-ugeFgJlpi4

Kitchen Fire Safety

As the holiday season draws closer, many of us will be attending holiday parties.  After a night out, we arrive home and feel like having a bite to eat before heading to bed.  Please don't cook after you've been drinking; make something to eat that doesn't involve cooking, or order out.

Cooking while intoxicated (drugs or alcohol) is dangerous!  Falling asleep while cooking will result in food burning, smoke filling your home, and if not caught in time, the fire spreading to the rest of your home.

General kitchen safety involves staying in the kitchen when cooking on high heat; staying in your home when simmering, baking or roasting, and use a timer to remind you that you're cooking. 

Dan Doofus - Kitchen Safety: https://youtu.be/BMXOZw3QpQl

Services Provided

• Public Education
• Fire Inspections
• Emergency Medical Response (trained to offer Basic Life Support)
• Fire Response
• Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Response (trained to Operations Level)
• Rescue
• Water and Ice Rescue
• Confined Space Rescue
• Mechanical Entrapment Rescue
• * Cannot do High-Angle Rescues

• Department consists of:
  • One Fire Chief
  • Three Deputy Chiefs
  • 32 Full-time positions, including Four Lieutenants
  • Paid-on-Call positions
• Full-time firefighters work in a four person platoon system, consisting of eight staff each
• Paid-on-Call firefighters respond to fire and rescue calls when additional help is needed
• Shift schedules consist of two days on shift, two nights on shift, and four days off
• The day shifts are 10 hours long, while the night shifts are 14 hours long