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Fire Prevention and Education

Saugeen Shores is protected by two fire stations that provide emergency response and support community safety through fire prevention, education, and enforcement. 

Fire Station Locations: 

Southampton Fire Station

50 Victoria Street South, Southampton
Phone: 519-797-3906
Fax: 519-797-2341 

Port Elgin Fire Station

612 Emma Street, Port Elgin
Phone: 519-389-6120
Fax: 519-389-4493 

The Fire Prevention Officer is responsible for: 

Conducting fire code inspections and investigations 

Delivering fire safety presentations 

Enforcing the Ontario Fire Code 

Other Fire Department Services include: 

Building plans review 

Fire safety consultations 

Youth outreach programs 

Programs related to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) 

Issuing burn and fireworks permits 

Fire safety records management 

Smoke alarms provide early warning and are especially critical at night, when most people are asleep. Ensure everyone in your home recognizes the alarm sound and knows the escape plan. 

It's the Law 

The Ontario Fire Code requires working smoke alarms on every level of your home and near sleeping areas. 

  • Installation & Maintenance 

  • Install on ceilings, as smoke rises 

  • Test monthly using the test button 

  • Replace batteries yearly 

  • Vacuum regularly to remove dust 

  • Replace alarms every 10 years 

 

Landlords & Tenants 

  • Landlords must install, maintain and explain how alarms work 

  • Tenants must not tamper with alarms and must report issues 

  • Disabling a smoke alarm is illegal and may result in a $360 fine 

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly, invisible gas with no smell or taste. It is produced by burning fuel (natural gas, wood, propane, gasoline or oil).Alarms provide early warning and are essential for safety. 

Installation 

  • Install the alarm near all bedrooms if your home has fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage 

  • Alarms can go at any height since the gas mixes with air 

  • Combo smoke/CO alarms must be on or near the ceiling 

  • Always follow manufacturer instructions 

 

Maintenance 

  • Test monthly using the test button 

  • Replace batteries yearly—ideally when you change your clocks 

  • Vacuum regularly to prevent dust buildup 

  • Replace the alarm as directed (typically every 7–10 years) 

 

Landlords & Tenants 

  • Landlords must install, maintain and replace CO alarms as needed 

  • Tenants should report any problems immediately 

A fire safety plan helps protect building occupants by outlining how to use fire safety features effectively. Each plan should be tailored to the specific building or complex. 

When a Plan Is Required 

  • Under the Ontario Fire Code, a fire safety plan is required for buildings such as: 

  • Assembly, care, or detention occupancies 

  • Residential buildings with over 10 occupants 

  • Business or personal service buildings with over 300 occupants 

  • Retail buildings with over 300 occupants 

  • High hazard industrial buildings with over 25 occupants 

  • Medium hazard industrial buildings with over 100 occupants 

  • Low hazard industrial buildings with over 300 occupants

    Need Help? 

    Contact the Saugeen Shores Fire Department if you're unsure whether your building needs a fire safety

Everyone in your home should know what to do when they hear an alarm or recognize an emergency. A basic home escape plan includes: 

  • Making sure all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms work 

  • Planning two ways out of every room 

  • Designating a meeting spot outside 

  • Practicing your plan with everyone in your home 

If you see a green flashing light on a vehicle, it means that a volunteer firefighter is responding to an emergency in his/her own vehicle. 

What to do if you see a green flashing light? 

  • Safely pull over to the side of the road and allow the vehicle to pass 

  • Look before you re-enter the road. There may be more firefighters following 

  • Remember that the emergency the volunteer firefighter is responding to may be yours 

Our Fire Department conducts regular inspections of commercial buildings to ensure compliance with the Ontario Fire Code. You can also request a home inspection by contacting the department. 

Looking to conduct a fire safety presentation or large group or classroom? You can contact our department to request one. 

Did you know our tanker trucks provide fire flows to areas not serviced by fire hydrants? If your property is not serviced by a fire hydrant but is located within eight kilometres of the Port Elgin Fire Station or the Southampton Fire Station, you may qualify for a reduction in property insurance premiums. 

You can print the Certificate of Accreditation and take it to your insurance agent. Your agent will let you know if your property qualifies for an insurance premium reduction. 

Using a Fire Extinguisher 

Fire extinguishers should be used only by people who have been trained to use them on small contained fires.  You are encouraged to contact the fire department if you would like fire extinguisher training or have any questions.  

  • The following tips can help people who are thinking about buying a fire extinguisher for their home: 

  • Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher that has an ABC rating. This type can be used for most types of fires 

  • Choose a fire extinguisher that has the logo of an independent, accredited product safety testing agency. 

  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding where the extinguisher should be placed in the home 

  • Inspect the fire extinguisher once a month and have it serviced by a certified technician every year 

  • Never let the fire get between you and the exit 

 To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the acronym PASS: 

Pull the pin; 

Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire 

Squeeze the trigger 

Sweep the extinguisher from side to side until the extinguisher is empty 

Know when to go! If the fire does not go out after using one fire extinguisher: 

  • Back out of the area 

  • Close the door if possible 

  • Safely get outside and call 9-1-1 

Remember that many stovetop fires can be safely extinguished without the use of a fire extinguisher. If a pot on the stove starts on fire, slide a lid over the pot to smother the flames and turn off the stove. Leave the pot in place until it has cooled completely. 

Station Tours and Public Education Events 

Book a tour at one of our Fire Stations with your family, school or community group to meet your local Firefighters and learn about fire prevention and life safety. Fire Station tours are an excellent opportunity to see modern firefighting equipment, fire apparatus and for hands on learning. 

Please note: the Fire Station you are visiting is operational and the priority is emergency response. 

Please limit groups to no more than 30 people (including children and adults) and ensure adequate adult supervision is maintained at all times. Please note any accessibility requirements at the time of booking. 

Fire Station tours are conducted free of charge on a first come first serve basis.  

Intake Form

Contact Us

Town of Saugeen Shores
600 Tomlinson Drive, P.O. Box 820
Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C0
Phone 519-832-2008
Toll Free 1-866-832-2008
Fax 519-832-2140