LaSalle Fire Truck

Welcome to the LaSalle Fire Service website. Our first responders take great pride in responding to emergencies within our community. We provide protection to over 34,000 residents and almost 12,000 households within the Town of LaSalle.

As a fire service, we know that fire prevention and public education are vital lines of defense in protecting human life and property. Fire safety plans, regular inspections, and fire safety education in our local schools help to keep our community safe and protected from the threat of fire and other hazards. 

Mission Statement

We are a caring team dedicated to promoting safety, and providing positive outcomes to fellow citizens in a time of need. Our mission is guided by commitment to our core values: Respect, Integrity, Teamwork. 


LaSalle Fire Service News / Announcements


Second Fire Station Build in Progress

View the progression of this new build! It is expected that the second fire station will be open for use in early 2025.

Photo Gallery: Second Fire Station Construction 2024 will appear here on the public site.
Three Fire Station Model Approved By Council
Update: On March 22, 2022, Council approved the Three Fire Station Operating Model and Financial Plan as presented by Ed Thiessen, Director of Fire Services/Fire Chief and Dale Langlois, Director of Finance/Treasurer. This model includes the existing headquarters station on Normandy St., a west

Three fire station graphic

 substation at 2160 Front Road (Substation 1), and an east substation on Laurier Parkway in the area of Disputed Road (Substation 2). Read the Council Approves Town of LaSalle Three Fire Station Model News Release on the Town website.


At the Regular Council meeting on January 25, 2022, Council approved administration's report outlining a Three Fire Station Model for the Town of LaSalle. View the Three Fire Station News Release and the Three Fire Station Operating Model on the Town website. 

For full project details visit the Placespeak public engagement website. 

LaSalle Groundbreaking Ceremony for Second Fire Station
The Town of LaSalle held a groundbreaking ceremony Monday afternoon at the site of the future second fire station, 2160 Front Road. The Three Fire Station Operating Model and Financial Plan was approved by LaSalle Council in March 2022. This model includes the existing headquarters station on Normandy St., a west station at 2160 Front Road, and an east station on Laurier Parkway in the area of Disputed Road.

"Building a second fire station shows our commitment to building a safer LaSalle. Community safety has been and always will be a top priority for both Council and administration," said Mayor Crystal Meloche.

There are several factors that have led to the building of this new station. Areas of predicted future growth within the Town in both the short to mid-term and long-term have resulted in the need for greater response capabilities. In addition, a key factor in the recommendation of additional fire stations is the National Fire Protection Association NFPA 1710 guideline which requires that fire apparatus and four firefighters arrive on-scene within four minutes. With a three station model, 87% of the Town’s urban area will be provided initial coverage within four minutes. This is well above the provincial average for municipalities which is in the range of 72% for urban geography. It is also above the 75% coverage target for municipalities.

"With the Town’s growth, our needs have evolved, and this new fire hall will provide our firefighters with the modern amenities and advanced equipment necessary to address the challenges of today and tomorrow. It is designed to enhance our response times, reduce risks, and ensure the safety of our firefighters," said Chief Ed Thiessen, Director of Fire Service. "I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to LaSalle Town Council, the Town of LaSalle administrative team, our dedicated firefighters, and, most importantly, to the residents of LaSalle. Your trust and support have brought us to this point, and we look forward to serving you even better in the years ahead." 

The three fire station model is based on moving towards staffing each location with full-time firefighters. As new fire stations are opened, the target of four full-time firefighters at each location will be achieved over time. The financial plan transitions from two full-time firefighters to four full-time firefighters at each station location over a number of years The third station is scheduled to be built in 2031 and can be adjusted if needed based on future growth in LaSalle.

The tender was awarded to Gulf Developments with a bid of $9,000,000. It is expected that the second fire station will be open for use in early 2025.


Fire Prevention Week October 6 to 12, 2024

The LaSalle Fire Service is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®)—the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 100 years—to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” The campaign works to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home. 

According to NFPA, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 percent). Meanwhile, roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.  

Smoke alarms serve as the first line of defense in a home fire, but they need to be working in order to protect people,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps better educate the public about simple but critical steps they can take to make sure their homes have smoke alarms in all the needed locations and that they’re working properly.” 

 The LaSalle Fire Service encourages all residents to actively support the 2024 FPW theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” “Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, giving people the time to get out safely,” said Ed Thiessen, Director of Fire Service/Fire Chief. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is a great way to remind everyone about these messages and to act on them.” 

LaSalle Fire Service offers these key smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines: 

  • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.  

  • Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities. 

  • Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button. 

  • Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.  

The LaSalle Fire Service is organizing a series of initiatives to support this year's Fire Prevention Week (FPW) campaign. These events will include a door-to-door smoke alarm campaign targeting select neighborhoods, as well as fire safety education programs in partnership with local schools.   

To learn more about Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you,” visit the NFPA Fire Prevention Week web page or NFPA Kids.    

For more information about smoke alarms, follow the department on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter)


Test Your Smoke Alarm Giveaway September 30, 2024

Working smoke alarms give you the precious time you need to escape a fire and the LaSalle Fire Service wants you and your family to be protected. By law, every home in Ontario must have a working smoke alarm on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. Test your smoke alarms once per month by pressing the test button to be sure the alarm is working. Replace batteries or alarms that do not work properly.   

This month, when you test your smoke alarms, share a photo with the LaSalle Fire Service for a chance to win.  

Here’s how to participate: 

  1. Take a photo of you or your family members testing your smoke alarms.   
  2. Post it on social media using the hashtag#SavedByTheBeep and #StaySafeLaSalle and/or tag LaSalle Fire Service on Facebook or X by Sunday, September 29, 2024. Or, email your photo to LaSalle Fire Service.  

The prizes are awesome, so your family will want to join in. Make it a fun family activity and a chance to talk about fire safety. All submissions will be entered into a random draw and the winner will be announced by Monday, September 30, 2024. Remember, only working smoke alarms will alert you in the event of a fire, giving you and your loved ones the time needed to safely escape. 


Test Your Smoke Alarm Day September 28, 2024

Fire Chief Thiessen is calling on all residents of LaSalle to test their smoke alarms on September 28, 2024, as part of Test Your Smoke Alarm Day. Be prepared to be Saved by the Beep with working smoke alarms – it is your best chance to keep you and your family safe in the event of a fire.  

The Town of LaSalle is joining communities across Ontario on September 28 by asking everyone to take a minute to ensure that there are working smoke alarms installed in their home.  

“Being prepared to act in the event of a fire can start with simply pressing the test button and having the confidence that working smoke alarms are in your home,” said Fire Chief Thiessen. “Lives can be saved by regularly testing smoke alarms at least once a month, refreshing batteries at least once a year, and replacing smoke alarms older than 10 years.”  

In 2022, Ontario lost 133 people to deadly fires – the highest number in over 20 years. Many of these fires were found to have no working smoke alarm and stand as a reminder that only working smoke alarms will alert you to a fire and give you and your loved ones enough time to safely escape. 

The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM), with the support of fire services and fire safety partners across Ontario, is challenging Ontarians to test all smoke alarms in their homes on September 28.   

To learn about the smoke alarm campaign, follow LaSalle Fire Service on Facebook andX, formerly Twitter. For more information, visit www.savedbythebeep.ca. 
 
Quick Facts: 

  • Smoke alarms have been legally required to be installed on every storey of a residence in Ontario since 2006. 

  • Residences also include vacation homes, cabins, trailers, RVs, and cottages. 

  • Landlords must test alarms annually, after the battery is replaced, and after every change in tenancy. Renters must notify their landlord as soon as they become aware that a smoke alarm is not operating. 


Stop In for a Freezie with a Firefighter June 7, 2024

firefighters on a truck eating freezies

Are you and your family looking for something fun and free to do on the upcoming PA Day, Friday, June 7? Here’s your chance to have a freezie with a firefighter. The LaSalle Fire Service, at 1900 Normandy Street, is opening its doors to the community from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. Stop in to have a freezie with our firefighters, learn about fire safety, and tour the fire hall.  

“Summer is a fun season, but it’s important to ensure you and your family are safe while taking in all that the warm months have to offer. Come on by, have a treat, and let’s talk fire safety,” says Fire Chief Ed Thiessen. 

Firefighters will be on hand to talk about summer fire safety, including BBQ safety, home fire escape planning, water and pool safety, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and more.


LaSalle Alerts – Mass Notification System Test May 31, 2024

LaSalle Alerts is a mass notification system that enables us to provide you with critical information in times of emergency such as evacuation of a neighborhood, a boil water advisory, a large fire, or a natural disaster.  

To ensure you are in our system and alerted in the event of a Town emergency, we will be testing the LaSalle Alerts mass notification system on Friday, May 31 

Register to receive notifications at www.lasallealerts.ca. You can choose how you would like us to contact you: text, cell phone, email, and/or landline. Please note this system is not used for weather warnings.   

For more information visit the LaSalle Alerts page on our website.   


Emergency Preparedness Week May 5 to 11, 2024 

Everyone has a role to play in an emergency. Natural disasters may be beyond our control, but there are ways to reduce the risk and the impact of whatever emergency we might face. Emergency Preparedness Week is an opportunity for you to take action to ensure you are prepared to protect yourself, your family, and your community during an emergency. This year, the theme is plan for every seasonThe theme reflects the unique challenges facing Ontario on a seasonal basis and the opportunities to practice emergency preparedness throughout the year. The intent is to encourage Canadians to understand the risks in their area and learn what actions they can take to protect themselves and their families.

By taking a few simple steps, you can become better prepared to face a range of emergencies – anytime, anywhere. It is important to: 

  • Know the risks – Although the consequences of disasters can be similar, knowing the risks specific to our community and our region can help you better prepare. 

  • Make a plan – It will help you and your family know what to do. 

  • Get an emergency kit– During an emergency, we will all need some basic supplies. We may need to get by without power or tap water. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours in an emergency. 

"Our goal is to get families talking about and taking action on preparing for an emergency," said Fire Chief Ed Thiessen"Think about the risks in our area, having an emergency contact list, a family meeting place if you are separated; identification, medications, and other resources to keep you and your family self-sufficient for at least 72-hours.Plan now so you are prepared when an emergency occurs." 

Visit www.getprepared.ca for more resources to help you and your family prepare for all types of emergencies. 

Spring Fire Safety
Spring has sprung! LaSalle Fire Service would like to remind LaSalle residents of the spring cleaning checklist to ensure fire safety. 

Inside the home:

  • Check and clean your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

  • Check your fire extinguishers.

  • Check for overloaded or damaged extension cords.

  • Check and clean filters above stove.

  • Practice exit drills with your family so everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.

  • Properly store household chemicals and never mix cleaning agents.

  • Pull refrigerator out and vacuum or dust the coils.

  • Always keep stairs and landings clear for safe evacuation in event of an emergency.

Outside and around the yard:

  • Make sure your address numbers are up and visible from the street.

  • Clean up yard debris. Cut back dead limbs and grasses.

  • Check outdoor electrical outlets and other electrical appliances.

  • Get your BBQ grill cleaned and serviced.  Check all propane tanks and lines for leaks and damage.

In the garage or shed:

  • Clean up and properly store paints, pool and yard chemicals.

  • Check fuel containers for leaks and make sure they are properly stored.

  • Have all power equipment cleaned, serviced and ready for use.

  • Let power equipment sit for approximately 30 minutes before placing it inside.

Summer Fire Safety

It's Barbeque Season! 

  • All barbeque grills must only be used outdoors — using grills indoors or in enclosed spaces is not only a fire hazard, but it exposes occupants to toxic gasses and potential asphyxiation.

  • Always position the grill well away from combustible objects — buildings, fences, deck railings and landscaping can easily and quickly ignite.

  • Get your grill cleaned and serviced. Check all propane tanks and lines for leaks and damage.

  • Never leave a lit grill unattended.

  • Always use long handled grilling utensils and heat resistant oven mitts to avoid exposure burns from heat and flames.

  • Periodically remove grease build-up in catch trays to prevent it from igniting.

  • Keep a garden hose nearby, connected and ready for use in case of a fire.

Backyard Recreational Fires

Small outdoor recreational fires are allowed within the Town of LaSalle. Review our Recreational Fire Information below to ensure fire safety and compliance according to by-law. Within the Town of LaSalle, a small outdoor fire such as a campfire, set within a confined area or device such as an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, situated in a “Safe Location” and measuring no greater than one square metre (approx. 3.5 feet) in any dimension is permitted when the subsequent sections of the by-law are followed.

  • The “Safe Location” shall be a minimum of 5 metres (approx. 17 feet) from any structure and a minimum of 3 metres (approx. 10 feet) from adjacent property lines.

    • The fire must be fueled only with “acceptable burn material”: o Charcoal, briquettes, small amounts of white or brown paper or cardboard, dry seasoned wood, wood by-products that have not been chemically treated, painted or stained, purchased fire logs.

    • The following materials are “prohibited burn material” – asphalt products, tires, treated wood, construction material or rubble, grass/leaves, kitchen garbage, or any garbage or trash, rubber, plastics and all like items.

  • The fire must be set and supervised at all times by a competent adult.

  • Effective means of extinguishing must be readily available.

  • The fire must be fully extinguished before being left unsupervised

No person shall set or maintain a Recreational Fire or Open Fire under the following conditions:

  • When the wind conditions in such direction or intensity so as to cause any or all of the following:During a period of “Poor Air Quality” or a High Risk Period.

    • To have smoke or debris interfere with public roadways.

    • Threaten a rapid spread of fire.

    • Interfere with a neighbours enjoyment of the normal use of their property or cause of discomfort in the immediate area.

This is a summary of frequently asked questions and is intended as a reference tool only. All recreational fires set within the Town of LaSalle are subject to all regulations set out in by-law 7170. Please refer to the by-law for complete restrictions, details & penalties. The by-law is available by visiting the Fire Station at 1900 Normandy St.

Fall Fire Safety

 Outside the Home

  • Never park your car or truck over a pile of leaves.  The heat from the vehicle's catalytic converter or exhaust system can ignite the leaves below.  The resulting fire could destroy your vehicle.

  • Flammable liquids should not be stored in inside the home or in an attached garage or shed. This includes any unused fuel still in the fuel tank. Store this equipment away from your home or drain excess fuel out of the tank before storing. This simple safety precaution will help prevent accidental fires from escaping fuel vapors.

  • Remove fuel from lawn mowers before storing them for winter.

  • Contact your utility company if trees or branches are not clear of power lines

  • Prune back trees, and rake up leaves and debris. If you live in an open area with a lot of natural vegetation, consider creating a defensible fire zone around your home. Prune the bottom branches from trees and remove shrubs and trees within 20 feet of your home

  • Don’t store cardboard boxes, paper or other flammable materials in the backyard. These materials provide ready fuel for a fire and all it takes is one spark.

Heating your Home

  • Check all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they work, and change the batteries.  It is the law for all Ontario homes to have a working smoke alarm on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. This covers single family, semi-detached and town homes, whether owner-occupied or rented.

  • Have a useable fire extinguisher available.

Central Heating

  • Get your central heating system cleaned, inspected and serviced by a certified HVAC (heating, venting and air conditioning) contractor every year before using it.

  • If you have a gas heater, make sure that you have a sufficient quantity of fully functioning carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home.

  • Keep all flammable materials away from your furnace.  This includes, clothing, paint products, toxic materials, cardboard and more.

Fireplaces and Woodstoves

  • Have heating appliances serviced and chimney flues examined for defects.

  • Have fireplaces and fireplace dampers checked.

  • Fireplaces should be equipped with an appropriate screen or glass enclosure to prevent sparks from flying out.

  • Wood burning stoves should be examined and the flue and chimney checked for creosote buildup.  Creosote is a deposit from smoke that can build up in a chimney and can start a fire.

  • Use only seasoned woods, and avoid soft woods like Pine, etc.

  • Never use a flammable liquid to start a fireplace.

  • Never overload the hearth with wood or artificial logs, the resulting fire may be too large for the unit.

  • Put all ashes outdoors and away from the house in a metal container.

Space Heaters

  • Make sure that any space heaters are surrounded by at least three feet of empty space.

  • Never place clothing or any other objects on a space heater to dry.

  • Do not place space heaters near furniture or drapery.

  • Turn space heaters off when you leave the house or go to bed.

  • Avoid storing any combustible items near heaters.

In The Home

  • Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.   Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.

  • Do not overload electrical outlets or use extension cords in the place of additional outlets.

  • Check electrical appliances regularly for wearing cords and plugs.  Do not leave electrical appliances plugged in if they do not need to be.

  • Lack of maintenance is the number one cause of dryer fires. That is why it is critical to clean the lint filter before and after each use, and wipe away any lint that has accumulated around the drum.  Perform periodic checks to ensure that the air exhaust vent pipe is unobstructed (lint accumulation) and the outdoor vent flap opens readily.  Do not run the dryer without a lint filter. You are encouraged to not leave the dryer running if you go out, in case it malfunctions.

Candles

  • Extinguish candles when leaving the room or going to sleep. Keep lit candles away from items that can catch fire

  • Place candles in sturdy, burn-resistant containers that won’t tip over and are big enough to collect dripping wax.

  • Don’t place lit candles near windows, where blinds or curtains may close or blow over them.

  • Don’t use candles in high traffic areas where children or pets could knock them over.

  • Never let candles burn out completely. Extinguish them when they get to within two inches of the holder or decorative material.

  • Never leave children or pets alone in a room with lit candles.

  • Do not allow older children to light candles in their bedrooms. A forgotten candle or an accident is all it takes to start a fire.

  • During power outages, exercise caution when using candles as a light source. Many destructive fires start when potential fire hazards go unnoticed in the dark.

  • Never use a candle for light when fuelling equipment such as a camp fuel heater or lantern.

  • Keep candle wicks short at all times. Trim the wick to one-quarter inch (6.4 mm).

  • Be wary of buying novelty candles. Avoid candles surrounded by flammable paint, paper, dried flowers, or breakable/meltable containers.

  • Extinguish taper and pillar candles when they burn to within two inches of the holder, and container candles before the last half-inch of wax begins to melt.

  • When buying or using novelty candles, try to determine if they pose a potential fire hazard (if they contain a combustible component for instance). If they do, or if you suspect that they might, inform your local fire department.

  • Use extreme caution when carrying a lit candle, holding it well away from your clothes and any combustibles that may be along your path.

Winter Fire Safety

Fire Hydrant 

Fire Chief Ed Thiessen encourages all LaSalle residents to “Be a Hydrant Hero!” If you have a fire hydrant on or near your property, do your part to keep it accessible this winter. In a fire emergency, every second counts. 

  • Remove any snow and ice.

  • Clear a wide enough perimeter around the hydrant for firefighters to work (3 feet).

  • Clear a path from hydrant to street.


Chief Thiessen urges LaSalle residents to stay warm and safe this winter!

Heating Safety Tips from Chief Thiessen:

  • Have your fuel-burning appliances inspected annually by a registered contractor.

  • Your chimney may have problems you can’t see. Have your chimneys cleaned and inspected annually.

  • Keep vents for furnaces and heating appliances free of ice, snow, and debris to prevent deadly carbon monoxide build-up.

  • Watch for smoke coming into the room from the woodstove or fireplace. Chimney may be blocked or have a faulty damper control mechanism.

  • Burn dry wood in fireplaces and woodstoves to reduce build-up of dangerous creosote in chimneys.

  • Protect your home from sparks. Use a fire screen around the fireplace.

  • Burn dry wood in fireplaces and woodstoves to reduce build-up of dangerous creosote in chimneys.

  • Allow fireplace and woodstove ashes to cool before disposing. Put in metal container with lid. Keep the container outside.

  • Keep anything that can burn a safe distance away from wood stoves and fireplaces.

  • Keep space heaters at least 1 metre away from things that burn i.e. curtains, upholstery, clothing.

  • Replace worn or damaged electrical wires and connections on vehicle block heaters and extension cords.


Carbon Monoxide

LaSalle firefighters remind you to maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home. Install smoke alarms on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas. CO alarms are required outside all bedrooms. Test your smoke and CO alarms every month and install new batteries when needed.

To protect yourself and your family, take a walk around the outside of your home and make sure the intake and exhaust vents for furnaces and heating appliances are free of ice, snow, debris. 

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms