Fire and Rescue Services

For heat safety tips and information about local cooling centres, visit georgina.ca/ExtremeHeat.

Business owners and operators: Learn about your responsibilities under the Fire Code by visiting our Fire Code information for businesses page.

Battery Recycling

Georgina Fire and Rescue Services have partnered with Call2Recycle – Battery Recycling – to provide an opportunity for the community to safely drop off used batteries. They can be dropped off at the Keswick fire station between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Don’t let dead batteries become a hazard. For more information on recycling batteries, visit recycleyourbatteries.ca.

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.

Fire and safety reminders

Garage safety

The garage is beginning to become an extension of the home. Ensure your garage is safe from fire. Always use a licensed electrical contractor to inspect and install additional circuits or outlets, and to complete any repairs to your electrical system. Contact the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) for a licensed electrical contract near you.

Store gasoline in tightly capped, labelled and approved containers. The max quantity you can store is 30 litres. Refuel equipment such as lawn mowers and snow blowers outside and only when cooled.

Do not store propane gas cylinders in your garage or home. Store them outside and away from your home. Frequently dispose of flammable and combustible materials that are no longer needed or used

Encourage smokers to smoke outside. Avoid emptying smoking materials directly into the garbage. Soak cigarette butts and ashes with water first and then discard into the garbage can.

Farm safety

People, animals and property are in danger when fire breaks out on the farm. Inspect your barn and outbuildings for fire hazards to reduce the risk of tragic loss.

Keep your farm safe from fire. Ensure your electrical equipment is labeled for agricultural or commercial use. Check that all wiring is free from damage and do not use extension cords in the barn.

Barns are full of items that can ignite easily, remove the hazard of smoking and make your barn a smoke-free zone. Provide your workers and staff with fire extinguisher training. Ensure everyone in the barn knows personal safety is the first priority if a fire breaks out.

Tornados

Tornadoes can travel quickly, leaving a path of destruction in their wake. A tornado can also be fairly small and only touch the ground momentarily. Warning signs that a tornado may form include severe thunderstorms, very dark clouds highlighted with a few green or yellow areas, a rumbling sound, and a funnel cloud forming at the base of a dark cloud.

Make sure you and your family are prepared. Create a personalized 72-hour kit for your entire family. Kits should include practical items such as drinking water, food, cash and a portable radio. However, they should also include items that are unique to your own families’ needs. This could include baby items, medical prescriptions, pet food, etc.

Have practice drills with your family, so you know what to do and are prepared. Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a tornado, preferably a basement. Make sure it is away from external doors, windows and walls. Always pay attention to weather warnings. Visit Environment Canada for up-to-date warnings.

Extreme heat

We may think of Canada as the winter capital of the world, but summers can get very hot. A prolonged period of heat can become dangerous for many people. Make sure you know those who are most at risk in your neighbourhood, such as the elderly, children and those who are sick or in need of extra assistance.

Heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke can happen to anyone who stays in the heat and sun for too long. Watch for symptoms of heat illness, such as:

Dizziness or fainting
Nausea or vomiting
Headache
Rapid breathing and heartbeat
Extreme thirst
Decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine
Changes of behaviour in children

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 if you are caring for someone who displays:

Signs of heat illness
Unconsciousness
Confusion
Or has stopped sweating

Learn more at georgina.ca/ExtremeHeat.

Pet safety

We are into the dog days of summer. Every Friday on X, we will be sharing pet safety tips to help keep your pets and you safe from the risks of fire. Be sure to check out and follow us on X for the latest pet safety tips.

Pets are curious. They may bump into, turn on or knock over cooking equipment. Keep pets away from stoves and countertops.

Keep pets away from candles, lamps and space heaters. Consider battery-operated, flameless candles. They can look and smell like real candles.

Have working smoke alarms on every level of the home. Test your smoke alarms at least once a month.

What3Words

What3Words is a free app that helps Georgina Fire and Rescue reach you faster. If you’re lost or need help, find your location's three words and share them with emergency services to ensure they know your exact spot. Before your next adventure, download the app from Google Play or Apple App Store.

Get your location

Burn permits

Applications available online

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