Engine

  • Definition: basic firefighting apparatus assigned to every station that responds to all types of rescues, fires and medical calls; carries a water supply and hose.
  • Primary roles: placement of hose lines to supply water for rescue, fire extinguishment, exposure protection, patient evaluation and stabilization on medical calls, and primary extrications.
  • Water carried: 300 gallon to 750 gallon tanks
  • Equipment carried: medical equipment (including automatic defibrillator), either a 1500- or 1250 gallon-per-minute fire pump, hose, all have a quick attack hydraulic rescue tool for vehicle accidents and three have heavy hydraulic extrication equipment, plus ground ladders.
  • Amount of hose carried: : 550 feet of 5-inch hose, 800 feet of 3-inch hose, 250 feet of 2 1/2-inch pre-connected quick-attack firefighting hose line, 800 feet of 1 3/4-inch hose, two 200-foot quick-attack firefighting hose lines.
  • Staffing: 4 firefighters
  • Number in department: 8
  • Number of reserve units: 3

Truck

  • Definition: an apparatus that is larger than an engine and mounted with an aerial platform and fire pump.
  • Primary roles: forcible entry, search and rescue, assist with evacuation, ventilation of structure, placement of ladders, check for fire extension, salvage, overhaul, secure structure; also backs up engines for manpower and fire pump.
  • Water carried: 200-300 gallons
  • Equipment carried: aerial that is 95 feet in length, a vehicle extrication rescue tool and other rescue equipment, forcible entry tools, ground ladders, and 8kw generator.
  • Amount of hose carried: 550 feet of 5-inch hose, 500 feet of 3-inch hose, 800 feet of 1 3/4-inch attack hose, two 200-foot 1 3/4-inch quick-attack firefighting hose lines.
  • Staffing: 4 firefighters
  • Number in department: 4 platforms
  • Number of reserve units: 0

Tanker

  • Definition:An apparatus designed to carry a larger volume of water than an Engine.
  • Primary roles:placement of hose lines to supply water for rescue, fire extinguishment, exposure protection, patient evaluation and stabilization on medical calls, and primary extrications. May also be used to pump water directly into attack engine.
  • Water carried:1000 gallons
  • Equipment carried:medical equipment (including automatic defibrillator), either a 1250 gallon-per-minute fire pump, hose, all have a quick attack hydraulic rescue tool for vehicle accidents and has heavy hydraulic extrication equipment, ground ladders, plus a 1500-gallon portable pool.
  • Amount of hose carried:550 feet of 5-inch hose, 800 feet of 3-inch hose, 250 feet of 2 1/2-inch pre-connected quick-attack firefighting hose line, 800 feet of 1 3/4-inch hose, two 200-foot quick-attack firefighting hose lines.
  • Staffing:4 firefighters
  • Number in department: 1
  • Number of reserve units: 0

Rescue Unit

  • Definition: a vehicle that responds to fires as initial attack, for ventilation, auto extrication and rescue, primary first aid, and defibrillator responses.
  • Primary roles: to provide specialized rescue capabilities, hazardous materials mitigation, and provide heavy hydraulics for auto extrication.
  • Water carried: 500 gallon tanks
  • Equipment carried: high-powered lighting, rescue tools, rescue equipment, 10kw generator, air tools, heavy hydraulics, Hurst extrication equipment; 1250 gpm pump.
  • Amount of hose carried: 550 feet of 5-inch hose, 500 feet of 3-inch hose, 250 feet of 2 1/2-inch pre-connected quick-attack firefighting hose line, 500 feet of 1 3/4-inch hose, two 200-foot quick-attack firefighting hose lines.
  • Staffing: 4 firefighters
  • Number in department: 1

ESU - Emergency Supply Unit (aka "air light truck")

  • Definition: advanced supply unit that responds to fire & rescue scenes to supply breathing air and extra lighting when needed.
  • Primary roles: the ability to produce breathing air on scene and fill both SCBA and truck-mounted air tanks; supplies added line voltage circuits to power various tools; also carries equipment and supplies between stations and stores daily.
  • Equipment carried: 43kw generator, 22 CFM breathing air compressor and six storage tanks, cord reels, spare SCBAs and cylinders, dual fill stations & controls.
  • Rehab Supplies: Cooling fans, shelter, water, Gatorade, and ice.
  • Staffing: 1 firefighter
  • Number in department: 1

Hazmat Unit – “HazMat 1”

  • Definition: truck designed to carry the equipment needed for hazardous material response.
  • Primary roles: to define and control hazardous waste incidents, responding with the proper equipment and containment devices to neutralize or minimize the damage done by chemical, biological or nuclear spills throughout Southern Ontario.
  • Equipment carried: containment devices, bags, cans, plastic containers, an assortment of various gas and chemical analyzers, data bases, and communication devices to properly reference material handling information, high-end chemical response suits and breathing apparatus, and many other specialty tools used in hazmat control.
  • Staffing: Hazmat technician – shared with truck and engine crews
  • Number in department: 1

Mobile Command Post

  • Definition: large mobile command and control facility
  • Primary roles: Used for large and/or complex incidents, the Mobile Command Post is jointly operated with Windsor Police Services and is set-up to provide a central location for command and support agencies to coordinate and direct joint operations using the Incident Management System (IMS).
  • Equipment carried: 2 x 20 kw generators (1 diesel, 1 hydraulic), communication and computer equipment
  • Staffing: no permanent driver
  • Number in department: 1
  • Number of reserve units: 0

Command Car

  • Definition: Ford F250 vehicles used for incident command
  • Primary roles: to transport division chiefs to incidents and to be the command centre at the incident, thereby responsible for command and control.
  • Equipment carried: 5-lb. Class “A” fire extinguisher, foam and drychem extinguisher, 2 SCBAs, gas analyzer, communication equipment and reference material
  • Staffing: 1 driver, 1 officer
  • Number in department: 2
  • Number of reserve units: 0

Special OPS (OPS 1)

  • Definition: Hazardous Materials Initial Response Vehicle.
  • Primary roles: to provide initial HAZMAT response services to the City of Windsor and County of Essex.
  • Equipment carried: Monitors and sensors to deal with Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive events (CBRNE). AREA RAE SYSTEM that can provide perimeter monitoring for large fires, chemical spills and releases.
  • Staffing: When activated, 2 HAZMAT Technicians or Specialists.
  • Number in department: 1
  • Number of reserve units: 0

Apparatus Service Unit

  • Definition: service vehicle used to transport technicians and equipment to various sites, with 4-wheel drive capability.
  • Primary roles: to transport technicians and equipment plus fuel, to off-site locations to repair all apparatus; to supply fuel and technical assistance at major conflagrations; to transport heavy objects around the city when needed; snow removal and emergency personnel transportation during inclement weather.
  • Equipment carried: 100 gal. diesel tank plus pump with 50 ft. delivery hose, assorted hand tools, power tailgate, and snow plow.
  • Staffing: 1 emergency equipment technician
  • Number in department: 2
  • Number of reserve units: 0

Assorted Equipment

  • 4-wheel drive vehicles for administrative duties and for emergency transport in inclement weather
  • Cars to transport fire prevention officers, communication officers, and administrative personnel
  • Antique vehicles for public education and parades
  • Large 40kw mobile generators, stationary generators, and portable generators to supply power during blackout conditions