Muskoka Lakes Fire Department
Muskoka Lakes’ fire services have been in the news recently. The following information is shared to provide factual context.
Key Facts: Muskoka Lakes Fire Department
Muskoka Lakes is working with our firefighters to ensure that our communities are well protected and that participation in our fire service is both safe and rewarding.
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Public Safety - The department has 7 districts and 10 stations with a roster of 126 active firefighters. Firefighters identify themselves as being active and able and, with their District Fire Chiefs, are responsible for ensuring that we have up-to-date information. We share changes with the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office as they occur.
- The Fire Marshal’s office has confirmed that our roster is current and sufficient for our needs. At the Walkers Point/Torrance Station, we have 15 active firefighters on the roster, not five, as incorrectly stated in some media reports.
- Contingency plans and service agreements with the fire services in neighboring municipalities were developed in June as a precaution and are in place if needed.
- We have maintained appropriate response times and the number of responders at calls, thanks to the dedication and service of our many volunteer firefighters.
- To further strengthen our fire service, Council has proposed developing a Fire Master Plan in 2011 that would review infrastructure, vehicles, staffing and programming to determine the Department’s needs for the years to come.
Firefighter Safety - Ontario’s Office of the Fire Marshal has confirmed that Muskoka Lakes’ fire gear is safe and meets all equipment requirements.
Investments in Equipment and Facilities - During the past five years, Muskoka Lakes has increased its Fire Department operating budget by 50 per cent to improve the safety of our community and our firefighters, including:
- The construction of two new fire stations;
- Renovations to a third fire station to double its capacity;
- The purchase of seven new fire trucks, with an eighth being built; and,
- A new fireboat.
- More recently, Council approved $41,000 in upgrades for the purchase of 28 additional sets of reliable, safe, ‘bunker gear,’ for a total of 55 new suits in 2010.
Compensation - Volunteer firefighters are compensated for their services. Following concerns that were raised in May of this year, this compensation has increased:
- Effective September 1, 2010, the Township is recognizing its’ volunteer fire fighters as employees under the Employment Standards Act. As such, they are now eligible for 4% more pay in lieu of vacation time.
- When attending training courses or using personal vehicles for approved Fire Department business, firefighters can now claim mileage expenses.
- Benefit programs are being tabled for the incoming Council’s consideration.
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The Township of Muskoka Lakes volunteer part-time fire department is on call 24 hours a day to respond to emergency situations. The Muskoka Lakes Fire Department consists of one fire chief, one Deputy Fire Chief, seven station chiefs and 165 - 185 part-time fire fighters (depending on the season.) There are 10 fully equipped fire stations located throughout the Township of Muskoka Lakes. The fire department uses a radio pager system including a dispatching system, 2 repeater towers, 200 pagers, 25 mobile radios, 26 hand-held portables and 10 cellular phones.
The Muskoka Lakes fire fighters are well trained in medical first response, auto extrication and water, ice and winter rescue.
Muskoka Lakes Fire Department Safety Message
Safe Student Accommodations 101
As students prepare to move into shared or rented accommodations to attend college or university, parents, guardians and students themselves should take an active role in finding a safe place to live. It is essential for caregivers and students to talk about fire and life safety. Whether returning to school or leaving home for the first time, a discussion about good fire safety practices can help to ensure this exciting time in a student’s life is not marred by a fire tragedy. Click on the title above for more information.
Advice for Dealing with Nuisance Smoke Alarms
Click on this graphic to find the 6 animated Hazards in our Hazard House
The Township of Muskoka Lakes Paid Part-Time Volunteer Fire Department is Recruiting for Fire Fighters.
If you are interested you can obtain an application at the Township of Muskoka Lakes Municipal Office at 1 Bailey Street, in Port Carling. The office is open from 8:15 am – 4:00 pm
If you are interested in joining the Fire Department, please contact the Municipal Office at 765-3156.
Fire Departments |
Foot's Bay | 1006 Buckeye Road |
Glen Orchard | 3951 Muskoka Road 169 - Unit 2 |
Bala | 1015 Grey Street |
Torrance | 1030 Torrance Road |
Walker's Point | 1074 Walker's Point Road |
Minett | 1131 Judhaven Road |
Port Carling | 1 Lee Valley Dr. |
Windermere | 2201 Windermere Road |
Raymond | 1002 Spring Street |
Milford Bay | 1229 Milford Bay Road |
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