Fire Department

Protecting Our Heritage and Our Future

Message from the Fire Chief

It is an honor to serve as the Interim Fire Chief of the Meaford Fire Department, leading a team of dedicated professionals committed to protecting our community. Born and raised in Meaford, I have proudly served this department for over 20 years, progressing through the ranks as Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain of Fire Prevention, and Deputy Chief before assuming my current role.

Meaford is a vibrant and growing community on the beautiful shores of Georgian Bay. As our community expands, so does the need for fire services and the specialized skills required to keep residents safe. Our department remains steadfast in its mission to protect lives, property, and the environment through fire suppression, prevention, and public education. Guided by our core values—Courage, Passion, and Honor—we are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of service and professionalism.

Our team includes an Emergency Management Coordinator, whose role supports both Fire Services and the greater emergency preparedness of the Municipality. Additionally, we are proud to have 32 highly trained volunteer firefighters who dedicate their time and skills to protecting our community. These volunteers are more than firefighters—they are your neighbors, friends, and family members. They come from all walks of life, including local business employees, business owners, construction workers, cabinet makers, and even a pastor, all united by a shared commitment to serving Meaford.

Fire safety is a shared responsibility. I encourage all residents and businesses to take proactive steps to reduce fire risks—test smoke alarms regularly, develop a fire escape plan, and practice fire-safe habits. These simple actions can make a critical difference in an emergency.

As Meaford continues to grow, our department remains committed to continuous training, expanding our skillsets, and evolving our services to meet the changing needs of the community. It is a privilege to serve this great town, and we will always be ready when you need us.

Rob Pilon

Interim Fire Chief

History

The Meaford and District Fire Department (M&DFD) was established when St. Vincent Township signed an agreement with the Town of Meaford in 1985. Euphrasia Township then joined in 1986. After amalgamation in 2001, the Municipality of Meaford built a new fire house on Stewart Street. It officially opened in September of 2009.

Today, the Meaford Fire Department responds to over 200 calls per year out of the Stewart Street Fire House. We have a fleet of 5 apparatus: Rescue, Pumper, Tanker, Wildland Tanker, Aerial, and 2 support vehicles covering over 500 square kilometers. Our response area covers Meaford’s downtown and the rural area, including the Canadian Armed Forces 4th Canadian Division Training Centre Meaford (4 CDTC).

Recruitment

Are you interested in serving your community through challenging, exciting, and fulfilling work? Consider becoming a Meaford Firefighter! We periodically recruit new volunteer firefighters to join our team.

The Municipality of Meaford is looking for exceptional individuals who possess a strong sense of public service to be Volunteer Firefighters. Volunteer Firefighters must maintain a constant state of readiness and are responsible for executing assigned tasks related to an all hazards response capability. They provide an exceptional level of customer service to the public through emergency response, fire safety education and in support of local charitable events.

Download the Job Description

Download the Applicant Information Guide

Inter-Township Fire Department

Fire services in the Municipality of Meaford are divided between two distinct fire departments. The Meaford Fire Department (MFD) exclusively serves the eastern region of the Municipality and operates under full ownership and management by the Municipality. Conversely, the Inter-Township Fire Department (ITFD) caters to the western area of the Municipality and operates under a unique arrangement. ITFD has historically been co-owned in partnership with the Township of Georgian Bluffs, with the Municipality holding a 25% ownership stake in the department. The management of ITFD is overseen by an appointed Board of Management, which includes representatives from both the Municipality and the Township of Georgian Bluffs.

In collaboration with our ITFD partnership, we have established a shared response system to efficiently address fire-related incidents in all parts of the Municipality. This partnership allows us to pool resources, coordinate efforts, and provide a unified emergency response to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents in the Municipality.

The Meaford rural residents benefit significantly from our partnership with ITFD through a stronger emergency response and improved water delivery throughout the entire Municipality. This collaboration enhances the level of service provided to rural areas, ensuring that residents in these regions have access to timely and effective assistance in the event of a fire-related emergency. Additionally, the partnership facilitates better water delivery across Meaford, guaranteeing a more reliable and efficient water supply for both urban and rural areas, thereby enhancing overall safety and quality of life for all residents.