Whitewater Region Fire Department

08/15/2026

Be sure to stop by to meet our awesome Firefighters and their vehicle!

Tomorrow is the big day! We hope you all can come. 🥳
For residents in Beachburg near the Fairgrounds, the Chinook is arriving at 8:00AM, so we apologize in advance if the noise wakes you up!

08/13/2026

The temperatures in July and August may exceed 40 degrees, but that never deters our members from doing their best to learn from their bi-weekly training sessions.

These past training two sessions, we have had a combination of Auto Extrication and Open Sessions (alternating for different Stations so every member has an opportunity to learn). A very special thank you to Lad's Auto Recyclers for facilitating both of our auto ex training sessions. Two weeks ago saw Stations 2 and 4 training together, and tonight saw Stations 1, 3 and 5 refreshing the basics and some technical skills.

Our very own Barry Robertson deserves an honourable mention for all of the work he has done over the past four decades in the Fire Service. Barry is a member out of Station 3 (Forester's Falls), and you can often find him still getting right into the action. Whether it is training, or a live incident, we rely on members like Barry, who devote a very large chunk of their life serving their community. Thank you Barry!

08/11/2026

911 services have been fully restored.

08/01/2026

Our own Lt. Ben Snyder (Station 3) explaining how the new equipment provided by GlobalMedic will have a positive impact on our fireground operations!

07/16/2026

After the spring flooding, many residents in our region are familiar with GlobalMedic and the excellent work their members perform in Ontario.

The organization's generosity and hard work does not stop at flood barriers and mitigation, it also extends into wildfire season.

Thanks to GlobalMedic, the Whitewater Region Fire Department has an extra tool in its mix. This set comes with a tank, pump, hose and reel, nozzle, and a platform base.

Station 5 (Westmeath) is where our Forestry Apparatus is based, so it made sense to add the 1000 litre portable tank and pump to their repertoire. This unit will allow us more maneuverability and accessibility when it comes to fighting grass and wildfires.

07/13/2026

With a combination of the heat alert AND drifting smoke from the fires in northern Ontario and Quebec, this week is shaping up to be a tough one for residents of Township of Whitewater Region and Renfrew County.

Please follow RCDHU's advice to stay cool, and try to limit time outside (if possible).

Also, be sure to check https://firesmoke.ca/forecasts/current/ for the most up-to-date smoke forecasts for our region.

⚠️ Heat Warning in Effect for Renfrew County and District: Beginning Monday, July 13 and expected to end Wednesday evening or Thursday evening.

➡️ Maximum temperatures of 30 to 37 degrees Celsius.
➡️Minimum temperatures of 20 to 24 degrees Celsius.
➡️Humidex values of 38 to 45.

Extreme heat can affect anyone, especially older adults, young children, and people with health conditions.

Heat safety tips:
✔️ Plan outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day
✔️Take breaks in air-conditioned or cool spaces
✔️Avoid sun exposure. Stay in the shade and wear a hat.
✔️Take a cool shower or bath until you feel refreshed
✔️Drink plenty of water – don’t wait until you’re thirsty!

For more heat safety tips, visit: https://www.rcdhu.com/healthy-living/emergency-preparedness/

Stay up to date on weather alerts at: https://weather.gc.ca/

06/30/2026

Due to a combination of the Fire Weather Index as well as an Orange Heat Warning forecasted to be in effect from Wednesday to Saturday, the Township of Whitewater Region is returning to a partial burn ban.

Beginning today, June 30th at noon, Open Air, Agricultural and Special burns will not be permitted.

Fireworks and Recreational Burns are still permitted.

Please visit https://www.whitewaterregion.ca/permits/fire-permit/ to apply for permits and to read up on the bylaw.

06/20/2026

In addition to our regular firefighting duties, a primary focus of the Fire Service is Public Education.

While we have a special Committee set up to plan out the annual events, many of our members volunteer their time to attend a variety of events to pass along fire safety tips and training.

This past week alone saw members from all five of our Stations participating in some form of public education and engagement. Last weekend was Station 3 participating in the Foresters Falls Athletic Association scavenger hunt, a visit at COR Long-Term Care Homes from our Station 2 Captain, then Station 4 provided a tour of their hall for local students, then Public Education members participated in the Our Lady of Grace Catholic School fun fair, then Station 1 members and Deputy Chief Stacey Levesque hosted the 4-H Cloverbuds for lessons on farm safety, tips for home evacuation plans, battery safety, trying on the gear, and a hands-on experience with fire extinguishers!

Throughout the year, we also visit schools, retirement homes, and plan special Station tours.

A very big thank you to our members who are able to take the time to help with Public Education!

06/20/2026

Effective immediately, the partial fire ban has been lifted. Burning of all types is once again allowed, if you follow the Township of Whitewater Region permitting requirements.

Check out https://www.whitewaterregion.ca/permits/fire-permit/ to view the rules and apply for your permit.