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                                                        Fire Department

FIRE UNDERWRITERS SURVEY SUPERIOR TANKER SHUTTLE SERVICE ACCREDITATION

What's Your Plan

Fire Bylaw     Schedules  A & B

There is ONE volunteer Fire Department in the Township of Wellesley with three (3) stations.  Each station has approximately 20 volunteers.

Under the direction of the Fire Chief , the Township of Wellesley Fire Department is responsible for provinding fire services to the Residents of Wellesley Township. Fire Chief can be reached at 519.. The Fire Chief is responsible for the administration of the three (3) Fire Stations, issuance of burn permits (camp fires & open burn), Fire Precention and Protection Act (1997), Emergency Plans Act (2002) and providing for fire prevention and suppression services.

The rural operation is comprised of 60 firefighters, whose territory covers approximately 103 square miles.  There are 10 settlement areas with a poplulation of approximately 9,700 residents and 274,000 acres of land.

In 2006, the combinations of the three (3) stations responded to 220 calls.  Each station consist of one (1) District Chief, one (1) Assistant District Chief and fourteen (14) firefighters.

The Fire Stations are located at:

LINWOOD STATION # 1

32 Adelaide St.,

Linwood, Ontario     N0B 2M0

519.698.2820 Fax: 519.698.2099

District Chief:                    Frank Karley

Assistant District Chief:   Jeff McKay   

ST. CLEMENTS STATION #2

2671 Herrgott Rd.,

St. Clements, Ontario    N0B 2M0

519.699.371 fax: 519.699.5244

District Chief:                    Dennis Ertel

Assistant District Chief:    Henry Dietrich

WELLESLEY STATION #3

1379 Queen's Bush Road

Wellesley, Ontario    N0B 2T0

519.656.2229 fax: 519.656.2513

District Chief:                    Rick Steinman

Assistant District Chief:    Ted Stroh

Wellesley Township Fire Stations are NOT manned by full time staff.  In an emergency call

9.1.1

The firefighters use green flashing lights on their personal vehicles when responding to emergencies. 

Please be courteous and yeild the right-of-way.

Recruitment:  The Fire Department is looking for dedicated individuals in good physical condition.

Recruitment Flyer

Recruitment Application Form

Wellesley Township Fire Department volunteer organization provides prevention services which includes:

         False Alarms                                                 Inspections                                             

        Outdoor Fireplaces                                        Burn Permits

        Smoke Alarms                                               Fireworks

        Candles                 

FALSE ALARMS:

When the fire department attends a property (residential or business) in response to a fire alarm and following a thorough investigation, determines that the alarm is a nuisance false alarm, the property owner shall be charged the a fee.

OUTDOOR FIREPLACES:

Maintain a minimum three-metre clearance between the fireplace and combustible objects and surfaces to prevent ignition from radiant heat.

Burn wood products only. Petroleum products, rubbish, grass, plastics rubber or any material that may flow out of the containment or use excessive heat or smoke must not be permitted.

Limit the amount of material being burned to ensure that the flames are confined to the unit and do not extend into the chimney. Recommendations of the maximum amount of fuel to be used at one time may be included in the manufacturer's literature.

The operator must keep the unit under constant supervision when in use.

Provide adequate extinguishing agent (fire extinguisher, pail of water, garden hose, etc.)

Do not burn during high wind conditions.

Periods of burning may be restricted to certain days or hours of the week.

Have the proper manufacturer's operating instructions. Check the unit regularly for the appearance of cracks or other physical deterioration.

In addition to the above, there may be concerns relating to smoke, health and safety that are not regulated under the Ontario Fire Code. Issues concerning air quality should be address through the Ministry of the Environment. There is also the need to be aware of the potential for personal injury with the use of these units such as superficial burns from contact with the outside surface of the unit, ignition of clothing from sparks or open flames and injuries resulting from accidental tipping of the unit.

SMOKE ALARMS:

Effective March 1, 2006, smoke alarms must be installed on every level of a home and outside all sleeping areas whether owner occupied or rented. In almost 50% of fatal fires, the victims had no smoke alarm warning. It is critical to have working smoke alarms on every level to give occupants the precious seconds they need to escape a fire. Non-compliance with the Fire Code smoke alarm requirements can result in a ticket for $235 or a fine of up to $25,000.

Choosing a Smoke Alarm

There are many types of smoke alarms, each with different features. Alarms can be electrically connected, battery-powered or a combination of both. There are battery-powered smoke alarms or other models that can be plugged or hard-wired into your home's electrical system. The two types of sensing system detectors are photoelectric or ionization.

 For the Hearing Impaired, alarms that flash a strobe-like light plus sound a sonic alarm are on the market. Other choices for the hearing impaired are detectors that emit lower-pitched alarm noises, which may be more easily heard.

Make sure to purchase a unit that has been approved or tested. The seal of approval should be clearly visible. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for installation, testing and maintenance

Location

Smoke alarms should be on every level of your home and near sleeping areas. This includes the basement and attic too. If you sleep with the bedroom door closed, be sure to install an alarm inside your bedroom. An alarm needs to be installed in a smoker's bedroom whether the occupant sleeps with the door open or not.

Install wall mounted alarms so the top of the detector is 4-12 inches (10-30 centimetres) from the ceiling.

Ceiling mounted alarms should be installed at least 4 inches (10 centimetres) from the wall. If the ceiling is pitched, install the unit at or near the highest point of the ceiling.

In the basement, install smoke alarms close to the bottom of the stairs. DO NOT install the alarm at the top of the stairs. Smoke could be stopped from reaching the detector by the dead air trapped near the closed door.

Install alarms in places between sleeping areas and rooms where fires usually start such as the kitchen, basement, garage or utility room. Smoke alarms should NOT be installed in the following locations: near the bathroom, heating appliances or ceiling fans. Avoid installing alarms near windows, doors, forced-air registers or fireplaces as drafts could detour smoke away from the units.

Maintenance

Replace the batteries at least once a year. A good way to remember to change the batteries in your alarms is when you change your clocks to or from daylight savings time. Clean your alarms twice a

year as dust can affect the sensitivity of the device. NEVER paint a smoke alarm

Testing and Replacement

Test your alarm once a month. If the detector does not respond, replace the batteries. If there is still not response to the testing, replace the unit with a new one. Smoke alarms that are 10 years old or older need to be replaced immediately.

Escape Route

If your alarm goes off, make sure your family has an escape route planned and rehearsed for a quick exit. Everyone needs to know the second escape route in case the first is blocked by smoke and or fire. Meet outside at a predetermined location and NEVER go back into a burning building

INSPECTIONS:

Inspections of properties occur throughout the year.  In addition, they are also conducted by request or where a threat to life may be of a concern.  The Fire Chief reviews blueprint drawings and carries out site inspections of new construction involving fire safety equipment required by the Ontario Building Code.  The inspector also conducts regular fire safety inspections of all types of occupancies defined by the Ontario Buidling Code.  Annual inspections include apartment buildings, restaurants, gas and service stations, township buildings, schools and daycare centres, industrial and mercantile sites.  The inspector responds to citizens complaints regarding fire safety concerns and is active in public education.

BURN PERMITS:

There are two types of burn permits. Any person lighting an open fire for burning debris or any other purpose must have a valid "Fire Permit".  Open-Air Permits may be obtained by calling the District Chief in your area.  

1. Open-Air

Policy for issuing an OPEN-AIR FIRE PERMIT

  • Fire Chief must inspect site of burn and material to be burnt.
  • Fire Chief must determine if it is reasonable or practical to transport the material to land fill. If it is reasonable or practical to transport material to a landfill site a burn permit will NOT be issued.
  • Permits will be issued to burn small piles only. No pile larger than fifteen feet (15') in diameter and eight feet (8') high.
  • Permits will be issued to burn clean dry wood only.
  • Burning material other than clean dry wood is prohibited, materials prohibited include treated, painted, or laminated wood, tires, rubber, plastic, asphalt, foam, insulation, cardboard, cloth, leaves, grass, vegetation or any other toxic or non-toxic material prohibited by the Environmental Protection Act.
  • Fires must be supervised at all times.
  • Sufficient water/other fire retardant equipment must be readily available to keep fire under control.
  • Permits are issued for day light hours only at a cost of $30.00 .
  • Applicant shall notify fire dispatch before the burn commences and at the completion of the burn at (519) 741-2582.
  • Permits are void on smog alert days or on days when weather conditions such as wind, fog, lack of rain, dry grass or other conditions make open-air burning unsafe.
  • Fires must be extinguished immediately if smoke interferes with neighbors or by order of the Fire Chief.
  • If any of these conditions are violated the applicant and/or the property owner may be charged under the Ontario Fire Code, the Environmental Protection Act and/or charged a fee equal to all expenses incurred by the Township of Wellesley to respond to a fire or complaint concerning a fire on the applicants or owners property.

2. BBQ Pits & Campfire

           Policy for issuing a BBQ PIT &/or CAMPFIRE PERMIT

  • Permit not required.
  • Barbecue pit and fire not to exceed twenty inches (20") in diameter.
  • Barbecue pits or container will have sides no higher than twenty-four inches (24").
  • Any fire larger than described in article 2 and 3 above requires a permit.
  • Township of Wellesley Fire Dept will inspect site on request at no fee. Call your local Station (see numbers above)
  • Only clean dry wood can be burnt.
  • All toxic and non-toxic materials prohibited by the Environmental Protection Act including treated, painted or laminated wood, tires, rubber, plastic, asphalt, foam, Insulation, cardboard, cloth, leaves, grass and vegetation shall not be burnt, at anytime.
  • Fire must be supervised at all times.
  • Sufficient water/other fire retardant equipment is readily available to keep fire under control.
  • Fire must be extinguished immediately if smoke interferes with neighbors or if ordered by the Fire Chief.
  • If any of these conditions are violated the applicant and/or property owner may be charged under the Ontario Fire Code, the Environmental Protection Act and/or charged a fee equal to any expenses incurred by the Township of Wellesley to respond to a fire or complaint concerning a fire on the property.

FIRE WORKS:

Fireworks By-law

The Office of the Ontario Fire Marshall offers the following fireworks safety tips.

  • To minimized the risk of fire and burn injury, the fire service does not recommend family fireworks or informal neighborhood displays
  • We suggest attending public firework displays hosted by you municipality or other responsible organization.
  • If you do choose to host an informal neighborhood fireworks display, click on the link above to view the Township of Wellesley Fireworks By-law
  • Handling and discharging of fireworks must only be done by adults.  Appoint one person to be in charge, who knows about the hazards of fireworks and essential safety precautions
  • Carefully read and follow the label directions on fireworks packaging
  • Discharge fireworks far away from combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass
  • Light only one firework at a time, and never try to light a firework, or hold a lit firework in your hand.
  • Never re-light “dud” fireworks.  It is best to wait 30 minutes and then soak them in a bucket of water.  Dispose of them in a metal garbage container
  • Never give sparklers to small children.  While sparklers are considered to be harmless fun, they burn extremely hot and can ignite clothing, cause blindness and result in severe burns.  As the sparkler remains hot for some minutes after burnout, it should be immediately soaked in water to avoid injury
  • If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for three to five minutes and seek medical attention if necessary

CANDLES:

Burning candles can create a warm atmosphere on those dreary winter days.

Lit candles should not be left unattended and should be extinguished before you leave a room, your home, take a nap or retire for the evening.Most candle fire incidents result from inattention or misuse. Keep away from books, paper, furniture, bedding, carpets, drapes, plastic or anything flammable. Also, keep away from drafts.

Candles should be kept out of reach of children and pets. Ensure the candle is sitting on non-flammable surface to collect any wax drippings.

One of the safest ways to put out a candle is by using a candle snuffer. It prevents hot wax from splattering.

For more information regarding these or other issues visit the website of 

The Office of the Fire Marshall

 

COMING EVENTS

Coming Events hosted by the Fire Departments will be update on this page as they become available.

Open Houses - Each stations host an open house during the year.  Visitors are welcome to meet and ask questions of the firefighters, check out the equipment and learn more about keeping your family and neighbourhood safe.  There are games, food, information handouts and demonstrations.  Come our and enjoy.  Dates, locations at times will be posted to this web page when available.

The following events are Scheduled:

Linwood Station # 1- Wing Night

St. Clements Station # 2.

Wellesley Station # 3 -