Summerside Fire Department

Engine 1 is a 2017 Spartan Pumper with a 1250 g pm Hale Pump
Engine 2 is a 2017 Spartan Pumper with a 1250 g pm Hale Pump
Engine 3 is a 2021 Spartan Pumper with a 1250 g pm Hale Pump
Engine 4 is a 2006 Pierce Pumper/Tanker with 2500 gallon capacity and a 1250 Hale Pump
Ladder Company is a 2002 Smeal Gladiator with a 85-foot aerial ladder and a 2000 g pm Waterous Pump
Rescue Company is 2007 Emergency Response vehicle equipped with the Jaws of Life (battery operated), airbags, medical equipment, and other rescue tools
Command Vehicle is a 2020 Ford F-150 4x4
Kubota Side-by-Side tracked off-road vehicle with trailer and water tank
14 ft inflatable Zodiac
Ice and Water Rescue Craft equipped with rope and ice rescue suits
Jordair compressed air filling station

All SFD vehicles are multi purpose:

Engine 1 is our fully equipped secondary medical response vehicle
Engine 2 carries our second set of Jaws extrication tools (hydraulic)
Engine 3 carries our ice rescue equipment
Engine 4 provides mutual aid to our surrounding communities
Five SCBAs, and extra air bottles on every vehicle

Member Certifications:

Large Medical First Responder Team
High Angle Rescue
Confined Space
Vehicle Extrication
HAZMAT

Antique Vehicles:

1930 Chemical Truck Summerside's first motorized engine
1931 Ford Ladder Truck with wooden ladders
1883 Steam Pumper
1800s Hand Pumper

Recreational Campfires Guidelines

Guidelines for Recreational Campfires:

Don't start a fire when winds are gusty or a steady 20 km per hour or higher.
Campfires should be at least 25 ft from any building and 10 ft from any shrubbery, wooden fences, over hanging trees, or combustible material.
Make sure water containers or a working garden hose and firefighting tools are close by.
A responsible adult must be present to monitor a fire and douse it if needed.
Don't burn garbage! It is illegal. You can be charged and fined for burning plastic, rubber, treated wood, asphalt shingles, construction/demolition waste, or household garbage. When burned, these products release toxic chemicals that are dangerous to you and your neighbours.
Clean, dry firewood or briquettes should be the only fuels used in a backyard fire.
The size of the fire should not exceed 2 ft by 2 ft by 2 ft.
Fires may be tended in a ground pit with a non-combustible base, or on open ground of mineral soil, gravel or sand.
Above-ground fireplaces must be made of non-combustible material (metal, brick, cement, etc.).
Keep outdoor fireplaces and pits in good repair and in a safe condition at all times with a spark arrestor screen with a ½ inch or less mesh.
Extinguish a fire immediately if ordered by a City of Summerside Fire Officer.
A fire should be completely extinguished and soaked to stop re-ignition by 11 pm.
Think of your neighbours. Be kind. Don't subject them or their homes to dense, wind-blown smoke.

EXCEPTION: Campfires are prohibited by law if the forest fire index for the City of Summerside reaches HIGH or above. Information available HERE.

Our Hydrants

The City of Summerside maintains 637 Fire Hydrants for the protection of its residents.

During the winter months, it takes a tremendous amount of effort to ensure these fire hydrants remain cleared of snow in case of emergencies. We ask for the patience of our residents in the winter months as we must prioritize this important snow-clearing task.

SFD History

In the Beginning…

The Summerside Fire Department was organized in 1863…before Summerside was actually considered a town. In those days, households were primarily heated with fireplaces, and each home had a fire bucket inside.

In the event of a fire emergency, residents would respond by forming a volunteer bucket brigade. This was before the organization of any city council; there were fire wardens and fire assessors in place, who were tasked with assessing the village's ability to fight fires.

In 1879, a devastating fire in the midst of winter ripped through Summerside, causing $30,000 worth of damage, only $6,000 of which was insured. Then, in the early 1880s, another fire destroyed an entire block of buildings on Central Street. The 1883 Steam Pumper still in the Fire Department's possession today was likely acquired as a result of those incidents.

A complete history of the Summerside Fire Department can be found at the MacNaught History Centre.

Fire Safety Inspection

Are you in Compliance with the Fire Safety Code?

Fire Safety Inspection Services are available to property owners and building occupants wishing to be in compliance with the Fire Safety Code through the Provincial Fire Marshall's Office HERE.

Fire Safety Education

Our firefighters participate in fire safety education programs within our local schools, as outlined by the National Fire Protection Association. These fire safety programs teach children to talk to their families about creating fire escape plans, as well as fire prevention tips.

We also invite teachers to bring their classes to our stations for guided tours.

For more information about our fire safety education programs, contact our Fire Department: ron.enman@city.summerside.pe.ca

Related External Links:

Sparky School House

Fire Services Resources

Provincial Resources:

PEI Fire Marshals Office

Fire Permit

PEI Forest Fire Index

Volunteer Firefighter Motor Vehicle Registration and Drivers License

PEI Fire Fighters Association

National Resources:

Fire Prevention Canada

Canada Safety Council

Canadian Council of Fire Chiefs

Canadian Fire Safety Association

Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association

Volunteer Firefighter Application

Would you Like to Volunteer? If you're interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter, stop by Station 1 at 251 Foundry Street and ask for an application form.