Apparatus Types

ENGINE (a.k.a. “pumper”)
  • 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: 11
  • Number of reserve units: 2
TRUCK (a.k.a. “truck” or “aerial”)
  • 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: 5 platforms
  • Number of reserve units: 0
RESCUE UNIT
  • Definition: a vehicle that responds to fires as initial attack, as manpower back-up to engines, for positive pressure ventilation, minor hazmat incidents, auto extrication and rescue, primary first aid, and defibrillator responses.
  • Primary roles: to provide specialized rescue capabilities and hazardous materials mitigation, to fulfill planning and manpower requirement at structure fires, to light the fire ground when appropriate, provide heavy hydraulics for auto extrication.
  • Water carried: 300 and 500 gallon tanks
  • Equipment carried: high-powered lighting, rescue tools, specialized hazmat monitoring and mitigation equipment, rescue equipment, 27kw generator, air compressor, air tools, heavy hydraulics, Hurst extrication equipment; one has a 9000W light tower, both have smaller 500 & 350 gpm pumps.
  • Amount of hose carried: 400 feet of 1 3/4-inch and 3-inch supply hose
  • Staffing: 4 firefighters
  • Number in department: 2
  • Number of reserve units: 1 (shared with ESU and Hazmat)

ESU – EMERGENCY SUPPLY UNIT (a.k.a. “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; a 9000W light tower supplies added light to emergency scenes; 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, one – 9000W light tower, cord reels, spare SCBAs and bottles, one fill station & controls.
  • Staffing: 1 firefighter
  • Number in department: 1
  • Number of reserve units: 1 (shared with Rescue & Hazmat)

HAZMAT UNIT

  • Definition: truck and trailer 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
  • Number of reserve units: 1 (shared with spare ESU)

COMMAND POST

  • Definition: large mobile command and control facility
  • Primary roles: when incidents get too large to control from the Command Car, the Command Post is set up to provide a centre for command and support structure, giving officers from different departments (water, gas, etc.) a location for consultation and direction.
  • Equipment carried: 12kw generator, communication and computer equipment
  • Staffing: no permanent driver
  • Number in department: 1
  • Number of reserve units: 0

COMMAND CAR

  • Definition: sport utility vehicle 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, 2 SCBAs, gas analyzer, communication equipment and reference material
  • Staffing: 1 driver, 1 officer
  • Number in department: 2
  • 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.