Toronto Fire Services
Encyclopedia
The Toronto Fire Services is part of the Emergency Services that respond to 911 calls
in the City of Toronto
, Ontario
, Canada
.
, Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough
and York
. It is the largest fire department in Canada (ahead of Montreal
, Vancouver
and Ottawa
) and the 4th largest city fire department in North America behind New York City
, Chicago
and Los Angeles
.
The city's poor fire fighting services were highlighted by the Great Toronto Fire
in 1849 and again in 1904. The latter fire which destroyed much of Bay Street
from The Esplande West to Melinda Street, the Fire Department in Toronto became a critical city service and has evolved into the professional service that exists today.
As of April 2009, the departments and commissioners were replaced by divisions under the City Manager (and Deputy Managers), so the TFS is now referred to as the Toronto Fire Services Division
, the current Fire Chief is William Stewart (C1), under whom serve four deputy Chiefs (C2, C3, C4, C5), and four division commanders (C6, C7, C8, C9) - all based at 4330 Dufferin Street
, the central headquarters for both Toronto Fire and Toronto EMS
.
Toronto Fire Department began using motorized vehicles after 1910. Before that, the TFD and previous fire companies used horse drawn engines and ladders. Prior to the 1970s, the TFD had open air vehicles (driver cab not covered and mostly aerial trucks), but since then both the TFD and TFS use full covered vehicles. Prior to the 1950s, TFD used tiller-ladder trucks and since have reverted to smaller aerial units that can operate in narrow streets in Toronto.
The TFS inherited all the vehicles of the fire departments prior to amalgamation. The current strength of TFS consists of 179 vehicles. Since amalgamation, apparatus numbers are numbered by a letter and 3 digits. The digits refer to station number and the letter refers to type of apparatus, for example T333 is the tower located Station 333. Spare apparatus are numbered with four digits, beginning with a 5 (eg. P5227). Occasionally secondary units with the same numeric designation are given a letter as a suffix ex. Pumper 335 (P335) and Pumper 335B (P335B).
A list of types of vehicles used by the TFS : (prefix letter in brackets with x's as placeholders)
In addition, there are various Hazardous Materials Support trucks and a Trench Rescue Support truck that respond to specialized calls. These trucks are unmanned, and are only used by trained personnel when a specialized call is dispatched. TFS also has a fleet of various mechanical support trucks. Smaller compact cars bearing the TFS colours and logo are driven by fire prevention officers and other commanding officers.
Toronto Fire will also acquire use of the Long Range Acoustic Device
. It was one of three purchased by the Toronto Police Service
for use during the G20 summit in 2010 (1 for Marine Unit, 2 for Public Safety Unit).
Prior to amalgamation, the Scarborough Fire Department had their fleet painted yellow. In the years following amalgamation the markings on the fire trucks were a patchwork of the various schemes used by the former boroughs. All had "Toronto" decaled or painted where the former bourough's name used to be and the new Toronto Fire crest was added with the new numbering scheme. Over the past 12 years - post amalgamation - the majority of the older vehicles have either been retired or repainted to match the new scheme: fire engine red with yellow reflective trim and markings.
TFS also provides fire fighting and rescue operations in the water. The TFS operates two fire boats, the William Lyon Mackenzie
and Sora
. Both are stationed at station 334.
At the Toronto City Centre Airport
, TFS may be called to assist the fire service at the airport.
After the September 11, 2001 attacks, the TFS formed a search and rescue unit called the Heavy Urban Search and Rescue or HUSAR. HUSAR responds to collapsed buildings and other incidents beyond the reach of regular fire fighters.
Other members of the Toronto's Emergency Services structure consists of:
Other agencies with historic ties to the TFD and TFS:
9-1-1
9-1-1 is the emergency telephone number for the North American Numbering Plan .It is one of eight N11 codes.The use of this number is for emergency circumstances only, and to use it for any other purpose can be a crime.-History:In the earliest days of telephone technology, prior to the...
in the City of Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
.
Overview
The Toronto Fire Services is responsible for responding to fires, rescue and assisting with medical situations within the City of Toronto. It was created in 1998 from the merger of the former fire departments of the original City of Toronto, East YorkEast York
East York can refer to:*East York, Pennsylvania, United States*East York, Ontario, Canada...
, Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough
Scarborough, Ontario
Scarborough is a dissolved municipality within the city of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Geographically, it comprises the eastern part of Toronto. It is bordered on the south by Lake Ontario, on the west by Victoria Park Avenue, on the north by Steeles Avenue East, and on the east by the Rouge River...
and York
York, Ontario
York is a dissolved municipality in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Geographically, it is located northwest of Old Toronto, southwest of North York and east of Etobicoke, where it is bounded by the Humber River. Formerly a separate city, it was one of six municipalities that amalgamated in 1998 to form...
. It is the largest fire department in Canada (ahead of Montreal
Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal
Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal is responsible for fire and rescue operations in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. EMS first-response has been available in limited areas since 1976 and to the entire service area since 2009.-History:...
, Vancouver
Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services
Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services was founded in 1886 and today serves the city of Vancouver, British Columbia providing both fire and emergency medical services. In 2007, the V.F.R.S. responded to over 43,000 emergency calls.-History:...
and Ottawa
Ottawa Fire Services
Ottawa Fire Service protects the lives, property and environment of the people who live, work and visit the City of Ottawa. Service personnel are highly trained to respond to a wide variety of emergency and non-emergency incidents including fires, rescues and medical and hazardous-material...
) and the 4th largest city fire department in North America behind New York City
New York City Fire Department
The New York City Fire Department or the Fire Department of the City of New York has the responsibility for protecting the citizens and property of New York City's five boroughs from fires and fire hazards, providing emergency medical services, technical rescue as well as providing first response...
, Chicago
Chicago Fire Department
The Chicago Fire Department, also known as the CFD, is the principal fire suppression, prevention, and rescue agency of Chicago, Illinois, under the jurisdiction of the mayor of Chicago. The Chicago Fire Department is the second largest fire department in the United States after the New York City...
and Los Angeles
Los Angeles Fire Department
The Los Angeles Fire Department is the agency that provides fire protection and emergency medical services for the city of Los Angeles....
.
History
Fire services in Toronto began in 1874 in the former City of Toronto, and still consisted of volunteer fire companies. Prior to 1874, fire services were composed of poorly trained volunteer companies in the city. The first company was created in 1826 and hook and ladder in 1831. Most were able bodied men who were trained to operate pumps to draw water from the lake.The city's poor fire fighting services were highlighted by the Great Toronto Fire
Great Fire of Toronto (1849)
Great Fire of Toronto was the first major fire to destroy part of the City and the second in the 19th century.The fire began at Post's Tavern, east of Jarvis Street and north of King Street in the early morning of April 7, 1849...
in 1849 and again in 1904. The latter fire which destroyed much of Bay Street
Bay Street
Bay Street, originally known as Bear Street, is a major thoroughfare in Downtown Toronto. It is the centre of Toronto's Financial District and is often used by metonymy to refer to Canada's financial industry since succeeding Montreal's St. James Street in that role in the 1970s...
from The Esplande West to Melinda Street, the Fire Department in Toronto became a critical city service and has evolved into the professional service that exists today.
As of April 2009, the departments and commissioners were replaced by divisions under the City Manager (and Deputy Managers), so the TFS is now referred to as the Toronto Fire Services Division
Early Fire Companies
- 1st Engine House 1826 at Church StreetChurch Street-Streets:* Church Street, Liverpool, England, United Kingdom* Church Street , New York City, New York, United States* Church Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia* Church Street , England, United Kingdom...
and Newgate Street (Adelaide Street East), renumbered as Station 5 in 1861 and closed in 1874 - Independent Fire Company Engine House No. 2
- York Fire Company 1826 at Fireman's Hall (Church StreetChurch Street-Streets:* Church Street, Liverpool, England, United Kingdom* Church Street , New York City, New York, United States* Church Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia* Church Street , England, United Kingdom...
and Newgate Street) - Hook and Ladder Fire Company 1831
- Fireman's Hall 1839 at Bay Street 1839; closed 1841
- Station No. 1 1841; closed 1924
- 4th Engine House at St. Patrick Market on Queen Street West 1842, closed 1861
- Hose Company No. 2 at Berkeley Street 1849; closed 1859
- 7th Engine Company at Elizabeth Street 1857; closed 1859
- Station No 2 at 163 Portland 1871; closed 1968
- Station No 3 at 488 Yonge Steet 1871; closed 1926
- Station No 5 at Court Street 1874; closed 1886
- Station No 6 at 515 Queen Street West 1874; closed 1942
Command
Dufferin Street
Dufferin Street is a major north-south street in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is a concession road, two concessions west of Yonge Street. The street starts at the foot of Lake Ontario, continues north to Toronto's northern boundary with some discontinuities and continues into York Region where it...
, the central headquarters for both Toronto Fire and Toronto EMS
Toronto EMS
Toronto Emergency Medical Services is the statutory Emergency medical services provider for the city of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The service is operated directly as a branch of the municipal government as an independent, third-service option provider, which means that the service is funded by...
.
Fleet
The TFS inherited all the vehicles of the fire departments prior to amalgamation. The current strength of TFS consists of 179 vehicles. Since amalgamation, apparatus numbers are numbered by a letter and 3 digits. The digits refer to station number and the letter refers to type of apparatus, for example T333 is the tower located Station 333. Spare apparatus are numbered with four digits, beginning with a 5 (eg. P5227). Occasionally secondary units with the same numeric designation are given a letter as a suffix ex. Pumper 335 (P335) and Pumper 335B (P335B).
A list of types of vehicles used by the TFS : (prefix letter in brackets with x's as placeholders)
- Aerial (Axxx) - most common ladders found in the city; lengths range from 75 to 105 feet (22.86 to 32 metres)
- Tower (Txxx) - 3 articulated boom ladders, with 2 found in South and 1 in North Command; length 114 feet (34.75 metres)
- Platform (PLxxx) - 1 ladder with attached platform, found in West Command; length 95 feet (28.96 metres)
- Pumper (Pxxx)
- Rescue/Pumper (Rxxx) - a pumper with the addition of extrication equipment (Jaws of Life) and other tools
- Fireboat (FBxxx) - 2 units, both stationed in Toronto Harbour
- Hazardous Materials Unit (HZxxx) - 1 in both North and South Commands
- Hazmat Support Truck (HMSxxx) - towing trailer transporting Club CarClub CarClub Car is the world’s largest manufacturer of small-wheel, zero-emissions electric vehicles.-Powertrain:From initial introduction of their gas powered golf carts, Club Car used a Kawasaki FZ340 9 horsepower engine until 1991. In 1992, it was replaced by a Kawasaki 286 cc FE290 9 horsepower...
utility cars - Decontamination Truck (DExxx)
- Squad (Sxxx) - heavy/technical rescue units, with 2 located in South Command and 1 in each of West, North, and East Commands
- High Rise Unit (HRxxx) - 1 only, in South Command
- Water Tanker (WTxxx)
- Rapid Attack Vehicle (RAVxxx)
- All-Terrain Vehicle (ATVx) - used at special events, such as the Canadian National ExhibitionCanadian National ExhibitionCanadian National Exhibition , also known as The Ex, is an annual event that takes place at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada during the 18 days leading up to and including Labour Day Monday. With an attendance of approximately 1.3 million visitors each season, it is Canada’s largest...
- Trench Rescue Support Truck (TRSxxx) - 1 only, in East Command
- Air/Light Unit (LAxxx)
- District Chief (Cxx)
- Platoon Chief (Cx0) - 1 in each Command (C10, C20, C30, C40)
- Division Commander (Cx)
- Deputy Chief / Fire Chief (Cx)
- Command Truck (CMDxx) - 3 throughout the city
- Mechanical Response Unit (MRUxxx)
- Training Aerial (TRAx) - used by Professional Development and Training
- Training Pumper (TRPx) - used by Professional Development and Training
- Spare vehicles (X5xxx) - non-permanent additional vehicles added to station
Fire Boats
The Toronto Fire Department and successor Toronto Fire Services has operated fire boats since 1923.- Charles A. Reed - a wood hull boat entered service in 1923 and remained in use until 1964
- William Lyon Mackenzie - entered service in 1964 replacing Charles A. Reed; main fire boat and icebreaker
- Sora - light utility boat built in 1982 for the Canadian Coast Guard and acquired by TFS in 2006; back up to WL Mackenzie, but lacks icebreaking features
Miscellaneous
While not part of the fleet, Box 12 and Support 7 are canteen trucks run by volunteers at the Greater Toronto Multiple Alarm Association), and are present at large emergencies to provide food and beverages for Toronto firefighters. Formed in 1975, the GTMAA vehicles are painted with TFS scheme, but not the logo (uses GTMAA patch).In addition, there are various Hazardous Materials Support trucks and a Trench Rescue Support truck that respond to specialized calls. These trucks are unmanned, and are only used by trained personnel when a specialized call is dispatched. TFS also has a fleet of various mechanical support trucks. Smaller compact cars bearing the TFS colours and logo are driven by fire prevention officers and other commanding officers.
Toronto Fire will also acquire use of the Long Range Acoustic Device
Long range acoustic device
The Long Range Acoustic Device is a distance hailing device and non-lethal crowd control weapon developed by LRAD Corporation to send messages, warnings, and harmful, pain inducing tones over longer distances than normal loudspeakers....
. It was one of three purchased by the Toronto Police Service
Toronto Police Service
The Toronto Police Service , formerly the Metropolitan Toronto Police, is the police service for the city of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is the largest municipal police service in Canada and second largest police force in Canada after the Royal Canadian Mounted Police...
for use during the G20 summit in 2010 (1 for Marine Unit, 2 for Public Safety Unit).
Prior to amalgamation, the Scarborough Fire Department had their fleet painted yellow. In the years following amalgamation the markings on the fire trucks were a patchwork of the various schemes used by the former boroughs. All had "Toronto" decaled or painted where the former bourough's name used to be and the new Toronto Fire crest was added with the new numbering scheme. Over the past 12 years - post amalgamation - the majority of the older vehicles have either been retired or repainted to match the new scheme: fire engine red with yellow reflective trim and markings.
Operations
TFS operations consists of 81 stations and divided into four geographical command units.- North Command contains the 11th-14th Districts, covering 20 fire stations. It services the communities of North York and TorontoTorontoToronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
. (This Command includes Forest HillForest Hill, TorontoForest Hill is an affluent neighbourhood in central Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Along with Lawrence Park, Rosedale, and The Bridle Path, it is one of Toronto’s wealthiest neighbourhoods.-History:...
which amalgamated with TorontoTorontoToronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
in 1967). - South Command contains the 31st-34th Districts (22 stations). It services Downtown TorontoDowntown TorontoDowntown Toronto is the central business district of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is approximately bounded by Bloor Street to the north, Lake Ontario to the south, the Don River to the east, and Bathurst Street to the west...
, Toronto IslandsToronto IslandsThe Toronto Islands are a chain of small islands in the city of Toronto, Ontario. Comprising the only group of islands in the western part of Lake Ontario, the Toronto Islands are located just offshore from the city centre, and provide shelter for Toronto Harbour...
and parts of East YorkEast YorkEast York can refer to:*East York, Pennsylvania, United States*East York, Ontario, Canada...
and YorkYork, OntarioYork is a dissolved municipality in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Geographically, it is located northwest of Old Toronto, southwest of North York and east of Etobicoke, where it is bounded by the Humber River. Formerly a separate city, it was one of six municipalities that amalgamated in 1998 to form...
. - East Command contains the 21st-24th Districts (21 stations). It services the communities of ScarboroughScarborough, OntarioScarborough is a dissolved municipality within the city of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Geographically, it comprises the eastern part of Toronto. It is bordered on the south by Lake Ontario, on the west by Victoria Park Avenue, on the north by Steeles Avenue East, and on the east by the Rouge River...
, East YorkEast YorkEast York can refer to:*East York, Pennsylvania, United States*East York, Ontario, Canada...
and TorontoTorontoToronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
. - West Command contains the 41st-44th Districts (20 stations). It services the community of Etobicoke, YorkYork, OntarioYork is a dissolved municipality in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Geographically, it is located northwest of Old Toronto, southwest of North York and east of Etobicoke, where it is bounded by the Humber River. Formerly a separate city, it was one of six municipalities that amalgamated in 1998 to form...
, TorontoTorontoToronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
and SwanseaSwansea, TorontoSwansea is a neighbourhood in the City of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, bounded on the west by the Humber River, on the north by Bloor Street, on the east by High Park and on the south by Lake Ontario...
(a municipality which also amalgamated with TorontoTorontoToronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
in 1967).
TFS also provides fire fighting and rescue operations in the water. The TFS operates two fire boats, the William Lyon Mackenzie
William Lyon Mackenzie (fireboat)
William Lyon Mackenzie # 334, named for Toronto's first mayor William Lyon Mackenzie, is a fireboat for the Toronto Fire Services. It was built in 1964 with a modified Tugboat hull to provide marine fire fighting as well as ice breaking capabilities...
and Sora
CCGC Sora
CCGS Sora was a 12.5m Small Multi Task Utility Craft in the Canadian Coast Guard. It was deployed for medium range task and perform under moderate to high speed in moderate weather conditions and in sheltered waters in station mode....
. Both are stationed at station 334.
At the Toronto City Centre Airport
Toronto City Centre Airport
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport , commonly known as the Toronto Island Airport is an airport located on the Toronto Islands in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is named after Air Marshal Billy Bishop, a Canadian First World War flying ace...
, TFS may be called to assist the fire service at the airport.
After the September 11, 2001 attacks, the TFS formed a search and rescue unit called the Heavy Urban Search and Rescue or HUSAR. HUSAR responds to collapsed buildings and other incidents beyond the reach of regular fire fighters.
Ranks
- Probationary FirefighterProbationary FirefighterA Probationary Firefighter is any firefighter in their first 6-18 months of being in that department. Usually given the boring jobs that no one wants to do such as station cleanup, salvage operations, and fetching equipment. Their real job is to learn how to be a firefighter and they are closely...
- no rank insignia, wearing a black helmet. - Second Class Firefighter
- First Class FirefighterFirefighterFirefighters are rescuers extensively trained primarily to put out hazardous fires that threaten civilian populations and property, to rescue people from car incidents, collapsed and burning buildings and other such situations...
- CaptainCompany officer (firefighter)In the fire service, a Company Officer is the individual in charge of a crew of firefighters and their responding apparatus. Company Officers have different titles depending on the table of organization for their particular agency, but commonly used titles in the U.S...
- company officer in charge of one fire truck and crew - with 2 silver epaulette stripes, and wearing a red helmet. - District Chief - command officer responsible for all fire stations within a district (ex. 11 District, or 42 District) - with 2 gold stripes, and wearing a white helmet.
- Platoon Chief - command officer responsible for all fire stations within all four districts of a command (North, East, South, or West) - with 3 gold stripes, and 'Platoon Chief' marked on the back of their bunker gearBunker gearBunker Gear or "Turnout Gear" are terms used by many firefighters to refer to their system of outer protective clothing. "Bunker gear" and "turnout gear" can refer, depending on the context, to just the trousers and boots, and jacket, or the entire combination of personal protective equipment and...
jacket. - Division Commander - command officer responsible for all four shiftsShift workShift work is an employment practice designed to make use of the 24 hours of the clock. The term "shift work" includes both long-term night shifts and work schedules in which employees change or rotate shifts....
within one of the geographic divisions of the city - with 3 thick and 1 thin gold stripes, and 'Division Commander' marked on their bunker jacket. - Deputy Fire Chief - with 4 gold stripes, and "Deputy Chief' marked on their bunker jacket.
- Fire ChiefFire chiefFire Chief is a top executive rank or commanding officer in a fire department, either elected or appointed...
- with 5 gold stripes, and 'Chief' marked on the their bunker jacket.
See also
- List of historic Toronto fire stations
- Service de sécurité incendie de MontréalService de sécurité incendie de MontréalService de sécurité incendie de Montréal is responsible for fire and rescue operations in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. EMS first-response has been available in limited areas since 1976 and to the entire service area since 2009.-History:...
- Woodbine Building Supply arsonJohn MagnoJohn Magno is a Toronto businessman who is currently awaiting trial for arson, allegedly for insurance fraud....
Other members of the Toronto's Emergency Services structure consists of:
- Toronto EMSToronto EMSToronto Emergency Medical Services is the statutory Emergency medical services provider for the city of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The service is operated directly as a branch of the municipal government as an independent, third-service option provider, which means that the service is funded by...
- Toronto Police ServiceToronto Police ServiceThe Toronto Police Service , formerly the Metropolitan Toronto Police, is the police service for the city of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is the largest municipal police service in Canada and second largest police force in Canada after the Royal Canadian Mounted Police...
- Heavy Urban Search and Rescue
Other agencies with historic ties to the TFD and TFS:
- Buffalo Fire DepartmentBuffalo Fire DepartmentThe Buffalo Fire Department is the principal fire and rescue service for the city of Buffalo, New York. It is the largest fire department in Upstate New York. The Fire Department currently consists of one division which is separated into four battalions, and further separated into 4 platoons...
, New YorkNew YorkNew York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...