Fire Protection and Supression Services
Keeping Our Community Safe
At the ITFD, our top priority is protecting lives, property, and the environment. Our trained firefighters are equipped to respond quickly and efficiently to any fire emergency, using advanced tools and tactics to suppress fires and ensure the safety of our community.
What to Do in the Event of a Fire
If a fire breaks out in your home or workplace, it's important to act quickly:
- Call 911 Immediately: If you notice a fire or see smoke, dial 911 right away. Don’t assume someone else has already called.
- Evacuate Safely: Leave the building immediately, following your planned escape routes. Do not return for any belongings.
- Stay Low: If there is smoke, stay as low as possible to avoid inhaling toxic fumes.
- Meet at a Safe Location: Once you’re out, head to your pre-arranged meeting spot and make sure everyone is accounted for.
- Wait for the Fire Department: Do not re-enter the building under any circumstances. Let the trained professionals handle the fire.
Remember, every second counts in a fire emergency. Stay calm, act fast, and always call for help.
Our Equipment and Capabilities
The ITFD is equipped with a range of specialized vehicles and tools to handle fires across all types of terrain. Our equipment is regularly maintained and updated to ensure we can respond effectively to any emergency.
- Fire Engines (Pumpers): Used for fire suppression and water transport, our pumpers are equipped with hoses and water tanks to fight fires quickly.
- Water Tankers: These large trucks carry additional water supply, crucial in rural areas where fire hydrants may not be available.
- Utility Vehicles: For off-road and difficult-to-reach locations, our utility vehicles can transport firefighters and gear to the scene of a fire.
- RTV Unit: This all-terrain vehicle allows us to access areas with rough or uneven terrain.
- Grey County Air Support: We collaborate with Grey County’s air support unit to assist with large-scale or complex incidents, especially in remote areas.
- Hydraulic Rescue Tools: In addition to firefighting, we use these tools (commonly called the “Jaws of Life”) to assist in vehicle extrications and other rescue situations.
Our equipment allows us to respond effectively to fires, but also to perform vehicle extrications, ice rescues, and more. Whatever the emergency, our team is ready.
Working Together: How You Can Help
To ensure the safety of everyone, there are a few things you can do to assist our efforts:
- Provide Clear Information: When calling 911, give the dispatcher clear details about the fire's location and any potential hazards, such as chemicals or trapped individuals.
- Clear the Area: Once you’ve evacuated, make sure pathways are clear for emergency responders. If you’re outside, stay a safe distance from the scene.
- Yield to Flashing Green Lights: If you see a vehicle with flashing green lights on the road, it means a volunteer firefighter is responding to an emergency. Please pull over and let them pass safely.
Fire Prevention Starts with You
The best way to protect your home from fire is through prevention. Make sure you:
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them regularly.
- Never leave cooking unattended, and keep flammable materials away from stoves and heaters.
- Have an escape plan in place, and practice it with your family.
By following these tips and staying prepared, you can help reduce the risk of fire and keep your loved ones safe.
The Inter Township Fire Department is committed to protecting our community with professional, reliable service. In the event of a fire, remember to call 911 and let us take care of the rest. Together, we can keep our community safe.
Contact Us
Inter Township Fire Department
180 12th Street West
Owen Sound, Ontario N4K 3V2