Fire and Rescue Services

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Fire ban in effect

Effective immediately and until such time as further advised, the Town of Georgina has implemented a ban on all outdoor and open-air burning. Burning for any purpose including recreational fires is not permitted at this time. The Town/Georgina Fire and Rescue Services will not be issuing open-air burn permits or agricultural burn permits until further notice. 

Pursuant to local municipal by-law and the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, this ban will remain in effect until such time as conditions permit. This ban has been issued for the protection of property, public safety, and the safety of the firefighters that would have to respond to an incident started by the unlawful burning of materials. 

Georgina Fire and Rescue Services

The mission of Georgina Fire and Rescue Services is to provide the utmost professional and competent service through its commitment to quality and excellence in the community for residents and visitors.

Georgina Fire and Rescue Services provides a range of services to residents and visitors in the Town of Georgina, including:

• fire suppression
• medical aid response
• motor vehicle accident response
• hazardous material response
• ice/water rescue response
• fire prevention
• public education
• enforcement of the Ontario Fire Code
• investigation of the causes of fires

Our services and mandate are outlined in the Establishing and Regulating By-law. The department runs as a composite department with three fire stations that provide 24-7 protection to residents.

Barbecue safety

 It's officially barbecue season. It’s time to clean your grill and remove all of the charred food, ash and grease from under the grates. This will help prevent flare-ups while you are grilling all season long. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to ensure burner ports are free of rust, dirt, spider webs or other debris. Examine the fuel lines leading from the tank to the burners. Replace it if cracked or damaged.

Examine fuel lines for leaks by applying a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap to propane cylinder connections and hoses. If bubbles appear, tighten the connection and/or replace the damaged parts and retest.

Use barbecues outdoors only. They produce carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can lead to unconsciousness and even death. Never use or store propane cylinders inside any structure, including garages.

Remember, never throw water on a grease fire – this will only spread the flames.

Prevent grass fires

With the hot weather upon us, now is the time we can experience grass fires.

To reduce the chance of a grass fire, never flick cigarette butts into the air or out of a vehicle window. The wind can pick them up and drop them in a dry area. Always extinguish your butts completely before disposing of them.

Only you can prevent grass fires. Rake leaves, mow the grass regularly and clean up combustibles around your home. Remember, don't park cars, trucks or recreational vehicles on dry grass or shrubs.

Small embers and sparks can start fires outside of your fire pit if you aren’t careful. Before having a fire at your home, check the Town of Georgina by-law on open-air burning to ensure your fire pit and property meet the requirements. A permit may be required. Always have a water source nearby such as a water hose in the event a fire is started.

Boat safety

Let’s have a safe and fun boating season. Ensure you have the required safety equipment and everything is working order. Check your life jackets for cuts and overall condition before you set sail, and ensure you have a life jacket for every person on board your boat.

Boat smart. Boat sober. There is no safe way to mix alcohol or drugs and boating and it is against the law. Offer the driver and passengers non-alcoholic drink options while on your boat. We must be alert anytime we are operating a vehicle.

Always check the weather and wind conditions before you start your day on the water. Conditions can change quickly, especially on Lake Simcoe. While out on your boat, turn on notifications for any incoming weather and be prepared to head back to shore at a moments notice. In the case of an emergency, call 911.

What would you do if you got lost or had an emergency on Lake Simcoe? We’re using @what3words to help us get to you sooner. Download the free app prior to your adventure. In an emergency, call 911 and use the app to provide your location with just three words.

If you have sleeping accommodation on your boat, install a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm to alert you to a potential fire.

Do you have a water safety plan? Want more information? Visit the water and boating safety webpage.

What3Words

What3Words is a mobile phone app that can help Georgina Fire and Rescue Services get to you sooner. If you’re lost or need emergency assistance, use the free What3Words app to find the three words for your location, then give them to the emergency services over the phone. This way, emergency responders will know your exact location. Before your next adventure, download the app from Google Play or Apple App Store.