Champlain Fire Stations
Address: 11 Main Street East, Vankleek Hill
District Chief: Michel Martin
Vankleek Hill Fire Station was renovated in 1998 and over 25 volunteer firefighters are now working there. There are also 3 trucks and an ambulance.
Address: 10 Elgin Street, L'Orignal
District Chief: Richard Sincennes
More than 25 volunteer firefighters work at L'Orignal's Fire Station, which has three fire trucks.
On this page
- About Champlain Fire Department
- Fire prevention - inspection
- Water Tank Shuttle Accreditation
- Become Volunteer Firefighter
- False alarms
- Open-air fire permits
About Champlain Fire Department
The Township of Champlain Fire Department is comprised of over 50 volunteer firefighters, located in two fire halls, and provides protective services in the four wards of its territory: West Hawkesbury, Longueuil, Vankleek Hill and L'Orignal. These fire halls provide protection to 8665 residents (2021) in an area of over 207 km².
Mission, Vision and Values
The mission of the Champlain Fire and Emergency Department is to prevent serious fire hazards and immediate threats caused by fire through appropriate measures, and to enforce the Fire Code under the authority and in accordance with the provisions set out in the Fire Prevention and Protection Act.
The Director of Fire Services shall use preventive and control measures to extinguish fires; ensure the safety of the community's lives and property; and exercise all rights under the Fire Prevention and Protection Act.
Fire Prevention - Inspection
Inspections are conducted to ensure that minimum safety standards as per the Ontario Building Code and the Ontario Fire Code are met for all buildings in our area. Inspections are also conducted on a regular basis for occupancies that require special permits, such as tents and outdoor activities.
Inspections ensure that all buildings in our region meet the Ontario Fire Code. The Code requires that all new buildings be built and existing buildings maintained in accordance with fire safety standards.
Inspections are required under the Code for the following:
- attorney letters for property sales;
- Licensing of public garages
- Licensing of liquor sales
- Issuance of permits for public halls
- Issuance of demolition permits;
- Development of fire safety plans; and
- Fire route planning.
Inspections may be conducted :
- as a result of a complaint from the public
- as a result of a complaint by a firefighter; or
- at the owner's request.
- On a random inspection schedule
To schedule an inspection, please contact Ghislain Pigeon, directeur du service des incendies.
| Type of Inspection | Fees |
|---|---|
| Letter issue by the Fire Chief (file search, inspection report, etc.) - 2 hours | $133 |
| Additional hours of work for the inspection | $75/hour |
| Inspection of multi-residential, commercial or industrial buildings | $60/hour |
Water Tank Shuttle Accreditation
Residential properties located within 8 km of one of the Champlain fire halls may be eligible for residential insurance discounts. Commercial properties located within 5 km may also be eligible, unless the insurance company decides otherwise.
Discounts are not auto-determined and vary from one insurance provider to another. Contact your insurance carrier to find out what the documentation requirements are.
For a copy of the accreditation, please contact the Director of Fire Services.
Become a Volunteer Firefighter
What is a volunteer firefighter?
Volunteer firefighters are an important asset of Champlain Township. They work in our two fire halls and respond to emergency calls. It is a challenging and demanding job. It requires a willingness to attend numerous training sessions and to devote time and energy to respond to emergencies. Being a volunteer firefighter is a very rewarding experience, as you contribute to the safety of the whole community.
Make a difference, save lives and get:
- A skill set that you will carry with you for life;
- Personal growth, training and development;
- A team spirit and lasting friendships;
- A tremendous sense of accomplishment and pride.
Volunteer firefighters perform firefighting and emergency response duties under the general supervision of the Captains and Director of Fire Services. Mandatory training, drills and other optional training are an integral part of the position.
| Types of emergencies where volunteer firefighters may respond: |
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| Requirements to be a volunteer firefighter |
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Recruitment
The Champlain Township Fire Department usually hires several volunteer firefighters once a year to fill out its teams. Subscribe to the Employment page on the Champlain website or to our social medias to be notified when the pool of volunteer firefighters is open.
The recruitment process includes several steps: interviews, physical abilities tests, health and medical tests and documents required.
False Alarms
When an alarm system is activated, users must ensure that it is not a false alarm before contacting the Police Department to request the police assistance. A 9-1-1 call from an alarm company following a false alarm constitutes a costly service, with or without a police response.
| Service | Fees |
|---|---|
| First and second alarms within 12 months[1] | Free |
| Third and each additional alarm within 12 months[1] | $800 |
[1] The 12-month period begins on the day the first alarm is activated.
Open-Air Fire Permit
Prior to burning any material on any property, an application must be filed by the landowner before a fire permit is issued. Certain criteria must be met before obtaining permission to burn. The Township application contains pertinent information that will assist the applicant in burning the material safely.
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