North Middlesex Fire Department
The North Middlesex Fire Department is made up of 50 paid, on-call firefighters working out of the Ailsa Craig and the Parkhill fire stations. The NMFD responds to approximately 125 calls per year, ranging from working with our Paramedic partners at medical calls and motor vehicle collisions to responding to structure fires in houses, commercial establishments and barns.
Our firefighters are well-trained and maintain their skills through bi-weekly training. They come from all walks of life and all live within our community. The Municipality also purchases fire services under fire protection agreements for outlying areas and is part of the Province of Ontario Mutual Aid plan.
Are you prepared for an emergency?
Emergencies can happen quickly, without warning, at any time of day, and in any season. When it comes to emergency preparedness, it all starts at home.
Visit our Emergency Preparedness webpage for information to make sure you and your family are safe and prepared for any emergency.
North Middlesex Firefighter Recruitment
Do you have a desire to help keep your community safe? Becoming a Firefighter is one of the most challenging, fast-paced, and rewarding opportunities available.
The North Middlesex Fire Department provides emergency response from 2 fire stations in the communities of Ailsa Craig and Parkhill. If you're interested in a paid, on-call Firefighter position in North Middlesex, the information on this page will help you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
Firefighter Recruitment
The Municipality of North Middlesex has a dedicated crew of paid on-call/part-time firefighters that are committed to providing fire protection, prevention, and public education services to the community.
Firefighters play an important role in keeping the community safe from fire and other hazards. If you are dedicated, have excellent teamwork skills, good health and physical fitness, then consider joining our team! Firefighting is a great way to learn valuable skills, give back to your community, and make extra income.
Contact North Middlesex Fire Chief Greg Vandenheuvel gregv@northmiddlesex.on.ca
Open Air Burns
Controlled burns need to be approved by the Fire Chief prior to burning. Please see below for details.
Open Air Burns
- Controlled burns need to be approved by the Fire Chief prior to burning.
- Please contact Greg Vandenheuvel at 519-294-6244 ext 235, or 519-494-6001 (cell).
- Open Burns regulations and fine schedule are subject to our Open Air Burn By-Law
- Please allow up to 24 hours for a return call and permission to burn.
- Please have the 911 address of the location of the burn.
- Size of pile is required
- Contents of the pile is required, for example, scrap lumber, brush, etc.
- Winds can't be more than 15 km/h
- Must have constant, competent supervision
- You are required to contact Fire Dispatch in Strathroy at 519-245-1300 or 1-844-220-1300 before the burn, and when the fire is out.
For more information view:
Fire Safety Saves Lives
The North Middlesex Fire Department is stepping up efforts to promote fire safety in our community. This aims to equip residents with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent fires and respond effectively if one occurs.
Fire safety education saves lives. By understanding fire hazards and knowing how to react in an emergency, residents can reduce the risk of injury and property damage. From proper use of smoke detectors to creating escape plans, simple steps can make a big difference.
For any questions, contact North Middlesex Fire Chief Greg Vandenheuvel gregv@northmiddlesex.on.ca
For more safety tips, visit https://www.oaf.on.ca/public-safety.
Services
Fire Prevention services, including public education, inspection, enforcement and fire scene assessment, are contracted to the Municipality of Middlesex Centre. North Middlesex firefighters also deliver fire prevention public education initiatives within their respective districts.
Fire Inspection Services & Complaints
- Middlesex Centre Fire Services offers fire safety inspections on a request and a complaint basis on behalf of the municipalities of Middlesex Centre, Thames Centre and North Middlesex.
- It is the municipality's responsibility to ensure fire safety inspections are conducted upon complaint, request, and as necessary to meet the mandatory requirements of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (FPPA) and associated regulations.
- Inspection requests can be submitted through the Municipality of Middlesex Centre's online form or by contacting the Fire Inspection Officer.
Emergency Management
In accordance with the Emergency Management Act RSO 1990, Chapter E. 9 as amended, the municipality is required to conform to standards set out by Emergency Management Ontario in accordance with international best practices, including the four core components of emergency management, namely:
- mitigation/prevention
- preparedness
- response and
- recovery