Over the decades the Fire Department has undergone many changes, including changes to our job description. Traditionally, the Fire Department has been known for our primary role, that of delivering fire suppression services. Today's Fire Service has taken a pro-active stance when it comes to fire fighting, the emphasis has shifted from fire control and containment, to fire prevention.

Now, a greater portion of all Fire Departments rely upon fire prevention officers, but still the most recognizable division is fire suppression. The majority of Stratford Fire Department employees are firefighters. Our current complement of 40 firefighters consists of four Captains, eight Lieutenants and twenty-eight firefighters, working four front line vehicles, at two stations.

Today, fires have decreased locally largely due to public education, fire inspections and prevention efforts. Reinforcing our proactive approach the fire suppression staff, are involved in commercial and residential inspections year round, which includes Ontario Fire Code and by-law enforcement. Because of the nature of our job we have to be able to perform many different tasks. We are called upon to respond to; sudden Medical Emergencies, Hazardous Materials Incidents, Vehicle Extraction, Carbon Monoxide Detection, Water and Ice Rescue, Mutual Aid, Confined Space Rescue and other emergencies requiring our professional attention.

The Stratford Fire Department provides protection from fire, life threatening emergencies and dangerous conditions for approximately 32,000 citizens. We do so from the two fire stations that are strategically located in the north and south ends of the city. The average response time is three and one-half minutes to 90% of sites within the city limits. There are a total of 836 public fire hydrants located within Stratford; this ensures that an immediate and adequate supply of water is made available at all times. The Department, consisting of 52 personnel, is divided into five divisions including administration, suppression, fire prevention, training and communications; all committed to providing emergency response to its citizens in a timely and professional manner.