History of Firefighting in Caledon

Did you know?

• Before organized fire departments, people could only pass buckets of water along a 'human chain’ to the scene of the fire – if there was water available. 
• Once mechanical pumps were invented, water could penetrate further into a blaze but supply continued to be an issue.
•  Most could only afford secondhand equipment – sometimes even making or modifying their own gear.
• This changed in the 1970s when the Town purchased new apparatus and equipment for each of the fire departments.

Alton firefighters demonstrating new equipment, 1951.

Taking water to a swamp fire, Inglewood, 1948.

Call to action

• Calls for help usually went to a special fire phone – typically located in the home of the chief or at a local business. The person answering would activate the local air raid siren, alerting the firefighters.
• The details of the incident were relayed to the fire hall by phone and written on a blackboard.
• In the 1940s, much of the equipment was World War II surplus, including gas masks. Rubber coats, helmets, and tall boots provided only the most basic protection for firefighting.
• By the 1980s, modern breathing apparatus became available and by the early 90’s bunker suits were put into service. Since then, Caledon’s firefighters have worn the same gear as full-time firefighters in other municipalities.
• Today, Caledon’s emergency responders are alerted through a pager system by 911 dispatch. 

Firefighters in bunker gear at an abandoned house, 2002.

Volunteers

• Until 2003, all firefighters in Caledon were volunteers.
• Caledon’s first female volunteer joined the service in 1989.
• Caledon is now a composite service, meaning there are full-time and volunteer firefighters in our community.

Caledon East Fire-ettes learning CPR, 1980.

History of Caledon’s Fire Stations:

• In 1974, the Town of Caledon amalgamated the six stations inherited from the former municipalities and hired Chief Robert Hilton to create a single fire service.
• This change was aided by a new communications system with central dispatch, improved training, and new equipment.
• Emergency municipal numbers and road names replaced the old rural roads system, providing unique addresses which allowed for fast response to calls.

Caledon’s first Fire Chief, Robert Hilton, directing operations at a sports complex fire, 1980.