Bracebridge Fire Department annual report highlights a record year

BRACEBRIDGE (February 11, 2026) – The Bracebridge Fire Department's 2025 Annual Report highlights a year marked by record emergency response volumes, significant weather events, and continued investment in firefighter safety, training, and community protection.

In 2025, the Department responded to 509 emergency incidents, the highest call volume on record and an increase of nearly 29 per cent over 2024. Two major storm events, including the ice storm at the end of March, placed significant operational demands on firefighters and support staff, who responded to emergencies, downed power lines, carbon monoxide calls, and conducted extensive wellness checks across the community.

In addition to emergency response, the Department continued to advance priorities outlined in the Fire Master Plan, with a strong focus on prevention, preparedness, and firefighter well-being. Key highlights from 2025 include:

• Major Emergency Response: Firefighters responded to 509 incidents, including a sharp increase in motor vehicle collisions and structure fires, as well as 56 calls and extensive wellness checks during extreme weather events.
• Fire Prevention and Public Education: Nearly 7,500 residents and visitors were reached through public education initiatives, with continued emphasis on smoke and carbon monoxide alarm safety, short-term rental accommodation inspections, and emerging risks such as lithium-ion battery fires.
• Training and Certification: Personnel completed 3,664 training hours across 77 sessions, ensuring the Department remains on track to meet Ontario’s mandatory firefighter certification requirements.
• Firefighter Health and Safety Investments: Grant funding supported cancer prevention initiatives, new training equipment, protective gear, and expanded mental health supports, including the introduction of official Chaplain services for firefighters.
• Emergency Preparedness and Planning: Updates to the Town’s Emergency Response Plan, Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, and emergency communications strengthened the municipality’s ability to respond to future large-scale events.

Looking ahead, the Bracebridge Fire Department will continue to focus on operational excellence, innovation, and strong partnerships to ensure it remains prepared to meet the evolving needs of a growing community.

The full 2025 Bracebridge Fire Department Annual Report is available for review at bracebridge.ca/fire.


Quotes

“The 2025 Annual Report reflects a year where our firefighters were tested in extraordinary ways. From record-breaking call volumes to the ice storm that impacted so many residents, the Bracebridge Fire Department demonstrated professionalism, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to public safety. On behalf of Council and the community, I want to thank our firefighters and staff for everything they do to keep Bracebridge safe.”
-    Rick Maloney, Mayor, Town of Bracebridge

“2025 was a year of growth, challenge, and resilience for the entire team. Our members responded to a record number of calls while continuing to build stronger prevention, training, and emergency planning programs. I am incredibly proud of the professionalism and dedication shown by our firefighters and staff, especially during the ice storm, and grateful for the continued support of Council and the community.”
-    Kevin Plested, Director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief, Bracebridge Fire Department