Fire and Rescue Services

Mission and services provided

The mission of Georgina Fire and Rescue Services is to provide the utmost professional and competent service through its commitment to quality and excellence in the community for residents and visitors.

Georgina Fire and Rescue Services provides a range of services to residents and visitors in the Town of Georgina, including:

fire suppression
medical aid response
motor vehicle accident response
hazardous material response
ice/water rescue response
fire prevention
public education
enforcement of the Ontario Fire Code
investigation of the causes of fires

Our services and mandate are outlined in the Establishing and Regulating By-law. The department runs as a composite department with three fire stations that provide 24-7 protection to residents.

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Boat safety

Let’s have a safe and fun boating season. Ensure you have all the required safety equipment and ensure everything is working order. Check all your life jackets for cuts and overall condition before you set sail, and ensure you have a life jacket for every person on board your boat.

Boat smart. Boat sober. There is no safe way to mix alcohol or drugs and boating and it is against the law. Offer the driver and passengers non-alcoholic drink options while on your boat. We must be alert anytime we are operating a vehicle.

Always check the weather and wind conditions before you start your day on the water. Conditions can change quickly, especially on Lake Simcoe. While out on your boat, turn on notifications for any incoming weather and be prepared to head back to shore at a moment’s notice. In the case of an emergency, call 911.

What would you do if you got lost or had an emergency on Lake Simcoe? We’re using @what3words to help us get to you sooner. Download the free app prior to your adventure. In an emergency, call 911 and use the app to provide your location with just three words.

If you have sleeping accommodation on your boat, install a smoke and CO alarm to alert you to a potential fire.

Do you have a water safety plan? Want more information? Visit our water and boating safety webpage.

BBQ safety

It's officially barbecue season. It’s time to clean your grill and remove all the charred food, ash and grease from under the grates. This will help prevent flare ups while you are grilling all season long. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to ensure burner ports are free of rust, dirt, spider webs or other debris. Examine the fuel lines leading from the tank to the burners. Replace it if cracked or damaged.

Examine fuel lines for leaks by applying a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap to propane cylinder connections and hoses. If bubbles appear, tighten the connection and/or replace the damaged parts and retest.

Use barbecues outdoors only. They produce carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can lead to unconsciousness and even death. Never use or store propane cylinders inside any structure, including garages.

And remember, never throw water on a grease fire – this will only spread the flames.

Prevent grass fires

With the hot weather upon us, now is the time we can experience grass fires.

To reduce the chances of a grass fire, never flick cigarette butts into the air or out of a vehicle window. The wind can pick them up and drop them in a dry area. Always extinguish your butts completely before disposing of them.

Only you can prevent grass fires. Rake leaves, mow the grass regularly and clean up combustibles around your home. Remember, don't park cars, trucks or recreational vehicles on dry grass or shrubs.

Small embers and sparks can start fires outside of your fire pit if you aren’t careful. Before having a fire at your home, check the Town of Georgina bylaw on open-air burning to ensure your fire pit and property meet the requirements. A permit may be required.

Always have a water source nearby such as a water hose in the event a fire is started.

Cottage fire safety

The nice weather is finally here and it’s time to open those cottages. But remember, fire safety doesn’t take a vacation. Start the cottage season with safety and ensure your cottage has working smoke alarms on every level and outside all sleeping areas. Install CO alarms outside of all sleeping areas. Test smoke and CO alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.

At the start of the season, have a professional come in and check all the appliances in your cottage to ensure they are in working order. Check extension and electrical cords for nicks and cuts. If they are damaged, replace the cord or appliance.

Create a home escape plan for your cottage with two ways out of every room and a meeting place outside. Practice your plan with everyone that visits so everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

What3Words

What3Words is a mobile phone app that can help Georgina Fire and Rescue Services get to you sooner. If you’re lost or need emergency assistance, use the free What3Words app to find the three words for your location, then give them to the emergency services over the phone. This way, emergency responders will know your exact location. Before your next adventure, download the app from Google Play or Apple App Store.

Burn Permits

Applications available online

Online permit applications for Agricultural and Open-air Burn Permits are now available.