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Under the direction of the Fire Chief, the West Perth Fire Department currently provides fire protection and emergency medical services from the Mitchell Station at 169 St.David Street, Mitchell.
The Department currently consists of 1 full-time Fire Chief, 1 full-time Fire Prevention Officer, 1 full-time administrative assistant, and 27 volunteer firefighters: a Station Chief, a Deputy Station Chief, 4 Captains, 1 Dispatcher, and 20 firefighters.
Personnel respond to an average of 120 emergency calls a year over a large geographical area that is mostly rural. Strong fire prevention and education programs are in place to help protect life and property in the Municipality. From August 2014 to December 2019, the West Perth Fire Department has saved an estimated $105 million dollars worth of property!
Fire Chief's Desk
Welcome to our online home. I hope you will find a great deal of resources and fire safety information within these pages. Please check back often as we update our pages. Our West Perth staff are a dedicated group of men and women here to help you when you need it.
Although we are here to help you in your time of need, you are also responsible to do your part to avoid creating those times of need. Some things that you can take care of are:
Proper disposal of smoking materials
Staying in the kitchen while you are cooking
Discarding damaged electrical cords & appliances
Using extension cords only on a temporary basis
Have your heating systems inspected
Keep your chimneys clean and in good repair
Never leave burning candles unattended
Keep your outdoor open air burns in control
It is also your responsibility to have properly working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your homes. Even with your best efforts, a fire could still start...and only properly working alarms will give you and your family the necessary early detection to escape safely. We also strongly recommend that you create and practice a home escape plan. Knowing how to escape your home, and where to meet when you do, are all part of your responsibility for your own fire safety.
One of our most popular public education initiatives dealt with the Silent Killer...Carbon Monoxide (CO). We are very proud of our award winning video that was filmed here in Mitchell... The Wake Up Call. Visit the Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms tab to view it.
The West Perth Fire Department has a storied history.
1872 All buildings on the north side of Main Street, Mitchell burned, which led to the first 'Unofficial' Fire Department being organized (1873) and first fire hydrants installed (1874)
1875 "Mitchell Fire Company" was organized, including 28 firefighters and 4 torch-boys;
1920 First "Fire Prevention Day" was held;
1921 First motorized apparatus purchased (Model T Ford, using soda action principle of pressuring water). Second motorized apparatus purchased in 1928 (350 gallon triple combination pumper that was built by Lorne Fire Engines in Mitchell); both trucks are on display today in the West Perth Fire station.
The WPFD has a total complement of 28 dedicated members. We protect a population of 8900 residents living in almost 580 square kilometers. Our Fire Administration, which includes the Fire Chief, Fire Prevention Officer and Public Educator/Administrative Assistant, is contracted through an agreement with the Township of Perth East.
Burn Permits and Open Air Burning
West Perth fire department's main goal is to ensure the safety of citizens and our community. Which is why permits are required for certain activities including: open air burning, special events, and firework or pyrotechnic events. Permits are free - unnecessary fire calls are not!
Recreational Fires (Camp Fires) do not require a burn permit, but must abide by the following as per the Open Air Burning By-Law:
Fire must be no bigger than 3 feet x 3 feet
Extinguished by 12:00 a.m.
Extinguishable source nearby (i.e. water hose)
Clean wood only, not plastics
Have the following information ready when obtaining a permit:
NOTE: Leaving a message with this information or clicking submit does not give you permission to burn. You must obtain approval directly from staff.
Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
In Ontario, more than 80% of injuries and deaths from Carbon Monoxide (CO) occur in the home. We want to make sure everyone is safe from CO. Install CO alarms, and do everything you can to prevent CO in your home in the first place. Beat the silent killer: Prevent Carbon Monoxide (CO) in your home.
Carbon monoxide alarms in your house
If your home has a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage, you must have a working CO alarm adjacent to each sleeping area of the home. For added protection, install a carbon monoxide alarm on every storey of the home according to manufacturer's instructions. Fuel-burning appliances can include: furnaces, hot water heaters, gas or wood fireplaces, portable fuel-burning heaters and generators, barbeques, stoves and vehicles.
What is carbon monoxide?
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 carbon monoxide in your home
Ensure all fuel-burning appliances in your home are inspected annually. Visit COSafety.ca to find a registered contractor near you.
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 carbon monoxide poisoning
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 carbon monoxide 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.
Smoke Alarms
A working smoke alarm in the home gives you early warning of a fire. Most fatal fires happen at night when people are sleeping. A working smoke alarm will detect smoke and sound to alert you. The Ontario Fire Code requires every home to have one or more working smoke alarm(s).
Choose the right alarm
There are many different types of smoke alarms to choose from. Smoke alarms can be electrically connected, battery-operated or both. When replacing a smoke alarm you must replace it with the same type (battery, electrically connected, or both).
Install more than one
Smoke alarms must be on every level of your home and near each sleeping area. Remember to replace alarms that are more than 10 years old. Smoke alarms don't last forever. Depending on the age of your home smoke alarms may also be located inside each bedroom as well.
Where to install smoke alarms?
Because smoke rises, it is recommended that you place the alarms on the ceiling. Avoid ceilings near bathrooms, heating appliances, windows and ceiling fans. Always follow the manufacturers instructions when installing smoke alarms.
Test your alarm
Test your smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button and listening for the alarm.
Replace batteries regularly
When a smoke alarm warning beeps sound, replace your battery immediately, never wait. If you have regular batteries it is recommended to change them twice a year at the same time you change your clocks for daylight savings. Some new smoke alarms come with a 10 year sealed battery and do not require you to make battery changes.
Maintain alarms
Prevent dust from clogging your smoke alarms by gently vacuuming them with a soft brush every six months. Never vacuum electrically connected alarms unless you shut off the power. Test each unit when finished.
Prepare and practice
Make a home escape plan. Draw a floor plan showing how you and your family would escape a fire in your home. Look for two ways out of each room and have a pre-arranged meeting place outside. Regularly practice with every member of your home. After everyone is outside, call 9-1-1 from a safe location.
Fire Inspections
When is a fire inspection required?
Whether it's a home, education facility, office building or event venue, fire safety saves lives. If you own a building, you are responsible for ensuring it's maintained in compliance with the Ontario Fire Code which can help prevent injuries and save structures.
If you need guidance or assistance in complying with the terms of the code we are here to help. The West Perth fire department provides fire inspections and file search services.
When do you need to get a fire inspection?
a complaint is received regarding the fire safety of a property
a request is made to assist a property owner or occupant to comply with the Fire Code and the involvement of the Chief Fire Official is required to ensure the owner remains in compliance with the Ontario Fire Code.
the fire department is aware of violations in a particular property
Fire Inspections
The inspection will look at a number of issues including:
Means of Egress (path available for a person to leave a building)
Construction
Compartmentation
Interior Finish
Building Services
Fire Protection Systems
Fire Alarm and Detection Systems
File Searches
If you are selling, purchasing, insuring or re-mortgaging a property, it often requires a search to identify if there are any outstanding orders against the property. Typically law firms or financial institutions complete these searches. However, citizens may also request a search of a property.
The West Perth fire department will provide a file search for any outstanding Ontario Fire Code violations against a property.
How do you request an inspection?
To request an inspection, or file search contact the Fire Prevention Officer Contact the Municipality of West Perth for applicable fees found in our Fee Schedule.
Fire Safety
There are lots of different types of fire safety. It is smart to be aware of all different types of fire escape plans and emergency procedures.
Plan to Escape
Did you know that 7 out of 10 fires in Canada occur at home? Protect your family and home from fire with smoke alarms, understanding fire safety and creating a home escape plan.
Draw a floor plan of your home showing all possible exits from each room. Plan a main escape route and an alternate escape route from each room, especially bedrooms. When fire strikes, a planned step-by-step escape route can reduce panic and confusion. Most of all, it can save lives.
Choose a meeting place
Arrange an outside meeting place and a safe location to call 9-1-1. The best place to meet is in front of your home, where firefighters will arrive.
Practice your plan
Conduct a fire drill at least once every six months. The best place to start your fire drill is from a bedroom. Sound the alarm and get everyone in the home to participate. In a real fire, you must be prepared to move quickly and carefully without confusion. Don't rush through the drill. Make sure everyone knows exactly what to do. After the drill, discuss what took place and how to improve performance.
Make your fire drill as realistic as possible. Practice two escape routes. Vary your drills. For example, one drill might place a fire in an attic while another might place it in a kitchen. Make sure everyone understands how escape routes are altered depending on different fire locations. Pretend that there are no lights, and that your escape routes are filling with smoke
Welcome to our farm fire safety program "Building a Farm Fire Safe Community". This program was created to address the growing concern regarding farm-related fires. Barn/shed, agricultural vehicle and other farm-related fires have led to staggering losses. Fires have destroyed buildings, livestock, vehicles, equipment and often crippled the livelihood of farming families. In Ontario alone, OMAFRA reports farm structure losses of $25 million-$60 million each year which doesn't even include contents such as equipment and livestock.
The Farm Fire Safety Program is founded on education, awareness and farm fire safety planning within the West Perth and Perth East fire areas.
Farm Fire Safety Plan
Each farm is unique, which means each farm should have a unique farm fire safety plan. We've made it quick & easy for farm owners/operators to qualify for a custom-made fire safety plan for their farm. Simply complete the Self-Assessment Form and send it electronically, (or print and submit it) to the West Perth Fire Department. Once we've reviewed your completed form, we'll contact you and schedule a visit to the farm property. From there, we'll work with you, your family, employees and the property itself to create a farm fire safety plan.
A farm fire safety plan may include:
In-person assessment
Fire pre-planning
Water supply assessment
Owner/operator/employee training
Fire drill scenarios
Livestock evacuation planning
Fire safety checklist
Farm fire safety for kids
FFSC is made possible by our Partners in Farm Safety:
These procedures are based on your workplace having a fire alarm system and an approved fire safety plan. Your building may not have an alarm system or a detailed fire safety plan. Your workplace fire evacuation procedures may differ. Make it your business to know the fire safety plan and evacuation procedures in your workplace.
Employees should know:
the location of two exits closest to their work area
the location of the nearest fire alarm pull station and how to use it
the phone number for the West Perth Fire Department (9-1-1)
your responsibilities in a fire, which are in the fire safety plan
the fire emergency procedures posted on your floor
Employers are responsible for:
preparing and implementing the Fire Safety Plan
informing employees of the Fire Safety Plan
posting fire emergency procedures on each floor
conducting regular fire drills with all employees
If you discover a fire:
Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station on the fire floor
Leave the area immediately, closing all doors behind you
Take keys with you
Go to the nearest exit and leave the building. Close all doors behind you
If you encounter smoke, consider taking an alternate stairwell/exit. Heat and smoke rise leaving cleaner air near the floor. Crawl low under smoke
Call the West Perth Fire Department at 9-1-1 regardless of the size of the fire. Never assume this has been done. Give correct address, location of fire and your name
Photo Gallery: West Perth Fire Department will appear here on the public site.
