A sharp rise in emergency calls kept firefighters across Brock busy throughout 2025, according to the annual statistics presented to council earlier this month.
Fire Chief Rick Harrison delivered the department’s year-end report during the Monday, Feb. 9 council meeting, outlining 504 total responses in 2025, up significantly from 371 calls in 2024.
“As required under Ontario regulations, we report every response to the Office of the Fire Marshal,” Chief Harrison told council. “These numbers help us identify trends, allocate resources, and ensure we’re meeting the needs of our community.”
The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) categorizes incidents by type, ranging from property fires and medical emergencies to rescues, public hazards and false alarms.
In 2025, rescues made up the largest portion of calls at 23 per cent. These incidents include vehicle extrications, water and ice rescues, elevator mishaps, and other high-risk emergencies. Public hazards followed at 19 per cent, a category that includes gas leaks, chemical spills, downed power lines and confirmed carbon monoxide incidents.
Medical and resuscitator calls accounted for 16 per cent of responses, while false fire calls represented 13 per cent. Other responses, such as assisting police or other agencies, made up 12 per cent.
Property fires and explosions comprised eight per cent of the total call volume, while pre-fire conditions, such as overheated appliances or smoke scares without active fire, accounted for five per cent. Carbon monoxide false alarms represented four per cent, and there were no overpressure rupture or explosion calls without fire reported in 2025.
Chief Harrison noted that while structure fires often receive the most public attention, they represent a relatively small percentage of overall calls.
“Our firefighters are responding to a very broad range of emergencies,” he said. “Rescues and public hazard calls require significant training and specialized equipment. It’s not just about fighting fires anymore.”
One notable spike occurred in the public hazard category in the first quarter of 2025, when 52 such calls were recorded — a sharp jump compared to previous quarters. Overall call volume increased steadily through the year, with the busiest quarter being Q3 at 133 incidents.
The department’s apparatus usage statistics also reflected the busy year. Across all stations and vehicles, trucks responded to 670 calls in 2025, up from 615 the previous year. The aerial truck from Station 83 remained one of the most heavily utilized pieces of equipment, responding 257 times in 2025.
Mayor Mike Jubb thanked the department for its ongoing service and professionalism.
“These numbers show just how much our fire department does for the community,” Mayor Jubb said. “From rescues to medical calls to public safety hazards, our firefighters are on the front lines every single day. Council appreciates the dedication and the detailed reporting that keeps us informed.”
The report noted no direct financial or asset management impacts stemming from the statistics, but it did highlight environmental considerations. Emissions from diesel-powered emergency vehicles contribute to ground-level ozone, which can affect crops and vegetation, an ongoing consideration for municipal services.
Chief Harrison said the department will continue sharing statistical updates publicly through township communication channels to keep residents informed.
“Our goal is transparency and continuous improvement,” he said. “By tracking and analyzing our responses, we can adapt to changing demands and continue providing the highest level of service possible.”
With call volumes trending upward, council acknowledged that the data underscores the evolving role of modern fire services, one increasingly defined by rescue operations, medical response and public safety hazards as much as traditional firefighting.