Fire & Emergency Services
During an emergency, you will find many dedicated services helping those in need.
If you are in an emergency and need immediate help, please dial 9-1-1.
Fire Rescue
Our Fire Rescue Services perform all fire rescue, prevention, safety education, training and station tour duties in our community.
Learn more about our:
Accredited Superior Tanker Shuttle Service
New Tecumseth Fire Rescue completed a successful re-accreditation of the Superior Tanker Shuttle Service as recognized by Fire Underwriters Survey, which remains valid until 2027.
Accredited Superior Tanker Shuttle Service is a recognized equivalency to hydrant protection. To be accredited, fire departments must commit to maintaining a high standard of organization, and practice delivering the service regularly. The fire department must be able to show through testing and documentation that it can continuously provide water supplies more than the minimum required for hydranted municipal-type water supplies.
This accreditation is valuable to our rural residents as the accreditation often leads to lower home insurance rates.
For further information, contact fire to confirm if your property is eligible for this service via email to our fire administration or call 705-435-3900.
Chief’s Message
New Tecumseth Fire Rescue consists of 140 volunteer firefighters, a full-time Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief of operations/training, Deputy Fire Chief of prevention and education and Training Officer. The department operates 3 fire stations located within New Tecumseth: Station 1 – Alliston, Station 2 – Beeton and Station 3 – Tottenham. Our Administration Office is located at the Joint Operations Centre at 6558 8th Concession in Beeton. Our response area is 180 km² and includes a population of approximately 35,000 residents, both rural and urban.
The purpose of New Tecumseth Fire Rescue is to protect the life and property of its citizens in New Tecumseth from fire and other public safety hazards through prevention, education, planning and emergency incident services, fire extinguisher training, rescue, suppression and basic life support services.
Fire and safety education programs are presented to schools throughout the community through the ‘Learn Not to Burn’ program with the fire safety house. With the support of the entire community this is a proactive approach to inform residents of public safety and fire prevention programs.
For more information on becoming a volunteer firefighter or services provided by our department please contact our Administration Centre at 705-435-3900 or email Fire Administration.
Dan Heydon
Fire Chief/Community Emergency Management Coordinator
Emergency Fees
There may be fees associated with some emergency duties we provide. You can view them here.
- Request for copy of Fire Report or File Search – $70.00 flat fee
- Request for Clearance Letter on residential dwelling for mortgage or change of ownership – $70.00 flat fee
- Single occupancy building less than 20,000 feet² – $70.00 flat fee
- Single occupancy building greater than 20,000 feet² – $80.00 flat fee
- Multiple tenant and multiple storey building less than 20,000 feet² – $70.00 flat fee plus $40.00 for each additional unit
- Multiple tenant and multiple storey building greater than 20,000 feet² – $80.00 flat fee plus $40.00 for each additional unit
- Inspection of day cares, day nurseries, churches, rooming houses and like facilities (not-for-profit individual groups/organizations are exempted from fee) – $70.00
- Fireworks requests for inspection and approval of site from where fireworks will be ignited and requests for inspection of fireworks storage site (community or like sponsored events, festivals and fairs are exempted from fee) – $70.00
- Requests for fire department apparatus to stand-by or be used in commercial show, exhibitions or demonstrations (community or like sponsored events, festivals and fairs are exempted from fee) – Current MTO rates per vehicle will be applied, plus 1 point per 1 officer and 1 firefighter or part thereof
- Stand-by fee for suspicious fire – $75.00 per hour
- Burst water pipes and sprinkler system requests for clean-up assistance – $100.00 per hour
- False alarms – after responding to two in the same calendar year, to the same address/property because of failure to notify the fire department that work is being performed on the alarm system or poor maintenance of system after warning – $300.00 per call
- Elevator calls after responding to two in the same calendar year due to poor or non-maintenance of device – Current MTO rates will be applied
- The Town of New Tecumseth administers these false alarm fees by the Nottawasaga detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police:
- Building plans review and inspection (fee to be collected at time of building permit issuance) – $0.20 per $1,000 value of construction with a minimum fee of $50.00
- Review for comments, hydrants and fire routes in site plan, subdivision and zoning applications – $50.00 flat fee
- Committee of Adjustment requests for review and comments on applications for consent and/or minor variances – $50.00 flat fee
- Senior fire official making presentations to industry and other groups (not-for-profit organizations exempted from fee) – $70.00 per hour
- Fire extinguisher demonstrations provided to external groups and organizations (i.e. private nursing homes, hospitals or factories, etc.) – $10.00 per person
- Technical rescue (ice or water, confined space, high angle, trench, hazmat or extrication) – Full cost of recovery
- Emergency calls on all roadways within the municipality – Current Ministry of Transportation rates to be approved
- Training other fire department staff and agencies, with course materials and expenses – Full cost of training session
- Special equipment rental or private contractor hire for determining the cause and origin of a fire, suppressing or extinguishing a fire, preserve property, prevent fire spread or to make safe/eliminate an emergency – Full cost of recovery
- Risk and safety management plan review of propane storage and handling facilities – $1,000 deposit and an application review applied to deposit at a rate of $60.00 per hour. Peer review, if applicable, also charged. Any costs incurred exceeding deposit funds are invoiced directly
- Fire response fees for indemnification technology – Current Ministry of Transportation rates plus any additional costs to the municipality, plus full cost of recovery
Fire Safety and Prevention
We are committed to providing fire safety and fire prevention information to residents in the Town of New Tecumseth.
If you discover a fire in your house, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Fire Safety
There are many opportunities for a fire to start in your home. It is important to practice proper fire prevention in your house.
Safety is a priority every day—but it matters even more during the holiday season, one of the most hazardous times of the year. Take steps now to protect the people who matter most.
12 Days of Holiday Fire Safety
These tips are designed to help you prevent the most common types of home fires that occur during the holiday season. Stay safe and make your celebrations worry-free!
Developing a home escape plan is very important in keeping you and your family safe in the event of a fire. Read more on why it’s important to have a home escape plan. You can also view a fire safety sample plan for businesses and restaurants that outlines examples of:
- Emergency procedures
- Fire extinguishment
- Control of fire hazards
- Property owner’s responsibilities
- Fire separations
- Cooking and exhaust
- Emergency lighting
Cooking fires are the number one cause of residential fires and injuries. Follow these safety tips to avoid kitchen fires:
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- Clear all combustible items from your cooking area.
- Never pour water or use a fire extinguisher on grease or a pan. This could cause the fire to spread. Instead, smother the fire by carefully sliding a lid over the pan using gloves.
- If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent the flames from burning you.
Candles can be a fire hazard if you don’t use them properly. Follow these candle safety tips to avoid fires:
- Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
- Keep candles away from combustible items.
- Use sturdy, non-combustible candleholders that will not tip over.
- Place candles out of the reach of your pets and children.
- Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle.
Fire Prevention
Our Fire Prevention and life safety team uses many tactics to educate the public on preventing fires.
If you are a tenant living in a rental property or a rental property owner, you should be aware of your rights and responsibilities with the Ontario Fire Code.
Owners must:
- Be responsible for keeping the property fire-safe and in compliance with the Ontario Fire Code.
- Install and maintain working smoke alarms in all units.
- Provide tenants with smoke alarm instructions.
- Check the smoke alarm when the tenant moves in and advise the tenant to test monthly and if required, change the batteries twice a year when you set your clocks forward or backward.
Tenants must:
- Follow safe fire prevention practices and always be aware of potential fire hazards in the unit.
- Notify the owner if the smoke alarm stops working or fix the smoke alarm immediately.
- Practice fire-safe procedures.
- Never intentionally disable a smoke alarm. Notify the owner if problems exist with your smoke alarm.
All buildings must adhere to the Ontario Fire Code and you are responsible for ensuring your home is compliant. Fire inspectors will ask to see your records of testing and maintenance. If you don’t comply with the Fire Code, you may face significant fines.
It is the law to always keep working smoke detectors in your home. They are often your first line of defence against a fire. Alarms could be electrically wired or battery operated, depending on when your home was constructed. Minimize your risk by following these instructions:
Keep a family escape plan in case of fire in your home. Practice it and make sure your children understand what to do when hearing the alarm.
Install a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.
Test the alarm and change its batteries twice per year.
Make sure your smoke alarms have the Underwrites Laboratories of Canada (ULC) stamp of approval on the product.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for testing and cleaning the smoke alarm.
Replace all smoke alarms over 10-years-old.
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, toxic gas that enters the body through the lungs while you are breathing. Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to severe injury and even death.
Ontario’s Fire Code states that carbon monoxide alarms are required near all sleeping areas and service rooms in homes. When setting up a carbon monoxide detector in your home:
Test your unit once per month and change its batteries twice per year.
Look for the CSA or ULC standards symbol when choosing a carbon monoxide detector
Consider installing a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home
Keep household chemicals such as butane, nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol and propane away from your carbon monoxide detector. These could lead to false alarms.
Fireworks Safety Tips
If you do choose to have your own display, consider the following safety tips:
- An adult should be responsible for setting the fireworks off. Fireworks and sparklers burn hot and can ignite clothing. Never give them to children.
- Read and follow directions on label.
- Keep water close by for extinguishment.
- Set off fireworks in a clear, open area away from buildings, trees and dry grass.
- Light one firework at a time.
- Never light a firework in your hand.
- Never re-light a “dud” firework.
- Dud fireworks should be left for 15-30 minutes and then soaked in water.
- Keep onlookers at a safe distance and upwind from the area where fireworks are discharged.
- If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for 5-10 minutes and seek medical attention.
Fireworks have the potential to cause serious injury. Fire Rescue Services prefers that families visit a community fireworks presentation conducted by a professional firework display company. However, this year, with COVID-19 and the absence of community fireworks displays, if you are hosting your own backyard fireworks display, make sure you have the proper sized yard and that there are no buildings or trees nearby.
Only responsible adults should supervise and set off the fireworks. Children and those under 18 years old are not permitted to discharge fireworks.
Always follow the manufacturers label for the fireworks you purchase. This will include information on how far away the spectators need to be so that everyone can stay safe.
Take the time to prepare, protect and prevent: prepare for a safe display, protect all and prevent fireworks accidents. The following list of safety tips is for adults hosting their own backyard fireworks event.
Prepare
- Always read and follow the manufacturer’s label directions.
- Before fireworks and sparklers are used, they must be kept out of reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard or drawer.
- Discharge the fireworks a safe distance from combustible materials such as buildings and trees.
- Before they are ignited, fireworks should be buried at least half their length into a bucket of sand if portable firing bases are not available. Plant the fireworks directly into the sand to make sure each piece is firmly supported and is aimed straight and away from the audience.
Protect
- Light the fireworks at arm’s length, stand back and keep your face turned away. If a firework fails to ignite, do not attempt to re-light it. Let it sit in the base for 10 to 15 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water.
- The adult igniting the fireworks must wear eye protection and avoid having any part of his or her body over the firework.
- Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
- Never discharge fireworks in metal or glass containers.
- Never discharge fireworks indoors.
- If someone suffers a burn, run cool water over it for a few minutes and consider further treatment.
Prevent
- In order to prevent an accident or injury, sparklers should be doused with water, or allowed to cool in a safe place away from children playing. The ends of sparklers continue to stay hot for some time and will easily burn a child’s skin, clothing or other nearby combustible material.
- Do not allow sparklers to be used indoors.
- Children make a great audience, but they must never be permitted to light fireworks. Adults are responsible for handling the fireworks while spectators watch the display from a safe distance.
- One designated adult should ignite the fireworks.
- Ignited fireworks must never be hand-held.
- Light only one firework item at a time.
- Always have water on hand – a garden hose and bucket of water – to soak fireworks after they have fired.
During fireworks displays, pets can become scared and run away from homes and loud noises. Here are some simple safety tips to protect your pets:
- Keep your pets secured inside your home during fireworks displays: Even dogs in fenced yards find ways to escape the scary sounds. If they must be outside during the festivities, please leash them and keep their pet license tag on.
- Update your pet’s identification and microchips: Double check that the information connected with your pet’s licence and/or microchip is up to date.
- Give pets a safe place to hide: Set up a comfortable room or crate in your house just for them.
- Use ambient noise to mask the noise: A radio or TV playing comforting music works well.
- Skip the celebration and stay home with them: Sometimes your presence makes all the difference.
- Keep them busy: Treat toys, like Kongs, can help distract them during the display.
- No person shall sell or offer for sale any firecrackers within the territorial limits of the Town.
- No person shall display, offer for sale, or sell family fireworks on any day or days during the year except on Victoria Day, Dominion Day, and the fifteen calendar days immediately preceding each of these days.
- No person may sell, offer for sale, give or distribute family fireworks to any person under the age of eighteen years.
- Notwithstanding subsection the above a person may sell paper caps, toy pistols, toy cannons, or toy guns wherein the explosive content of such devices is not in excess of twenty-five one-hundredths of a grain per cap.
- No person may sell, offer for sale, give or distribute any exhibition fireworks to any person who is not a qualified supervisor.
- Fireworks displayed in retail outlets shall be mock samples only, and not contain any explosive composition.
- Where fireworks are offered for sale, they must be displayed in such a manner that they are not accessible as a self-serve item.
- Where fireworks are offered for sale, they must not be located at or near a means of entrance or exit to any building or room.
- The storage, sale and handling of fireworks shall be in accordance with the Ontario Fire Code, the Federal Explosives Act R.S., 1985, c. E-17, as amended, and Explosives Regulations C.R.C., c.599, as amended, and all other applicable legislation.
No person shall discharge, fire, set off, or cause to be set off any family fireworks on any day or day during the year except on Victoria Day, Dominion Day (Canada Day), and the five calendar days immediately preceding and/or following each of these day as per the Town of New Tecumseth’s Fireworks Bylaw.
- A person eighteen years of age or older may set off family fireworks on any land:
- belonging to him; or
- any other privately owned land where the owner thereof has given permission for the setting off of family fireworks.
- No person shall discharge, fire, set off, or cause to be set off any fireworks in such a place or in such a manner as might create danger or constitute a nuisance to any person or property, or to do, allow, or cause any unsafe act or omission at the time and place of display;
- No person shall discharge, fire, set off, or cause to be set off any fireworks inside of or closer than 6 metres to any building, tent, trailer, camp or shelter or motor vehicle;
- Notwithstanding the setting off of exhibition fireworks in accordance with provisions of this by-law, no person shall discharge, fire, set off, or cause to be set off any fireworks in, on or into any public place including, but not limited to, highways, streets, lanes, squares, parks, fields, playgrounds and school grounds;
- No person under the age of eighteen years may discharge, fire, set off, or cause to be set off any family fireworks unless under the direct supervision and control of a person eighteen years of age or older; and
- No person being the parent or guardian of any child under the age of eighteen years shall permit said child to discharge, fire, set off, or cause to be set off any fireworks except when such parent or guardian or some other responsible person of at least eighteen years of age is in direct supervision and control.
Remember, you are not allowed to set off fireworks in a Town park, street, a parking lot or any private property that is not your own.
If a fireworks concern occur before 8pm contact the Town By-law Department at 705-435-3900.
For hours after 8pm contact Nottawasaga OPP non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122.
Suppression Equipment
Our Fire Rescue Services are home to many types of fire suppression equipment. Each rescue vehicle is equipped with hydraulic extrication and hazardous materials equipment.
Fire Administration – Three vehicles
Station 1 – Alliston
- One aerial
- One tanker
- Two pumpers
- Two rescue vehicles
Station 2 – Beeton
- One tanker
- Two pumpers
- Two rescue vehicles
- One utility vehicle
Station 3 – Tottenham
- One aerial
- One tanker
- One pumper
- Two rescue vehicles
- Ice water rescue equipment
Emergency Preparedness
An emergency can occur at any time whether you’re at home, work or play. When it happens will you be ready? Check out the County of Simcoe Emergency Preparedness Guide for information on what to do to be prepared and to make your own family emergency plan and kit.
More emergency planning resources:
Emergency Planning
It is important to plan ahead for any emergency that might happen within the town.
Emergency Plan
Read the Town of New Tecumseth’s Emergency Plan for more information on what the processes are during different types of emergencies.
Fire Master Plan Report
The Town of New Tecumseth initiated a Fire Master Plan (FMP) study as part of its comprehensive community planning process, to guide the delivery of fire protection services over the next 10 years. Completion of the FMP recognizes the continued commitment of Council and senior staff to providing the highest level of services and programs to the community in the most cost-effective and efficient manner.
The FMP provides a complete review of the current operations of the New Tecumseth Fire Rescue to assist Council in establishing key objectives for the fire rescue service. The plan includes recommendations to address both short-term and long-term strategies for the municipality, consistent with the fire master planning process outlined within the Office of the Fire Marshal. Ontario, Shaping FireSafe Communities Initiative.
The overarching goal of this report is to present a clear understanding of the existing and future requirements of the New Tecumseth Fire Rescue. Referencing best practices, including relevant standards and legislation, this report was prepared by completing an assessment of the following department components and operations:
- Governance, legislation, by-laws and administration;
- Fire prevention and public education;
- Firefighter staffing and service agreements;
- Community risk;
- Emergency response and station location;
- Firefighter training;
- Apparatus, equipment and maintenance;
- Dispatch and communications;
- Emergency planning;
- Budgets, development charges and revenues.
Understanding Green Flashing Lights
A Lifesaving Signal from Your Local Firefighters
In an emergency, every second counts. That’s why New Tecumseth Fire and Rescue is asking residents to recognize and respect green flashing lights on personal vehicles.
These lights are not decorative—they’re a vital signal that a Paid On-Call Firefighter is responding to an emergency. When a call comes in, these firefighters leave their home, workplace, or daily activities and head to the fire station as quickly and safely as possible to gear up and respond.
The green flashing light is a courtesy signal to let other drivers know the firefighter is on their way to the station. While these lights do not provide right of way or exempt firefighters from traffic laws, yielding when safe to do so is strongly encouraged.
Your small act of courtesy can make a big difference. By slowing down and making room, you’re helping your neighbours and supporting those who protect our community when it matters most.
See a green flashing light? Please drive with caution and care.
Education and Training
Our Fire Prevention and Public Education Branch deliver numerous programs to educate the public on fire safety and prevention. Learn more about our programs and fire station tours.
We observe Fire Prevention Week with many other Canadian municipalities every year in early October. The campaign educates our residents about the importance of fire safety.
Learn more about this year’s Fire Prevention Week. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides information on the campaign’s theme each year.
New Tecumseth Fire Rescue delivers the Learn Not to Burn (LNTB) program in the municipality. This nationally recognized program teaches elementary students fire safety behaviours such as escape planning, what to do if a smoke alarm sounds and when to call 9-1-1.
It uses many tactics to educate children in school classrooms, like:
- Songs
- Stories
- Activities and games
The program teaches children from kindergarten to Grade 8 and has been credited with saving lives throughout North America. Learn more by visiting the LNTB program’s website.
The Office of the Fire Marshal developed a fire safety presentation program for senior residents, called At Our Age. Statistics have shown that this segment of the population has the highest risk of injury due to mobility issues.
New Tecumseth Fire Rescue delivers the program to seniors in the community.
To book a presentation, call Fire Administration at 705-435-3900 or email Fire Administration.
The Arson Prevention Program (TAPP-C) is a joint initiative by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in conjunction with the Office of the Fire Marshal. This program is delivered locally by New Tecumseth Fire Rescue to ensure that youth who have played with fire, matches or lighters receive appropriate education and guidance.
Our Fire Prevention Branch will perform a home fire safety inspection of the residence to help parents and caregivers to reduce the risk of fire by:
- Checking for working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms
- Keeping ignition sources out of reach
- Helping develop and practice a home escape plan in case of fire
Learn more about the program by visiting its website.
Our Fire Prevention Branch operates a Fire Safety Trailer. This trailer is jointly owned and operated by New Tecumseth, Adjala Tosorontio and Essa Township as an enhanced tool for fire and life safety education.
The trailer travels to schools and public events across all the municipalities. This allows our team members to educate residents with on-site displays and demonstrations. The Fire Safety Trailer is capable of operating as a mobile command centre in case of a significant emergency.
Training
You can learn how to operate fire extinguishers with our Fire Extinguisher Training program. New Tecumseth Fire Rescue’s Prevention branch teaches you how to operate an extinguisher and how to be safe with the equipment. We use a brief presentation, theory instruction and hands-on training in our process.
The training is available to community groups, businesses and organizations. We recommend training for:
- Bus monitors
- Nursing home staff
- Commercial and industrial employees
- Scouts and guides
- Day care facilities
Contact Fire Administration to register for the course by calling 705-435-3900 or emailing Fire Administration.
The course is $10.00 per person. All not-for-profit organizations are exempt from the fee.
We offer a mobile fire extinguisher training unit that you can book. The unit will come to your organization and we provide all necessary course material on-site.
Simcoe County Fire Danger Ratings
Stay safe and informed!
View the current fire risk level in your community.
Station Tours
New Tecumseth Fire Rescue, Fire Prevention branch conduct tours at all stations in New Tecumseth upon request. Tours are available for large groups like school classes, day cares, senior groups, scouts or girl guides.
To book a tour, please contact Fire Administration at 705-435-3900 or email Fire Administration. Please submit your request two-to-three weeks prior to the date you are requesting.
Our fire stations are located at:
Station 1 – Alliston
130 Church St. S. Alliston
Station 2 – Beeton
130 Prospect St., Beeton
Station 3 – Tottenham
44 Mill St. E., Tottenham