Fire Department

No Burn Ban in Effect!

As of July 1, 2021, there is no burn ban (fire ban) in effect.

Residents can stay current on condition changes by checking here and/or following us on:

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• Campfires (fire pit or fire container) are not permitted in built areas (Lakefield, Bridgenorth, Ennismore, Young's Point, and Woodland Acres)

• There is no permit required for campfires (fire pit or fire container)

• A 1:10 “ratio for fire safe distance” must be established. For example, a fire measuring 2 feet in diameter requires 20 feet of clearance in all directions.

  • Check out this handy Fire Container and Campfire Diagram.

• Certified gas-fueled outdoor appliances are permitted throughout the Township of Selwyn, including built-up areas;

• Burning of noxious materials, leaves, grass clippings or compost is not permitted;

• Burning brush is permitted provided that residents call the Fire Department at 705-292-7282 during regular business hours (Monday to Friday) in advance of burning; and

• Open Air Burning is governed by By-law 2021-034 and those burning must comply with the provisions of the By-law.

Open Air Burning conditions can change at any time. Residents must verify the current conditions prior to burning. To do this, please call the Fire Department at 705-292-7282.

Burn Permits

Burn permits are required for any fire that is not a campfire or outdoor fireplace.

• Burn barrels are not permitted in the Township and Open Air Burning (such as campfires and outdoor fireplaces) is not allowed in built-up areas.
• For everyone's safety and enjoyment, please ensure that all Open Air fires conform to the Township By-law.
• Burn permits can only be issued by the Fire Department at Hall #1 - 833 Ward Street, Bridgenorth. For more information, contact 705-292-7282.

If you are considering becoming part of our dynamic team as a Volunteer Firefighter, the first step is to submit an application form. Being a Volunteer Firefighter can be a very rewarding experience and at the same time, contribute to the safety of the whole community.

• Recruitment Information Package
• Volunteer Firefighter - Application Form

Applicants are required to live in the community or within close proximity to either of the fire halls and be a minimum of eighteen years old. Members are required to attend bi-monthly training sessions which are held on the second and fourth Monday of every month.

For more information regarding joining our team, contact the Fire Department at 705-292-7282.

Fire Department Services

• Fire prevention and inspection services
• Public education services
• Response to all fire types
• Emergency medical response - level A
• Vehicle accidents and extrications
• Ice & Water Rescue
• Farm, home & industrial accidents
• Public hazards
• Hazardous material incidents, awareness level
• Search & Rescue
• Mutual Aid and Automatic Aid response and Fire Protection Service Agreements 

Mission Statement

Members of the Township Fire Department will provide dependable service to municipality in a responsive fashion, while showing care and compassion for those in need.

We will protect lives, property and the environment through fire prevention, public education, disaster preparedness, fire suppression, rescue and medical care.

The members of this department, working together will provide a professional and caring environment that is fair, honest, ethical and that treats all individuals with respect and dignity.

We are here to help.

Vision

It is the vision of the Selwyn Fire Department to be known as a progressive and innovative Fire Department.

Providing the finest in fire, rescue and emergency services by utilizing the best personnel, training and equipment and creating a work environment that promotes the health and welfare of our members.

We will create a commitment to excellence through professionalism, honesty, integrity and respect for our customers and each other.

Fire Halls & Apparatus

Hall #1 - 833 Ward Street, Bridgenorth Built in 1974 Hall #1 - Apparatus and Equipment     Hall #2 - 45 Concession Street, Lakefield Built 1992 Adjoining EMS Station Hall #2 - Apparatus and Equipment   Hall #3 - 2738 Fitzpatrick Road,  Young's Point Built 2003 Hall #3 - Apparatus and Equipment   Hall #4 - 1964 Curve Lake Road, Curve Lake  Built 1996 Hall #4 - Apparatus and Equipment Hall #5 - 801 Tara Road, Ennismore Built 1977 Hall #5 - Apparatus and Equipment

In August 2019, the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management issued a news release which drew attention to the dangers of ethanol fuel appliances or firepots. 

On October 9, 2019, Health Canada issued a notice to interested parties to warn them about the dangers and risk mitigation measures for certain containers of pourable alcohol-based fuels and certain portable firepots that use pourable fuels.

• Notice to interested parties – Danger determination and risk mitigation measures for certain containers of pourable alcohol-based fuels and certain portable firepots that use pourable fuels

Have you experienced the loss of a structure as the result of a fire?

In order to reduce the assessed value of your property, please complete form 357, selecting "section 357" as the application type and "Razed by fire, demolition or otherwise - 357(1)(c)" as the reason for application. If you have any questions, please contact the finance department. 

Barn fires can be tragic events for farmers, and the loss of livestock, buildings and equipment can be devastating in many ways.

Approximately 40 per cent of all barn fires are caused by faulty electrical systems, which is one of the leading causes of barn fires.

Regular inspections and maintenance are key to reducing the risk of a barn fire.

For more information, visit the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs website.

The Water Tanker Shuttle Service test is administered by Fire Protection Survey Services staff. To achieve the accreditation the Fire Department must be able to:

• Within 5 minutes of the first apparatus (pumper) arriving on the fire scene (test site), be flowing a minimum of 200 gallons per minute of water and
• Maintain the flow uninterrupted for two hours

The test site must be within 8km of a fire station and must be at least 5km from the location where the tankers are reloaded.

As a result of successfully completing the test, the Township of Selwyn Fire Department was given the following rating:

• "Water Tanker Shuttle" listing for Residential properties
• "Water Tanker Shuttle" listing for Commercial properties
• We achieved 1887 liters/minute (415 GPM)

Homes within 8km and Commercial properties within 5 km of any of our fire halls have the opportunity for a reduction in insurance premiums. Residents must check with their insurance company as some do not recognize the superior tanker shuttle certification.

Successfully completing the test, regardless of the potential impact on insurance rates, indicates that the Township of Selwyn Fire Department demonstrated an ability to effectively transport water to fire scenes throughout our community.

Check the Fire Protection Survey Services website for our listing under tanker shuttle list.

• Water Tanker Shuttle Accreditation Certificate - Passed September 14, 2019.

Township of Selwyn Fire Department
833 Ward Street
PO Box 270
Bridgenorth, ON K0L 1H0

Tel: 705-292-7282
Fax: 705-292-8634
Email: fire@selwyntownship.ca