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 two have heavy hydraulic extrication equipment, plus ground ladders.
  • Amount of hose carried: 750 feet of 5-inch hose, 800 feet of 3-inch hose, two 200-foot quick-attack firefighting hose lines.
  • Staffing: 4 firefighters
  • Number in department: 10
  • 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, 400 feet of 1 3/4-inch attack hose.
  • Staffing: 4 firefighters
  • Number in department: 4 platforms
  • 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, specialized hazmat monitoring and mitigation equipment, rescue equipment, 10kw generator, air tools, heavy hydraulics, Hurst extrication equipment; 1250 gpm pump.
  • Amount of hose carried: 500 feet of 1 3/4-inch and 3-inch supply hose
  • 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