Hamilton Fire to Re-engineer Fire Trucks to Better Respond to Hamilton’s Changing Landscape

HAMILTON, ON - As Hamilton’s transportation landscape and the way residents move around the city continues to evolve, Hamilton’s Fire Department has been working on re-engineering the design of their front-line firefighting apparatus. To ensure that fire response services to Hamilton’s burgeoning core areas can continue, last night, Hamilton City Council approved the purchase of an additional fire apparatus known as the “urban engine”, a fire truck specially designed to be used in the more densely populated areas of the city.

As our City continues to grow and transform, I am proud of the ongoing work of the members of Hamilton Fire Department, as we work together to continuously improve the ways we deliver fire protection services to our residents.

David R. Cunliffe, Fire Chief, Hamilton Fire Department

Since taking over in 2016, Fire Chief David Cunliffe and his leadership team have introduced continuous improvement efforts within various areas of their operation. Together with front line staff, members of the leadership team reviewed the operational needs and functionality requirements of its existing fire apparatus with a view to adapting to Hamilton’s changing landscape. As a result of this review, staff were able to update the design specifications for many of the apparatus types, including the ‘urban engine’. Implementing these updates resulted in a reduction in the overall total cost of approximately $1 million. This provided Hamilton Fire with the opportunity to purchase an additional fire vehicle within the capital budget previously approved by Council earlier this year.

Quick Facts

• The Mechanical Division of the Hamilton Fire Department is responsible for the maintenance and repairs of the Department’s approximately 100+ apparatus, ancillary equipment, and the ambulance fleet for the Hamilton Paramedic Service.
• The “Urban Engine” maintains the required operational functionality, while reducing the overall dimensions of the vehicle; improving the accessibility to equipment for firefighters and improving the maneuverability and versatility of the vehicle.
• In 2017, Hamilton Fire Department responded to 31,615 incidents in 2017, averaging 87 incidents per day, this is an increase of 4.8% compared to 2016
• There were 272 structure fires in 2017, down 7.3% from 2016 levels. Of the total structure fires, 200 of these were in homes.

Additional Resources

Hamilton Fire Department Video