Fire

The Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Fire and Emergency Services has two Fire Stations located within the Township.  Our Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief respond to incidents out of both stations.

The Fire Department responds to many types of emergency calls including:

• Auto Extrication
• Fire Suppression
• Medical Assistance
• Ice/Water Rescue
• Hazardous Incidents

The average call volume for both stations combined is approximately 350 calls per year. The members of the Fire Department meet twice a month for training.

Station One

Located at 7 King Street West, Havelock, ON

Station one consists of two captains, two lieutenants and 20 firefighters

Station Two

Located at 3360 County Road #48, Cordova Mines

Station two consists of one captain and 10 firefighters

Fire station one office hours

Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Open air burning

• No daytime burning allowed
• Fire season is from April 1st to October 31st
• 2 hours prior to sunset (approximately 6:00 p.m.) until 2 hours after sunrise (approximately 8:00 a.m.)
• Small camp fires only
• Burning is not permitted in areas where there are buildings with less than 75 feet apart.
• No burning of any kind when a Burn Ban is in effect!
• Open air burning By-Law

Burn permit

Burn Permits are available at the Fire Department Office at 705-778-3183

Fire By-Law 2017-075

Regulate fire routes

• Regulate Fire Routes By-Law 2014-53 

Carbon Monoxide alarms are required in all residential buildings that contain a fuel burning appliance, fireplace/ wood stove or an attached garage/ carport.

You must install a carbon monoxide alarm next to each sleeping area in the residence.

To learn more about carbon monoxide alarms visit the office of the Fire Marshall. 

How to install a carbon monoxide alarm

Read and follow every step of the manufacturer's directions when you install your carbon monoxide alarm.

Where does carbon monoxide come from?

It is produced when carbon-base fuels are incompletely burned such as:

• Wood
• Propane
• Natural Gas
• Heating Oil
• Coal
• Kerosene
• Charcoal
• Gasoline

Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning

• Headache, nausea, burning eyes, fainting, confusion and drowsiness
• Symptoms improve when away from the home for a period of time
• More than one person in the household show symptoms
• Exposure to higher levels may result in unconscious, brain damage and death
• Elderly, children and people with heat or respiratory conditions may be sensitive to carbon monoxide.

Maintain your carbon monoxide alarm

To maintain your Carbon Monoxide alarm:

• Test your carbon monoxide alarm every month
• Change the batteries at least twice a year
• Replace the carbon monoxide alarm as per the manufacturer's directions

It is the homeowner's responsibility to install and maintain smoke alarms on every storey of their home and outside all sleeping areas. In rental properties, it is the landlord's responsibility to ensure their rental property meets smoke alarm rules and regulations.

It is against the law to remove the batteries or tamper with smoke alarms.

How to install a smoke alarm

Read and follow every step of the manufacturer's directions when you install your smoke alarm.

Maintaining smoke alarms

• Test your smoke alarm every month
• Change your batteries at least twice a year
• Vacuum your alarms to clean at least once a year
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years

Nuisance alarm

Nuisance alarms are caused by smoke from cooking or steam from a shower. Never remove the battery or disconnect the power to deal with a nuisance alarm. Try moving the location of the smoke alarm or purchase a smoke alarm with a hush feature.

To stop nuisance alarms caused by cooking:

• Keep ovens and stovetop burners clean
• Clean out crumbs in the bottom of toasters and turn down the setting
• Use fan on the range hood when cooking

Evacuation plan

Create an evacuation plan and practice it with your family to avoid panic and confusion in the event of a fire.

9-1-1 is an emergency reporting phone number provided and operated by communities, to contact local police, ambulance and fire services.

9-1-1 calls are routed to an emergency call centre, which will ask if you require police, ambulance or fire. Stay on the line if you are transferred.

When a call is placed from a land line phone most 9-1-1 systems display your name and address to the call taker.

Cellular 9-1-1 calls may display the phone number to the call taker but do not display the location. Always know your location and be prepared to provide it.

Children should be taught the proper use of 9-1-1

 9-1-1 do's:

• 9-1-1 should be used for emergencies only
• Examples include serious medical problems, life threatening situations, fires or crimes in progress. If you are not sure call 9-1-1
• Make sure the numbers on the outside of your residence are clearly visible from the roadway at all times.

 911 don't's:

• Don't program 9-1-1 into any phone

For Further Information on 9-1-1, contact the Fire Department Office at (705) 778-3183

• Ambulance: 705-653-3211
• Fire Department: 705-778-3183
• OPP: 1-888-310-1122
• Poison INFO: 1-800-268-9017

For information regarding fireworks, please see Firework By-law 2022-018.

How to apply to become a Volunteer Firefighter

Fill out the Volunteer Firefighter Application Form. Submit your application to the Township Office or the Fire Station.

Requirements

• Live within close proximity of either station
• 18 years of age or older
• Able to obtain a Class D license with a "Z" endorsement
• Medical report is required
• Police Vulnerable Sector Check

What is superior tanker shuttle accreditation?

It is when the first pumper arrives on the fire scene and is able to flow a minimum of 900 litres (200 imperial gallons) of water per minute within 5 minutes and maintain the flow uninterrupted for two hours

This site must be within eight kilometers of the sub station and must be at least five kilometers from the location where the tankers are being reloaded.

This water source must be available 24 hours per day and 365 days a year.

Superior Tanker Shuttle Accreditation

History of the superior tanker shuttle accreditation

• Accreditation for the Township was received in October 2008
• On November 2nd , 2013 it was re-certified with Fire Protection Survey Services
• The Township exceeded the recommended flow rate of 900 litres per minute for an uninterrupted two hours

What does this mean for residents?

Completing the test indicates that Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Fire Department is able to safely and effectively transport water to fire scenes throughout the community. For residents within eight kilometers of a fire station, it means at least nine hundred litres per minute can be transported and applied to a fire.

Reduction in insurance

Many insurance companies recognize the Tanker Shuttle rating. Rural residents may receive a reduction in insurance premiums. Rural residents should contact their insurance agent to ask if they qualify for rate reduction.

View our Annual Fire Report.

• Campfires are responsible for wildfires every spring. Residents are reminded that they must tend their fires at all times, making sure to put them out before leaving. If it is windy, the risk of a wildfire is high - do not burn.
• Residents planning on burning grass, brush or other wood debris should consider composting or taking material to landfill sites instead. Each spring, grass fires get out of control and cause needless damage to barns, homes and cottages.
• Residents are reminded of their responsibilities under the Forest Fire Prevention Act (FFPA). All forest fires are investigated to determine the cause, and a person can be held responsible for the costs of extinguishing or property damage incurred by a forest fire
• Residents should check with their local fire department or township office for any burning restrictions in their area

Prepare now

• Review and discuss the safety tips with your entire household to make sure everyone understands what to do in a forest or wildland fire
• Clearly mark all driveway entrances and display your address so that emergency vehicles can easily find your home
• Plan several escape routes away from your home or cottage by car and by foot.
• Create a safety zone around your home and cottage. Modify or eliminate brush, trees, other vegetation and debris near your home and cottage.

Consult with your local fire department about making your home fire-resistant.

While forest fires can be dangerous to people and property, being prepared in advance and knowing what actions to take can better protect you.

For more information on forest fires and your safety, visit the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

For more information on forest fires and your health, visit the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.