Fire Department Home Your Government Departments Fire Department Huron Shores Fire Department The Huron Shores Fire Department is staffed by a dedicated crew of volunteer firefighters: Henk VanDelft, Fire Chief/Fire Prevention Officer Jordan Medve, Station 1 Deputy Chief Scott Richards, Station 2 Deputy Chief We encourage all residents to join our team, and submit an Application Form today. For youths (16-17 years of age), interested in the Firefighter Cadet Program, please review the program outline. and submit a Release From Liability Form. All forms can be submitted to the Municipal Office or the Huron Shores Fire Department Office located at 69 Little Rapids Road, Thessalon, ON. The Huron Shores Fire Department operates from two (2) Fire Stations: Station 1 located at 69 Little Rapids Road, Thessalon, ON Station 2 located at 10 John Street, Iron Bridge, ON Frequently Asked Questions Q: How much is a fire permit?A: $10.00 Q: Do I need a permit to have a campfire?A: Not if it is for cooking or heat Q: How big can a campfire be?A: 1 meter in diameter Q: Do I have a call in every time I want to burn brush?A: Yes, and you must have a fire permit Q: Can I burn in the daytime?A: Only from December to March, if there is an inch of snow on the ground (Fire permit is still required) Q: What is a fire ban?A: A fire ban is something the Fire Department puts on when conditions are to dry to burn. Only campfires are allowed for cooking or warmth. Q: What is a fire restriction?A: A fire restriction is put on by the MNR and means no open flames Q: Where can I obtain a fire permit?A: Fire permits can be obtained at the Municipal Office from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or through the Municipal website found under Forms and Permits Q: How long is a permit valid?A: One (1) full year from the date it was issued Q: What if I have more questions?A: If questions can not be found through our website, please contact the Municipal Office or speak to our Fire Prevention Officer. Open Air Burning By-law: By-law #23-25 Open air burning requires the purchase of an annual permit at a cost of $10.00 (permit is not required for a campfire). The permittee is to call the Municipal Office at (705) 843-2033 during regular office hours to advise of his/her intention to burn. To learn more about the Open Air Burning regulations, Fire Bans, and the penalties for infraction of the By-law, please click on the links below: By-law #23-25 Open Air Burning Letter from now retired Fire Chief Gib Medve re: Open Air Burning By-law Smoke Alarms Are Required in Homes The top 6 causes of home fires include: Smoking Cooking Matches/Lighters Candles Heating Appliances Electrical The Huron Shores Fire Department would like to remind you that it is important test your fire alarms on a regular basis, and to change the batteries in your smoke alarms to ensure they are working properly. Alarms don’t last forever, it is recommended you replace your smoke alarm every 10 years. Smoke detectors, Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors and combination units are available for purchase at the Municipal Office. If you have any questions or require assistance with the installation of your alarms, please contact the Municipal Office at (705) 843-2033 and a member of the Huron Shores Fire Department will be glad to assist you, and answer any questions you may have. Carbon Monoxide Alarms Are Required in Homes It’s the law in Ontario to have carbon monoxide (CO) alarms installed in your home if you have a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage. If your home has either, a working CO alarm must be installed outside all sleeping areas of the home; for added protection, install a carbon monoxide alarm on every storey of the home. Please see https://www.oafc.on.ca/carbon-monoxide for more information. What is CO? CO is known as the silent killer because it is an invisible, tasteless and odourless gas that can be deadly. CO is produced when fuels such as propane, gasoline, natural gas, heating oil or wood do not burn completely in fuel-burning appliances and devices such as furnaces, gas or wood fireplaces, hot water heaters, stoves, barbeques, portable fuel-burning heaters and generators and vehicles. Prevent CO in your home: Ensure all fuel-burning appliances in your home are inspected annually. Check that all outside appliance vents are not blocked. Never use a portable fuel-burning appliance inside (i.e. barbeques, portable heaters and generators). Know the symptoms of CO: Exposure to CO can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, as well as confusion, drowsiness, loss of consciousness and death. If your CO alarm sounds, and you or other occupants suffer from symptoms of CO poisoning, get everyone out of the home immediately. Then call 9-1-1 or your local emergency services number from outside the building. If your CO alarm sounds, and no one is suffering from symptoms of CO poisoning, check to see if the battery needs replacing, or the alarm has reached its “end-of-life” before calling 9-1-1. Know the sound of your CO alarm: Your CO alarm sounds different than your smoke alarm. Test both alarms monthly and make sure everyone in your home knows the difference between the two alarm sounds. Don’t be confused by the sound of your CO alarm’s low-battery warning. Follow your CO alarm manufacturer’s instructions so you know the difference between the low-battery warning, the “end-of-life” warning, and the alarm alerting you to the presence of CO in your home. For more CO safety tips, please visit ontario.ca/firemarshal and COsafety.ca or view the Ontario CO Alarm Law Homeowners Guide. REVIEW YOUR FIRE ESCAPE PLAN! The Canada Safety Council recommends these steps to prepare for a family fire drill: Draw a floor plan of your house Mark two ways out of each room Establish a meeting place outside the house Be sure each family member has the plan and knows the escape route Post your fire escape plan on the fridge or family bulletin board Hold a fire drill for your family once or twice a year. Vary the drills, to practice escaping from different fire sources Ice Thickness Safety Chart Knowing ice thickness and its safety guidelines can prevent accidents and save lives. This chart provides general recommendations for ice safety, but always use caution, as ice conditions can vary due to weather, water currents, and other factors. 1. Ice Thickness Guidelines Less than 2 inches – Unsafe! Stay off the ice. 4 inches – Safe for walking, ice fishing, and skating. [ ] 5-7 inches – Safe for snowmobiles and ATVs. 8-12 inches – Safe for small cars and light trucks. [ ] 12+ inches – Safe for medium-sized trucks. Varies – Ice over flowing water (rivers, streams) is always unsafe. Be cautious – Ice near docks, reeds, and pressure cracks may be weak. [ ] Snow-covered ice can be deceptive and hide thin spots. 2. Safety Tips for Ice Travel Always check ice thickness before stepping onto frozen water. [ ] Wear a life jacket or flotation device while on ice. Carry ice picks and a rope for self-rescue or helping others. [ ] Never go alone – always have a buddy. Avoid ice that appears slushy or has visible cracks. Be extra cautious near shorelines, as ice is often weaker. [ ] Test ice thickness in multiple spots before proceeding. If ice starts to crack, lie down and distribute your weight evenly. 3. What to Do If You Fall Through Ice Stay calm – don’t thrash around. Turn towards the direction you came from (ice is strongest there). [ ] Kick your legs while pulling yourself onto the ice. Once out, roll away from the hole to distribute your weight. Get to warm shelter immediately and remove wet clothing. Seek medical attention if signs of hypothermia appear. 4. Helping Someone Who Fell Through Ice Call 911 immediately – time is critical. DO NOT run to the person – this may cause you to fall through as well. [ ] Use a rope, ladder, or long branch to reach them from a safe distance. Encourage them to kick their legs and use their arms to climb out. If necessary, lie flat on the ice to distribute your weight while helping. Once rescued, keep them warm and get medical attention immediately. Ice safety is critical! When in doubt, stay off the ice.