Gananoque Fire Service

Gananoque Fire Service Fire Service

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Something interesting - From Firefighting history 🚒 Around 24 BC, Roman Emperor Augustus created the “Vigiles”; a force ...
06/15/2026

Something interesting - From Firefighting history 🚒

Around 24 BC, Roman Emperor Augustus created the “Vigiles”; a force of approximately 7,000 personel responsible not only for fighting fires, but also for policing the streets and serving as night watchmen.

Without modern apparatus, SCBA, or hydrants, they battled fires using buckets, hand pumps, ladders, and hooks to pull apart burning structures and stop fire spread.

More than 2,000 years later, the tools may have changed, but the mission remains the same: protecting lives, property, and communities.

History reminder: Firefighters have been answering the call for over two millennia.

Last evening, our members participated in a valuable training session focused on forcible entry and vertical ventilation...
06/11/2026

Last evening, our members participated in a valuable training session focused on forcible entry and vertical ventilation, along with saw familiarization and operation.

These hands-on evolutions help build and maintain the skills required to perform safely and effectively when seconds count. From gaining access to structures under emergency conditions to improving roof operations and tool proficiency, continuous training ensures our firefighters remain prepared for the challenges they may face in the field.

A big thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to another successful evening of learning and teamwork.

Something interesting - From Firefighting history 🚒 In 1736, Benjamin Franklin helped establish the Union Fire Company i...
06/08/2026

Something interesting - From Firefighting history 🚒

In 1736, Benjamin Franklin helped establish the Union Fire Company in Philadelphia; one of North America’s first organized volunteer fire companies. At a time when communities relied on bucket brigades and rudimentary hand pumps, Franklin promoted the idea that trained citizens working together could better protect lives and property from devastating urban fires.

The Union Fire Company helped lay the foundation for the modern volunteer fire service model that would eventually spread throughout both the United States and Canada.

Last evening, members of Gananoque Fire completed aerial operations training, continuing to build and maintain the skill...
06/04/2026

Last evening, members of Gananoque Fire completed aerial operations training, continuing to build and maintain the skills needed to safely and efficiently operate our aerial apparatus.

Training focused on precision movement, positioning, and coordination while operating the aerial in a variety of scenarios. Regular hands-on training ensures our firefighters remain proficient and ready to respond when the community needs us most.

Continuous training is a vital part of maintaining operational readiness and providing the highest level of service to the residents of Gananoque.

Something interesting - From Firefighting history 🚒 Before fire hydrants existed, firefighters relied on rivers, wells, ...
06/01/2026

Something interesting - From Firefighting history 🚒

Before fire hydrants existed, firefighters relied on rivers, wells, cisterns, and bucket brigades to supply water at fires. As communities grew and underground water systems became more common in the early 1800s, cities began developing ways for firefighters to connect directly to water mains in the street.

Before modern hydrants were installed, firefighters often had to dig down to buried wooden water mains and drill directly into the pipes to access water. Temporary valves or wooden plugs were then inserted into the opening, creating access points that became known as “fire plugs.”

Modern fire hydrants remain one of the most important tools in firefighting, providing quick and reliable access to water that helps firefighters protect lives, property, and communities every day.

Something interesting - From Firefighting history 🚒 The earliest “fire alarms” weren’t alarms at all. They were watchmen...
05/31/2026

Something interesting - From Firefighting history 🚒

The earliest “fire alarms” weren’t alarms at all. They were watchmen walking the streets at night, ringing hand bells and shouting warnings when they spotted smoke or fire. Before telephones and radios, entire communities depended on hearing those calls to know danger was nearby.

By the mid-1800s, cities began installing mechanical fire alarm boxes on street corners. Citizens could pull a lever inside the box, sending a coded signal over telegraph wires directly to fire stations. Each box had its own number, allowing firefighters to know exactly where the emergency was happening. It was a huge advancement for the time. 🚒

Modern smoke alarms became common in homes during the 1970s and have since saved countless lives by giving families precious extra minutes to escape.

A working smoke alarm is still one of the simplest and most effective pieces of life-saving equipment you can have in your home.

Something interesting - From Firefighting history 💰 🚒 Before public fire departments existed, some fire brigades were op...
05/31/2026

Something interesting - From Firefighting history 💰 🚒

Before public fire departments existed, some fire brigades were operated by insurance companies. Homes insured by those companies displayed metal plaques called fire marks on the outside of the building.

In some cities during the 1700s and 1800s, brigades would prioritize; or reportedly only protect - buildings displaying their company’s fire mark.

Today, fire marks remain a fascinating piece of firefighting history and a reminder of how much the fire service has evolved.

🐾 Meet the newest “probationary firefighters” around town!These little recruits may still be working on house training, ...
05/29/2026

🐾 Meet the newest “probationary firefighters” around town!

These little recruits may still be working on house training, but they’ve already mastered station morale and stealing hearts.

From bunker gear naps to truck inspections, they’re fitting right in around the hall. We’re pretty sure treats are now considered official training tools.

One is named Ruffles, one is named Moose… can you guess which pup is which? 🐶 🐕

Something interesting - From Firefighting history 🚒Before modern aerial ladders and advanced rescue equipment, firefight...
05/29/2026

Something interesting - From Firefighting history 🚒

Before modern aerial ladders and advanced rescue equipment, firefighters sometimes used “jump nets” to help rescue people trapped in upper floors of burning buildings. Crews would stretch large nets below windows and attempt to catch occupants forced to jump to safety. While innovative for the time, jump nets were difficult to position safely and required precise coordination, eventually being replaced by improved rescue methods and modern firefighting equipment.

Address

340 Herbert Street
Gananoque, ON
K7G1R1

Telephone

+16133823334

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