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Hamilton Fire Department

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hamilton Fire Department
Operational area
Country Canada
Province Ontario
City Hamilton
Agency overview
Established2001 (2001) (amalgamation)
Fire chiefDavid Cunliffe
MottoProtect and promote quality of life and public safety
Facilities and equipment[1]
Divisions1
Battalions3
Stations26
Engines23
Trucks10
Platforms1
Squads3
Rescues5
Tenders11
HAZMAT1
Wildland1
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.

History

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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

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[15] [16]

Station Address Build year(s) Apparatus
1 (Central Station) 35 John St. N 1913/1976/2006 Engine 1, Ladder 1, Pumper 1, Platoon Chief 1, Supply 1, Air 1
2 1400 Upper Wellington St. 1991 Engine 2, District Chief 3
3 965 Garth St. 1978/2000 Engine 3
4 729 Upper Sherman Ave. 1994 Ladder 4, Engine 4, Support 4, HazMat 2
5 & 22 (Training) 1227 Stone Church Rd. E 2011 Ladder 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
6 246 Wentworth St. N 1982 Pump 6, Car 74, Air 6, Parade 1926 Bickle-Ahrens-Fox, Box 43, Box 43A
7 225 Quigley Rd. 1985 Engine 7
8 400 Melvin Ave. 1957/2000 Engine 8, District Chief 2
9 125 Kenilworth Ave. N 2002 Pump 9, Ladder 9
10 1455 Main St. W 1953/2000 Ladder 10
11 24 Ray St. S 1959/2013 Engine 11
12 199 Hamilton Regional Rd. 8 1989 Engine 12, Ladder 12, Support 12 (Cross-staffed by L12)
13 (Mechanical Division) 177 Bay St. N Maintenance 1, Maintenance 2, Mobile Fire Pump Testing and Training Unit
14 595 Chapel Hill Rd. Tanker 14, Fire Safety House
15 415 Arvin Ave. 1995 Pump 15
16 939 Barton St. 1995 Pump 16, Tanker 16, Squad 16
17 363 Isaac Brock Dr. 1985 Engine 17, Tanker 17, Pump 17
18 2636 Hamilton Regional Rd. 56 2001 Pump 18, Ladder 18, Tanker 18, Rescue 18
19 3302 Homestead Dr. 1991 Pump 19, Tanker 19, Rescue 19
20 661 Garner Rd. E., Ancaster 2009 Ladder 20
21 365 Wilson St. W., Ancaster 1990 Engine 21, Pump 21, Tanker 21, Support 21, Trail 1
23 19 Memorial Square, Dundas 1972 Engine 23, Support 23, Parade
24 256 Parkside Dr., Waterdown 1992 Engine 24, Ladder 24, Tanker 24, Support 24
25 361 Old Brock Rd., Greensville 1967/2000 Pump 25, Tanker 25, Rescue 25, Brush 25
26 119 Lynden Rd., Lynden 1976/1995 Pump 26, Tanker 26, Support 26
27 795 Old Highway 8, Rockton 1967/1993 Pump 27, Tanker 27, Squad 27
28 1801 Brock Rd., Freelton 1962/1994 Pump 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

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Urban Responses

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Call Type Alarm Level Initial Assignment
Report of Structure Fire Fire 3 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) 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, 2 Safety Officers (Car 73, Car 74)
Confined Space Rescue Closest 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

HAZMAT 1 Engine or 1 Ladder or 1 Rescue, 1 HAZMAT Unit
Natural Gas HAZMAT 2 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Rescue, 1 District Chief, 2 Safety Officers (Car 73, Car 74)
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, 2 Safety Officers (Car 73, Car 74)
HAZMAT - L3 HAZMAT 2 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

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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, 2 Safety Officers (Car 73, Car 74)
Fire Alarm

Smoke

Appliance Fire

Unknown Fire

Fire Out

Chimney Fire

Fire 1 Pumper, 1 Tanker, 1 Rescue, Squad, Support Unit or Ladder
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 Ladder
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, Marine Rescue Support 12
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, 2 Safety Officers (Car 73, Car 74)

Special Units

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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)

Marine Rescue Water 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

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  1. ^ "Stations". Hamilton Fire Department. 2014-10-30. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  2. ^ a b 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. ^ a b Buist, Steve (27 February 2015). "Hamilton firefighter wins back job after fist fight, racial slur". Hamilton Spectator. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  12. ^ a b 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.