Category Archives: Fire

Guelph, Ont., January 3, 2018 – The Guelph Fire Department is asking residents to take extra care this winter when using fireplaces or space heaters to heat their home. As the number of residents using extra sources to supplement their heating increases so does the risk of a fire. “Half of all home heating fires are reported during just three months out of the year: December, January and February,” says Matt Valeriote, assistant chief fire prevention officer with the Guelph Fire Department. You can do your part in reducing the number of heating-related fires by following these tips for safe home heating: Fireplaces (gas and wood burning) Install wood burning and gas fireplaces following the manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do the installation Make… Continue reading Guelph Fire asks residents to take care with fireplaces and space heaters

Guelph, Ont., December 7, 2017—Around noon today a fire broke out at the City’s Organic Waste Processing Facility, located at 110 Dunlop Drive. The Guelph Fire Department attended the scene and extinguished the fire. Staff was safely evacuated and no injuries are reported. Although only one of the facility’s four processing lines was affected by the fire, the City has shut down the whole facility until the affected area can be cleared out and damages assessed. Scheduled organics collection for Guelph residents will not be affected and public access to the Waste Resource Innovation Centre remains open. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire and to assess damages before the facility is brought back into operation. An update will be provided… Continue reading Fire at City’s organics facility extinguished by fire department

Guelph, Ont., July 27, 2017 – Today, for the second time in its history, the Guelph Fire Department has successfully achieved accreditation status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. Achieving accreditation means the fire department has met international performance standards, is performing its services and duties well, and is aligned with best practices in the industry. “We’re thrilled that Guelph continues to be among a handful of fire organizations in Canada to achieve accreditation, which is an achievement that every member of the Guelph Fire Department and emergency services team can be proud of as it shows that we are a quality agency,” says Colleen Clack, deputy CAO Public Services. Earlier today, Clack, Fire Chief John Osborne, Deputy Chief Dave Elloway, and Accreditation Coordinator… Continue reading Guelph Fire Department maintains accreditation status

Guelph, Ont., Thursday, April 13, 2017 – Today, Fire Chief John Osborne announced the selection of Steven Goode as the City’s new deputy chief of Operations with the Guelph Fire Department. In his role, Goode will be responsible for the department’s daily operations. Specifically, he will oversee the suppression, training and fire prevention divisions. Goode comes to the City with more than 23 years of experience within the fire service as a full-time and volunteer firefighter. Most recently, he has served as captain with the Cambridge Fire Department and Fire Chief of Puslinch Fire and Rescue Service. “Steve is an accomplished senior leader who brings thorough, first-hand knowledge of the fire service,” says Osborne, adding, “His demonstrated leadership at fires bordering Guelph, Puslinch Township, and… Continue reading City welcomes Steven Goode as deputy chief of Operations

Guelph, Ont., March 6, 2017 — On February 21, 2017, the City of Guelph received the board’s decision on the interest arbitration between the City and the Guelph Professional Fire Fighters Association (GPFFA). The arbitrator awarded Guelph firefighters a 7.47 per cent increase in wages over three years (2.75% for 2015, 2.47% for 2016, and 2.25% in 2017), as well as a 1.99 per cent increase in benefits. The City respects the arbitration board’s authority to render its award, but the law provides that judicial review of an arbitral award is available in the appropriate circumstances. The City has reviewed the award and believes that this is an appropriate case to apply to the court for judicial review of the arbitral award. “Our application for… Continue reading City asks for a judicial review on fire interest arbitration award

Guelph, Ont., Wednesday, December 7, 2016 – For more than 40 years, Guelph’s firefighters have volunteered their time to distribute Christmas hampers on behalf of the Salvation Army Guelph Citadel. This year, the fire service is increasing its commitment to helping individuals and families in need. “Opening our fire halls to accept toys for children in Guelph is one way we can be part of the magic of the season and hopefully put a smile on the face of a child on Christmas morning,” says Guelph Fire Chief John Osborne. Gifts of new, unwrapped toys for infants and children and $25 gift cards for teens can be dropped off at any one of the City’s six fire stations as part of the Salvation Army Toy… Continue reading Guelph firefighters collecting toys at fire stations

Guelph, Ont., November 3, 2016 – On Monday, November 7, the Guelph Fire Department will recognize local residents Donie Fogarty and Rafael Ramirez for their bravery in helping to rescue an elderly couple from their burning home. On September 23, shortly after 10 p.m., a fire broke out at a Northumberland Street home in Guelph’s downtown area. Neighbours, who noticed the blaze, called 911 and attempted to alert the homeowners that their house was on fire. With no response, Fogarty and Ramirez forced their way into the burning house. Ramirez found a male resident and guided him outside. At that time, the resident told Ramirez that his wife was still inside the house and not able to get out. Fogarty went inside the front of… Continue reading Guelph Fire recognizes two community members for bravery

The City and the Guelph Professional Firefighters Association head into interest arbitration. Arbitration hearing is open to the public. Continue reading Fire Service arbitration hearing is open to the public

Outdoor, recreational fires not allowed in Guelph Guelph, Ont., July 5, 2016 – In the interest of public safety, the Guelph Fire Department is encouraging residents—when cooking outdoors—to use appliances (e.g. barbecue) that are connected to propane, natural gas or electricity. Even though open air burning for cooking is allowed, with the hot and dry weather that Guelph and much of the province is experiencing there is an increased risk of a fire burning out of control. Cooking over an open flame can cause wind-blown embers to land on nearby grass and plants, which can start a fire. The Guelph Fire Department also reminds residents that the use of outdoor fire pits, chimineas and other devices are not allowed in Guelph at any time of… Continue reading Guelph Fire asks residents to use caution if cooking outdoors

Guelph, Ont., May 4, 2016 – Tomorrow, the Guelph Fire Department will recognize two local individuals for their efforts in promoting fire safety in the community. Brady Valeriote, a Grade 5 student at St. Patrick Catholic School, will be recognized for promoting fire safety in the home—the topic for his speech that garnered a third place finish at the all school speech finals in Guelph. Valeriote’s amplification of fire safety messaging reached hundreds of people. John Gibson, a Guelph resident, will be recognized for putting into practice fire safety after the fire alarm in his building was activated on March 12 as a result of a fire in an upper hallway. His quick action in locating a portable fire extinguisher led to the fire being… Continue reading Guelph Fire recognizes two community members for fire safety efforts