Fire department ahead of the curve on training

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Uxbridge firefighters doing training exercises on an empty house in Uxbridge. Photo by John Cavers

In a report to council on Monday, Fire Chief Mike MacDonald informed council that when it comes to training certification, the Uxbridge fire department is ahead of the pack.

MacDonald said a new law comes into effect on July 2 requiring firefighters to undergo training certification, but the Uxbridge department has been certifying training for years. He said certification is a measurement against standards. He noted that in July 2028, technical rescue training will also have to be certified.

The department will be looking for recruits in the fall, with the aim of adding five new firefighters. He said applicants will need to be 18 or over, be physically fit, have good vision and a driver's license.

In the meat of the report, MacDonald said the fire department responded to 451 incidents in 2025, an increase of 19 per cent from a year earlier. Five structure fires in the township resulted in an estimated fire loss of almost $585,000, and nine vehicle fires resulted in a loss of $373,000.

On a sombre but happy note, MacDonald said the department suffered its most serious accident involving frontline staff when three firefighters were struck while working on an accident scene.

"We are thankful that all three fully recovered and returned to full duties within six months of injury," he said.

In another report, MacDonald asked council to allow staff to apply for a $25,000 grant from Hydro One to help with the purchase of an emergency generator for Sandford Hall. He said Sandford Hall has been identified as a strategic location for enhanced emergency preparedness within the township, noting the installation of a permanent emergency standby generator would provide significant benefits.

He said the cost of an emergency generator is about $34,000.