By Joanne Rodgers, Bruce Peninsula Press
The Northern Bruce Peninsula Fire Services responded to 215 calls in 2024. This is a huge jump in demand for emergency services in Northern Bruce. In 2023, the Fire Service responded to 173 calls, while in 2022 they responded to 155 calls.
This steep increase of calls places a significant burden on the volunteer fire service who have to leave their families, jobs and other personal activities to respond at a moment’s notice. Jack Burt, Fire Chief of the Northern Bruce Peninsula Fire and Emergency Services, says the local fire services’ ability to respond to a myriad of incidents showcases the strong calibre of the team.
Significant increase in vehicle accidents and fires
There was a significant increase in traffic accidents in 2024, which accounted for 16% of the incident calls. Bush rescues accounted for another 16% of the calls.
There was also an increase in fire incidents in 2024. Building fires, fires at the local landfill and no loss outdoor fires, including camp fires, have contributed to this increase. Fires accounted for 11% of calls, while no loss outdoor fires accounted for 12% of calls. False alarms accounted for 9%. Medical calls accounted for 12% of all calls.
Service Calls reflect seasonal trends
Chief Burt indicates that the service calls follow a seasonal pattern. Bush rescues, which totaled 34 for 2024, showed consistently higher activity from June to September. Water rescues, while lower in 2024, totaled five incidents, occurring primarily from June to October.
Twenty five Medical calls were spread throughout the year, but a July peak of five calls may be indicative of higher activity in summer.
The Fire Service does not keep specific statistics on the number of calls from locals vs out of town visitors. However there is a direct correlation to the higher number of calls during the peak tourist season, especially on the long weekends in summer.
Likewise Motor Vehicle collisions (MVC) totaling 34 over the year, had significant spikes in May and June with eight accidents each, again likely reflecting additional road traffic during this period.
Photo: Firefighters on scene at a medical evacuation in Tobermory last summer.
Photo: Fire Deparment responds to an accident at Lindsay Rd 5 early last summer.
Service Calls on Bruce Trail and National Park
The number of calls for emergency assistance on the Lion’s Head Lookout Trail declined in 2024. Chief Burt attributes this to proactive messaging, which included adding more information to the Parking app – such as the need for adequate footwear and sufficient water, and asking hikers to download the what3words app.
With the increasing popularity of the Devil’s Monument Trail, this has resulted in increased service calls. Overall, with more people exploring the trail system there is a greater frequency for need of assistance.
It has been mainly status quo at the National Park, the local Fire Service works closely with the Park’s Visitor Safety Team. Bush rescues and campfires are the main reasons for calls to the Fire Service.
Additional fire risk from improper treatment of lithium batteries
Fire Chief Burt calls for proper treatment and disposal of lithium batteries. Lithium batteries are now prevalent, used in cell phones, laptops, power tools, snow blowers, lawn mowers, vacuum cleaners, e-bikes and electric vehicles. Every household has approximately 30 to 40 such batteries. Burt says while lithium batteries are good technology-wise, they do pose some risk when damaged. Fire Services everywhere have to deal with this additional risk.
Burt stresses the need to use proper charging cables, to not overcharge the equipment and if the battery is damaged, to dispose of it properly. A house fire in Lion’s Head was caused by a battery malfunction. A fire at the local landfill was caused by a battery being included with regular household waste, with the battery consequently causing a fire. Thermal runaway can happen hours or days after the battery is damaged, and such a fire can cause a self-sustaining chemical reaction.
To respond to the challenges of protecting both the health of the firefighters and the environment, the local fire service has purchased additional fire fighting equipment designed to mitigate risks to toxic fumes. These include purchase of a car blanket for both the Lion’s Head and Tobermory Fire stations for use on a potential EV fire. The Fire Service also hopes to mount special nozzles on the front of the Fire trucks to allow fire personnel to fight fires from within the cabin of the truck, protecting firefighters from harmful chemicals that off-gas from these batteries during fires.
Burt encourages anyone who has a damaged battery to contact the local fire station for assistance/advice on proper disposal of the battery.
MNBP Fire Services
The Northern Bruce Peninsula Fire Services responds to calls for fire, water and bush rescues, high-angle rescues, vehicle accidents and medical emergencies, as well as conducting education and enforcement related to fire safety.
The local team comprises 34 volunteers currently. Between May and October, that number increases to over 40 firefighters. The ramping up of personnel correlates with the summer call volume. Being able to bring on more staff for summer is a huge advantage for the local fire service.
The Fire Chief is a full-time employee and there is a part-time administrative assistant. Fire Service Personnel are paid per call and for training time. There are two Fire Stations, one in Lion’s Head and the other in Tobermory. The Fire Service is funded by the Municipality.
While the 2025 Operating Budget is still being worked on, the Fire Chief indicates that there will be proposed increases to cover staff wages raises, higher insurance costs and for increased dispatch fees for the Owen Sound Emergency Communication Centre (Owen Sound Police Service).
The Fire Chief praises the local firefighters for their commitment, and says he is proud to serve with them. Burt says the team is extremely productive and works well together. The dedication to their volunteer job is also displayed by the team’s diligence in working towards their certification, with a Provincially-legislated date of July 1, 2026, for all firefighters in Ontario to be certified to firefighting standards.
Photo: Firefighters use the house next to The Princess Hotel & Restaurant for a training exercise prior to its demolition.
Photo: Firefighters conducting medical evacuation training.
Photo: Training exercise.
Photo: Training exercise.
Joint cooperation with neighbouring Fire Services
In 2024, there were a number of calls within Northern Bruce Peninsula that required the cooperation of neighbouring Fire Services. The Fire Chief says there is a close working relationship with South Bruce Peninsula Fire Department. In 2024, Northern Bruce Firefighters responded to six calls in South Bruce Peninsula. The facilitation of these joint efforts are governed under the Provincial Mutual Aid Plan. Since it is a province-wide plan, the local fire service could even be called to respond to calls, in particular water rescue, outside of Bruce County.
Proactive approaches to Fire Prevention
In response to clear seasonal trends and the increased need to respond to outdoor fires, fuel leaks, CO alarms and false alarms, the Fire Service plans to launch education campaigns around safe heating and cooking practices, proper CO alarm installation and maintenance and on road safety.
The Fire Service also conducts fire code inspections and building compliance inspections.
Community Involvement
The Local Fire Service is an integral part of many community events. The fire vehicles are the lead vehicles at the Canada Day and Christmas Parades, with the sounds of the sirens signalling the start of the parade. The firefighters also serve hot dogs and cake prior to the Canada Day Parade in Lion’s Head. They maintain a skating rink in Tobermory, sponsor the Annual Toy Drive and are involved in various other local fundraising activities, public education events and community-sponsored events.
Final Reminder – Smoke Alarms
Chief Burt reminds everyone of the importance of working smoke alarms in your home. In 2024, 111 people died in fires in Ontario with a significant number of those fires not having working smoke alarms. To date in 2025, five people have died in fires, an alarming total this early in the year, highlighting the need for working smoke alarms in the home. Remember, only working smoke alarms save lives!
