Hamilton Fire Department

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.

Hamilton Fire Department
Protect and promote quality of life and public safety
Operational area
Country Canada
Province Ontario
City Hamilton
Agency overview
Established2001 (2001) (amalgamation)
Fire chiefDavid Cunliffe
Facilities and equipment[1]
Divisions1
Battalions3
Stations26
Engines23
Trucks10
Platforms1
Squads3
Rescues5
Tenders11
HAZMAT1
Wildland1
Website
Official website

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]

Station Address Build year(s) Apparatus
1 (Central Station)35 John St. N1913/1976/2006Engine 1, Ladder 1, Pumper 1, Platoon Chief 1, Supply 1
21400 Upper Wellington St.1991Engine 2, District Chief 3, Car 73
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. E2011Engine 5, Pump 90, Ladder 90, Training 1, Training 2, Training 3, Training 4, Training 5, Supply 2, RIT trailer, Spare Pump 41
6246 Wentworth St. N1982Pump 6, Air 6, Parade 1926 Bickle-Ahrens-Fox, Spare Pump 47, 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. W1953/2000Pump 10
1124 Ray St. S1959/2013Engine 11
12199 Hamilton Regional Rd. 81989Engine 12, Ladder 12
13 (Mechanical Division)177 Bay St. NMaintenance 1, Maintenance 2, Maintenance 3
14595 Chapel Hill Rd.Tanker 14
15415 Arvin Ave.1995Pump 15
16939 Barton St.1995Pump 16, Tanker 16, Squad 16
17363 Isaac Brock Dr.1985Engine 17, Tanker 17
182636 Hamilton Regional Rd. 562001Pump 18, Ladder 18, Tanker 18, Support 18
193302 Homestead Dr.1991Pump 19, Tower 19, Tanker 19, Rescue 19
20661 Garner Rd. E., Ancaster2009Ladder 20
21365 Wilson St. W., Ancaster1990Engine 21, Pump 21, Tanker 21, Rescue 21
2319 Memorial Square, Dundas1972Engine 23, Support 23, Parade, Spare Pump 42, Spare Pump 45
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.
30 (Stores)489 Victoria Ave. N

Response Guidelines and Special Units

Urban Responses
Call Type Alarm Level Initial Assignment
Report of Structure Fire Fire 3 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Rescue, 1 District Chief, Safety Officer (Car 73)

or

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

Multiple Alarm (Upgrade) Fire 1 Engine, 1 Ladder, 1 District Chief, Box 43 Rehab Unit
Fire Alarm Fire 2 Units (Engine, Ladder or Rescue)
Smoke

Appliance Fire

Unknown Fire

Fire Out

Chimney Fire

 Fire 1 Engine and 1 Ladder
Vehicle Fire

Rubbish Fire

Grass Fire

Smoke Detector

Residential Alarm

Burn Complaint

 Fire 1 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

Assistance 1 Engine or 1 Ladder or 1 Rescue
Vehicle Accident Rescue 1 Engine or 1 Ladder, 1 Rescue
Vehicle Accident - Entrapment

Vehicle Accident - Highway

 Rescue 2 Engines, 1 Rescue

or

1 Engine, 1 Ladder, 1 Rescue

Stuck Elevator Rescue 1 Engine, 1 Ladder, 1 Rescue
Rail Trail Rescue 1 Engine or 1 Rescue, 1 District Chief
Pool Rescue

Water Rescue

 Rescue 1 Engine, 1 Rescue, 1 District Chief

or

2 Engines, 1 District Chief

Industrial Accident Rescue 2 Engines, 1 Rescue
Rope Rescue Rescue Closest Engine or Ladder, 3 Technical Rescue Engines, 1 Rescue, Confined Space Support 23, 1 District Chief, Safety Officer (Car 73)
Confined Space Rescue Closest Engine or Ladder, 3 Technical Rescue Engines, 1 HAZMAT Unit, 1 Rescue, Confined Space Support 23, 1 District Chief, Safety Officer (Car 73)
HAZMAT Odours

Propane Leak - Major

 HAZMAT 1 Engine or 1 Ladder or 1 Rescue, 1 HAZMAT Unit
Natural Gas HAZMAT 2 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Rescue, 1 District Chief, Safety Officer (Car 73)
HAZMAT - L1 HAZMAT Closest Engine or Ladder, 1 HAZMAT Unit
HAZMAT - L2 HAZMAT Closest Engine or Ladder, HAZMAT 2, Rescue 4, HAZMAT Support 4, 1 District Chief, Safety Officer (Car 73)
HAZMAT - L3 HAZMAT 2 Closest Engines or Ladders, 2 HAZMAT Engines, HAZMAT 2, Rescue 4, HAZMAT Support 4, 1 District Chief, Safety Officer (Car 73)

Rural Responses
Call Type Alarm Level Initial Assignment
Report of Structure Fire Fire 2 Urban Engines or Ladders, 2 Pumpers, 1 Ladder or Tower, 1 Rescue, Squad or Support Unit, 4 Tankers, 1 District Chief, Safety Chief (Car 73)
Fire Alarm

Smoke

Appliance Fire

Unknown Fire

Fire Out

Chimney Fire

 Fire 1 Pumper, 1 Tanker, 1 Rescue, Squad, Support Unit or Tower
Vehicle Fire

Rubbish Fire

Grass Fire

Smoke Detector

Residential Alarm

Burn Complaint

 Fire 1 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

Assistance 1 Pumper or 1 Rescue or 1 Squad or 1 Support Unit
Vehicle Accident Rescue 1 Pumper, 1 Tanker, 1 Rescue or 1 Squad or 1 Tower
Vehicle Accident - Highway Rescue 2 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

 Rescue 1 Urban Engine, 1 Pumper, 1 Rescue, Squad or Support Unit, 1 District Chief
Industrial Accident Rescue 1 Urban Engine, 1 Urban Rescue, 1 Pumper, 1 Tanker, 1 Rescue, Squad, Support Unit or Tower
Rope Rescue Rescue 1 Pumper, 1 Tanker, 1 Rescue, 3 Technical Rescue Engines, Confined Space Support 23, 1 District Chief, Safety Chief (Car 73)
Confined Space Rescue 1 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

 HAZMAT 1 Pumper, 1 Tanker, 1 HAZMAT Unit
Natural Gas HAZMAT 1 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/HAZMAT 1 Pumper, 1 Rescue, Squad, Support Unit or Tower, 3 Tankers, 2 HAZMAT Engines, HAZMAT 2, Rescue 4, HAZMAT Support 4, 1 District Chief, Safety Chief (Car 73)

Special Units
Team Duties Units
Technical Rescue Rope Rescue

Confined Space Rescue

 Engine 3, Engine 12, Engine 17, Engine 23

Support 23

HAZMAT Hazardous Materials and CBRNE Incidents Engine 8, Engine 11

Rescue 4

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

gollark: I did make a bunch of tweaks since I don't like how it did stuff.
gollark: It MIGHT be somewhat entirely derived from JSK.
gollark: ```pythonCORO_CODE = """async def repl_coroutine(): import asyncio import aiohttp import discord from discord.ext import commands"""async def async_exec(code, loc, glob): user_code = ast.parse(code, mode='exec') wrapper = ast.parse(CORO_CODE, mode='exec') funcdef = wrapper.body[-1] funcdef.body.extend(user_code.body) last_expr = funcdef.body[-1] if isinstance(last_expr, ast.Expr): funcdef.body.pop() funcdef.body.append(ast.Return(last_expr.value)) ast.fix_missing_locations(wrapper) exec(compile(wrapper, "<repl>", "exec"), loc, glob) return await (loc.get("repl_coroutine") or glob.get("repl_coroutine"))()```
gollark: <@319753218592866315> What?
gollark: AutoBotRobot actually has to do a bunch of AST hackery to make asynchronousness work.

References
  1. "Stations". Hamilton Fire Department. 2014-10-30. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  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. Mosby, Inc. 22 (4): 721–727. doi:10.1016/s0196-0644(05)81856-6.
  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. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/plastimet-1.4195650
  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. Buist, Steve (27 February 2015). "Hamilton firefighter wins back job after fist fight, racial slur". Hamilton Spectator. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  12. O'Reilly, Nicole. "Hamilton fire department looking for a few good men - actually women". Hamilton Spectator. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  13. https://www.hamiltonnews.com/news-story/6743494-hamilton-picks-one-of-its-own-for-fire-chief/
  14. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/hamilton-firefighter-fall-albion-falls-1.5232829
  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.
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