Message from the Chief

On behalf of the City of Owen Sound and the staff of the Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services Department, welcome to our web site! There is information on firefighting, a Kids Page, a list of Frequently Asked Questions and the many other services provided by our department. Check out the information on how to best prepare your home and your family in case of fire and the useful data on fire prevention .

Our mission is to save and protect lives, property and the environment. This goal is achieved through constant and progressive training of our staff as well as through fire prevention, public education and awareness.

The department's personnel are highly trained to respond to a wide variety of emergencies and non-emergencies. Fighting fires is only one aspect of the department's responsibilities. Personnel also are involved in fire inspections, public education, fire prevention, rescue, medical, water and ice operations, plus dealing with hazardous materials emergencies.

The Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services headquarters is located in the centre of Owen Sound and is home to the administration offices, the fire prevention division, the training division and the fire suppression division.

The Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services Department is comprised of thirty-two personnel - twenty-six Firefighters, Training Officer, Fire Prevention Officer, Fire Inspector, Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief and Administrative Assistant. All Owen Sound Firefighters work on a "4-Platoon" system on a five day rotation made up of 10-hour day shifts and 14-hour night shifts. These are offset by periodic 24-hour shifts on Sundays. The one station is staffed by professional firefighters 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All are members of the IAFF, Local 531 and the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association.

Owen Sound is located in Grey County in the province of Ontario, Canada. It has a population of approximately 22,000 and is situated on beautiful Georgian Bay. Its sparkling streams, waterfalls and trails are only a two hours' drive north of Toronto.