Hamilton Fire Department

Last updated
Hamilton Fire Department
Hamilton Fire Department logo.jpg
Operational area
CountryFlag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada
Province Flag of Ontario.svg Ontario
City Flag of Hamilton.svg Hamilton
Agency overview
Established2001 (2001) (amalgamation)
Fire chief David Cunliffe
MottoProtect and promote quality of life and public safety
Facilities and equipment [1]
Divisions1
Battalions3
Stations 26
Engines 23
Trucks 10
Platforms 1
Squads 3
Rescues 5
Tenders 11
HAZMAT 1
Wildland 1
Website
Official website

The Hamilton Fire Department provides fire protection, technical rescue services, hazardous materials response, and first responder emergency medical assistance to the city of Hamilton, Ontario.

Contents

History

The fire department in Hamilton dates back to 1879, when Alexander Aitchison was appointed Fire Chief of the city. [2] Aitchison was responsible for radically reforming the department, and during his tenure, the department was changed into an entirely paid one, as well as introducing the first swinging harness and sliding pole in Canada. [2]

Starting in 1990, Hamilton area firefighters have been instructed on how to operate heart defibrillators, as it often takes less time for firefighters to reach victims compared to ambulance paramedics. A study found that the policy change decreased the amount of time between a 911 call and when the patient received defibrillation by almost 30 percent. [3]

In 1997, the department faced one of its worst crises: the Plastimet fire. The fire was located at a plastics-recycling facility, and began a warehouse containing bales of polyvinyl chloride plastics. Firefighters battled the conflagration for four days, and the plume of toxins and smoke released by the burning plastics may have caused the deaths of several Hamilton firefighters in the years after the fire. [4] [5] The Plastimet fire remains the largest plastics fire in Canadian history, and one of Canada's worst environmental disasters. [6]

In 2001, Hamilton amalgamated with the other municipalities of Hamilton-Wentworth Region to create an expanded City of Hamilton. As a result, the Hamilton Fire Department, which served the original city, was merged with the fire departments of Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Glanbrook and Stoney Creek. [7] The department went from 12 stations to 26, and became a composite department with both full-time and paid-on-call firefighters. [8]

In 2010, the department changed to a 24-shift schedule. Previously, firefighters had worked 10-hour day shifts and 14-hour night shifts. [9]

In 2011, the department hired Rob Simonds as its new chief, replacing the retiring Jim Kay. [10]

In 2012, a firefighter was terminated after using racial slurs during an argument with a coworker. In 2015, an arbitrator determined that the firefighter had been terminated without just cause. [11] The firefighter was reinstated, and received a 10-day suspension in accordance with the arbitrator's findings. [12] The other firefighter involved in the altercation received a 5-day suspension for his role in the incident. [11] The incident led to calls for greater diversity in the department. [12]

In 2016, David Cunliffe was appointed Fire Chief, succeeding Robert Simonds. [13]

In 2019, a Hamilton firefighter suffered serious injuries after falling off the edge of the Niagara Escarpment while trying to rescue a group of lost hikers. [14]

Fire stations and apparatus

[15] [16]

StationAddressBuild year(s)Apparatus
1 (Central Station)35 John St. N1913/1976/2006Engine 1, Ladder 1, Pumper 1, Platoon Chief 1, Supply 1, Air 1
21400 Upper Wellington St.1991Engine 2, District Chief 3
3965 Garth St.1978/2000Engine 3
4729 Upper Sherman Ave.1994Ladder 4, Engine 4, Support 4, HazMat 2
5 & 22 (Training)1227 Stone Church Rd. E2011Ladder 5, Car 73, Command Unit, Car 1, Car 2, Car 3, Car 10, Pump 47, Pump 90, Ladder 90, Training 1, Training 2, Training 3, Training 4, Training 5, Supply 2, RIT trailer, Support 41
6246 Wentworth St. N1982Pump 6, Car 74, Air 6, Parade 1926 Bickle-Ahrens-Fox, Box 43, Box 43A
7225 Quigley Rd.1985Engine 7
8400 Melvin Ave.1957/2000Engine 8, District Chief 2
9125 Kenilworth Ave. N2002Pump 9, Ladder 9
101455 Main St. W1953/2000Ladder 10
1124 Ray St. S1959/2013Engine 11
12199 Hamilton Regional Rd. 81989Engine 12, Ladder 12, Support 12 (Cross-staffed by L12)
13 (Mechanical Division)177 Bay St. NMaintenance 1, Maintenance 2, Mobile Fire Pump Testing and Training Unit
14595 Chapel Hill Rd.Tanker 14, Fire Safety House
15415 Arvin Ave.1995Pump 15
16939 Barton St.1995Pump 16, Tanker 16, Squad 16
17363 Isaac Brock Dr.1985Engine 17, Tanker 17, Pump 17
182636 Hamilton Regional Rd. 562001Pump 18, Ladder 18, Tanker 18, Rescue 18
193302 Homestead Dr.1991Pump 19, Tanker 19, Rescue 19
20661 Garner Rd. E., Ancaster2009Ladder 20
21365 Wilson St. W., Ancaster1990Engine 21, Pump 21, Tanker 21, Support 21, Trail 1
2319 Memorial Square, Dundas1972Engine 23, Support 23, Parade
24256 Parkside Dr., Waterdown1992Engine 24, Ladder 24, Tanker 24, Support 24
25361 Old Brock Rd., Greensville1967/2000Pump 25, Tanker 25, Rescue 25, Brush 25
26119 Lynden Rd., Lynden1976/1995Pump 26, Tanker 26, Support 26
27795 Old Highway 8, Rockton1967/1993Pump 27, Tanker 27, Squad 27
281801 Brock Rd., Freelton1962/1994Pump 28, Tanker 28, Rescue 28
29 (Fire Prevention)55 King William St.Fire Prevention 1, Fire Prevention 2
30 (Stores)489 Victoria Ave. N
  Volunteer Station
  Full time & Volunteer Station

Response Guidelines and Special Units

Urban Responses

Call TypeAlarm LevelInitial Assignment
Report of Structure FireFire3 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Rescue, 1 District Chief, 2 Safety Officers (Car 73, Car 74)

or

2 Engines, 2 Ladders, 1 Rescue, 1 District Chief, 2 Safety Officers (Car 73, Car 74)

Multiple Alarm (Upgrade)Fire1 Engine, 1 Ladder, 1 District Chief, Box 43 Rehab Unit
Fire AlarmFire2 Units (Engine, Ladder or Rescue)
Smoke

Appliance Fire

Unknown Fire

Fire Out

Chimney Fire

Fire1 Engine and 1 Ladder
Vehicle Fire

Rubbish Fire

Grass Fire

Smoke Detector

Residential Alarm

Burn Complaint

Fire1 Engine or 1 Ladder
Medical

EMS/Police Assist

Carbon Monoxide

Odours - Fire Related

Gas Spill - Minor

Propane Leak - Minor

Hydro Problem

Electrical Problem

Furnace Problem

Flooding

Assistance1 Engine or 1 Ladder or 1 Rescue
Vehicle AccidentRescue1 Engine or 1 Ladder, 1 Rescue
Vehicle Accident - Entrapment

Vehicle Accident - Highway

Rescue2 Engines, 1 Rescue

or

1 Engine, 1 Ladder, 1 Rescue

Stuck ElevatorRescue1 Engine, 1 Ladder, 1 Rescue
Rail TrailRescue1 Engine or 1 Rescue, 1 District Chief
Pool Rescue

Water Rescue

Rescue1 Engine, 1 Rescue, 1 District Chief

or

2 Engines, 1 District Chief

Industrial AccidentRescue2 Engines, 1 Rescue
Rope RescueRescueClosest Engine or Ladder, 3 Technical Rescue Engines, 1 Rescue, Confined Space Support 23, 1 District Chief, 2 Safety Officers (Car 73, Car 74)
Confined SpaceRescueClosest Engine or Ladder, 3 Technical Rescue Engines, 1 HAZMAT Unit, 1 Rescue, Confined Space Support 23, 1 District Chief, 2 Safety Officers (Car 73, Car 74)
HAZMAT Odours

Propane Leak - Major

HAZMAT1 Engine or 1 Ladder or 1 Rescue, 1 HAZMAT Unit
Natural GasHAZMAT2 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Rescue, 1 District Chief, 2 Safety Officers (Car 73, Car 74)
HAZMAT - L1HAZMATClosest Engine or Ladder, 1 HAZMAT Unit
HAZMAT - L2HAZMATClosest Engine or Ladder, HAZMAT 2, Rescue 4, HAZMAT Support 4, 1 District Chief, 2 Safety Officers (Car 73, Car 74)
HAZMAT - L3HAZMAT2 Closest Engines or Ladders, 2 HAZMAT Engines, HAZMAT 2, Rescue 4, HAZMAT Support 4, 1 District Chief, 2 Safety Officers (Car 73, Car 74)

Rural Responses

Call TypeAlarm LevelInitial Assignment
Report of Structure FireFire2 Urban Engines or Ladders, 2 Pumpers, 1 Ladder or Tower, 1 Rescue, Squad or Support Unit, 4 Tankers, 1 District Chief, 2 Safety Officers (Car 73, Car 74)
Fire Alarm

Smoke

Appliance Fire

Unknown Fire

Fire Out

Chimney Fire

Fire1 Pumper, 1 Tanker, 1 Rescue, Squad, Support Unit or Ladder
Vehicle Fire

Rubbish Fire

Grass Fire

Smoke Detector

Residential Alarm

Burn Complaint

Fire1 Pumper and 1 Tanker
Medical

EMS/Police Assist

Carbon Monoxide

Odours - Fire Related

Gas Spill - Minor

Propane Leak - Minor

Hydro Problem

Electrical Problem

Furnace Problem

Flooding

Assistance1 Pumper or 1 Rescue or 1 Squad or 1 Support Unit
Vehicle AccidentRescue1 Pumper, 1 Tanker, 1 Rescue or 1 Squad or 1 Ladder
Vehicle Accident - HighwayRescue2 Urban Engines, 1 Rescue, 1 Tanker (Ancaster - 403)

or

1 Urban Engine, 1 Ladder, 1 Rescue, 1 Squad, 1 Tanker (Stoney Creek - QEW)

Pool Rescue

Water Rescue

Rescue1 Urban Engine, 1 Pumper, 1 Rescue, Squad or Support Unit, 1 District Chief, Marine Rescue Support 12
Industrial AccidentRescue1 Urban Engine, 1 Urban Rescue, 1 Pumper, 1 Tanker, 1 Rescue, Squad, Support Unit or Tower
Rope RescueRescue1 Pumper, 1 Tanker, 1 Rescue, 3 Technical Rescue Engines, Confined Space Support 23, 1 District Chief, Safety Chief (Car 73)
Confined SpaceRescue1 Pumper, 1 Tanker, 1 Rescue, 3 Technical Rescue Engines, 1 HAZMAT Unit, Confined Space Support 23, 1 District Chief, Safety Chief (Car 73)
HAZMAT Odours

Propane Leak - Major

HAZMAT1 Pumper, 1 Tanker, 1 HAZMAT Unit
Natural GasHAZMAT1 Urban Engine, 1 Urban Rescue, 2 Pumpers, 1 Ladder, 1 Rescue, Squad, Support Unit or Tower, 4 Tankers, 1 District Chief, Safety Chief (Car 73)
Aircraft Emergency (John C Munro Airport)Rescue/HAZMAT1 Pumper, 1 Rescue, Squad, Support Unit or Tower, 3 Tankers, 2 HAZMAT Engines, HAZMAT 2, Rescue 4, HAZMAT Support 4, 1 District Chief, 2 Safety Officers (Car 73, Car 74)

Special Units

TeamDutiesUnits
Technical RescueRope Rescue

Confined Space Rescue

Engine 3, Engine 12, Engine 17, Engine 23

Support 23

HAZMATHazardous Materials and CBRNE IncidentsEngine 8, Engine 11

Rescue 4

HAZMAT 2, HAZMAT Support 4 (Both Cross-Staffed by Ladder 4)

Marine RescueWater Rescue

Pool Rescue Vehicle into Water

1 Engine, 1 Pumper, 1 District Chief, Support 12 (Cross-Staffed by Ladder 12)

See also

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References

  1. "Stations". Hamilton Fire Department. 2014-10-30. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  2. 1 2 Houghton, Margaret, ed. (22 October 2003). The Hamiltonians: 100 Fascinating Lives . Toronto, Canada: Lorimer. p.  8. ISBN   9781550288049 . Retrieved 11 June 2015. Hamilton Fire Department.
  3. Shuster, Michael; Keller, Jana L (April 1993). "Effect of fire department first-responder automated defibrillation". Annals of Emergency Medicine. 22 (4). Mosby, Inc.: 721–727. doi:10.1016/s0196-0644(05)81856-6. PMID   8457103.
  4. "Ontario Plastics Fire". Living on Earth. Public Radio International. 14 August 1998. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  5. Page, Shelley (13 February 2006). "The deadly toll". The Ottawa Citizen. CanWest MediaWorks Publications Inc. Archived from the original on 27 December 2015. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  6. "Remembering the destruction of the Plastimet fire, 20 years later | CBC News".
  7. "City of Hamilton Act, 1999". 2014-07-24. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  8. "Home Page". City of Hamilton. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  9. "Hamilton firefighters going to 24-hour shift". Hamilton Spectator . 17 December 2010. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  10. "Hamilton a 'good fit,' says new fire chief". Hamilton Spectator . 11 February 2011. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  11. 1 2 Buist, Steve (27 February 2015). "Hamilton firefighter wins back job after fist fight, racial slur". Hamilton Spectator . Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  12. 1 2 O'Reilly, Nicole. "Hamilton fire department looking for a few good men - actually women". Hamilton Spectator . Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  13. "Hamilton picks one of its own for fire chief | HamiltonNews.com".
  14. "Hamilton firefighter suffers serious injuries after fall during Albion Falls rescue | CBC News".
  15. "Fire Stations - City of Hamilton". City of Hamilton. 2014-10-30. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  16. "Third Alarm, May/June 2012" (PDF). Ontario Fire Buff Associates. Retrieved 28 March 2016.