Fire and Emergency Services

Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services is a full-time, career department that proudly provides fire, medical and rescue services to the citizens and visitors of the City of Richmond Hill. We are committed to protecting the lives and property of our community through excellence in prevention, education, training and emergency response.

Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services (RHFES) staff work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help keep our community safe.

In addition to fighting fires, RHFES responds to emergency calls including:

• Medical assistance
• Rescue
• Auto rescue
• Public assistance
• Spills and the release of hazardous materials

Mission Statement

We are committed to protecting the lives and property of our community through excellence in prevention, education, training, and emergency response.

Motto

Help Others  l  Be in the Community  l  Stay Safe

Message from the Fire Chief

I am extremely proud of our firefighters and their accomplishments and particularly proud that our service has a 98% satisfaction rating from the community. I know, together with the City, Council and our community, we are all committed to help keep the citizens of Richmond Hill safe.

Read the full message.

Find out more about each of the 5 divisions of Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services below.

Fire Administration

One full-time fire chief, and two full-time deputy fire chiefs oversee and administer the operations of six (6) fire stations and the Fire and Emergency Services' Headquarters, comprising of fire fighters, fire inspectors and public educators, training officers, dispatchers, and an emergency vehicle technician. 

Fire Prevention

The Fire Prevention Division provides information about emergencies, fire regulations, institutional, industrial, commercial and home inspections during and after construction to ensure important fire safety standards are met. 

Fire Prevention staff are also responsible for fire and life safety education through education and safety programs are offered to the public. They run events, fire station tours and conduct presentations to schools, seniors and new residents. Fire Prevention staff, with the support of fire crews also run our Home Safe Home program, visiting homes to check for working smoke alarms.

The Fire Prevention Division currently includes a Chief Fire Prevention Officer, two Fire Prevention Officers, four Fire Inspectors, two Public Educators and one Plans Examiner.

Learn about fire prevention and find out what programs and presentations we offer.

Communications and Dispatch

The Richmond Hill Fire & Emergency Services Alarm Room is staffed by 12 members, on 4 different crews.

Lead by 4 Communications Officers, the RHFES alarm room provides dispatch services for the municipalities of Richmond Hill, Aurora and Newmarket (Central York Fire Services), East Gwillimbury, Georgina, and Whitchurch-Stouffville.

Training Division

Our fire service is growing and the needs and demands of our business are constantly changing. The Training Division is responsible for training new recruits. They also ensure firefighter skills are upheld and enhanced through the development of training programs and ongoing training of all fire service members. They are also responsible for the operation of our Training Centre.

Our Training Division is comprised of a Chief of Training and two Training Officers.

Mechanical Division

This department is the home of our Emergency Vehicle Technician. The EVT ensure that all firefighting equipment and trucks are operating and ready when needed. The EVT also ensures all vehicles are up to date on all currents standards.

Emergency Management

RHFES is also responsible for overseeing Richmond Hill’s Emergency Management Program and ensuring annual compliance under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. They provide annual training for the City’s Municipal Emergency Management Group, maintain the Emergency Operations Centre and represent the City at Regional and other stakeholder meetings.

Learn how to be prepared for an emergency.

Maintenance

Our staff maintain six fire stations strategically located throughout Richmond Hill. 

Learn about Richmond Hill's fire stations.

Recruitment

Our fire service is growing. 

Learn about Fire and Emergency Services jobs.