Emergency Operations & Training

The Dryden Fire Service is prepared to respond to fires of all types and sizes within our community. Fire suppression is one of our core responsibilities, and our firefighters are trained and equipped to act quickly to protect lives, property, and the environment.

When a fire occurs, our crews:

• Respond Rapidly – Ensuring fire trucks, equipment, and firefighters are on scene as quickly as possible.

• Assess and Control the Situation – Determining fire size, hazards, and risks to occupants and first responders.

• Rescue and Protect Occupants – Entering buildings to search for and remove anyone in danger.

• Extinguish Fires Safely – Using hoses, nozzles, and specialized tools to bring the fire under control.

• Prevent Fire Spread – Protecting nearby homes, businesses, and natural areas from further damage.

• Support Recovery – Assisting property owners and collaborating with partner agencies after the fire is extinguished.

Through continuous training and the use of modern firefighting equipment, the Dryden Fire Service ensures a fast, coordinated, and effective response to any fire emergency. Our top priority is the safety of the public and our community.

The Dryden Fire Service responds to motor vehicle collisions to ensure the safety of everyone involved. In serious crashes, people can become trapped inside their vehicles due to damage or injury. Our firefighters are trained in specialized vehicle extrication techniques to safely remove occupants while minimizing further harm.

When called to a collision, our crews:

• Stabilize the Scene – Ensuring the vehicles involved are secure to prevent movement.

• Protect the Patient – Working with paramedics to provide care and keep patients safe during the extrication process.

• Use Specialized Tools – Hydraulic rescue tools (“Jaws of Life”), saws, and other equipment are used to carefully remove doors, roofs, and other vehicle parts as needed.

• Coordinate with Emergency Services – Firefighters, police, and paramedics work together to provide rapid and efficient care.

Vehicle extrication is a time-sensitive operation where safety is our top priority for patients, first responders, and the community. Our training and equipment allow us to respond quickly and effectively, giving those involved in a collision the best chance for a safe outcome.

The Dryden Fire Service provides medical first response to support paramedics and deliver critical care before an ambulance arrives. As many of our firefighters are trained in first aid and CPR, we are often first on scene to stabilize patients.

Our crews:

• Provide Immediate Care such as CPR, bleeding control, and oxygen administration.

• Support Paramedics by assisting with patient care and transport.

• Ensure Scene Safety for patients, EMS, and bystanders.

This service ensures faster care during medical emergencies, improving patient outcomes and saving lives.

With Dryden surrounded by lakes, rivers, and harsh winter conditions, the risk of water-related emergencies is always present. The Dryden Fire Service provides water and ice rescue to respond quickly when someone is in danger.

Our firefighters are trained and equipped to:

• Conduct Ice Rescues when individuals or pets fall through thin or unstable ice.

• Perform Surface Water Rescues using boats, ropes, and flotation devices.

• Support Recovery Operations in cooperation with other agencies when needed.

• Prioritize Rescuer Safety through the use of cold-water immersion suits, ropes, and specialized equipment.

Through training, preparation, and teamwork, we are prepared to respond to water and ice emergencies year-round, keeping our community safe.

The Dryden Fire Service is trained and equipped to respond to hazardous materials incidents such as fuel spills, chemical leaks, or unknown substances. These situations can present immediate dangers to people, property, and the environment.

Our firefighters:

• Identify and Assess Hazards to determine the risks.

• Secure the Area to keep the public safe.

• Contain and Control Spills or Leaks using specialized tools and protective equipment.

• Coordinate with Provincial and Environmental Agencies to manage cleanup and long-term safety.

By acting quickly, we help prevent hazardous materials from spreading and protect the community from potential harm.

The Dryden Fire Service responds to all alarm activations within the community, whether they are caused by smoke, fire, carbon monoxide or system malfunctions. Every alarm is treated as a potential emergency until proven otherwise, ensuring the safety of building occupants and the public.

When an alarm sounds, our firefighters:

• Respond immediately to investigate the source of the activation.

• Assess the Situation to determine if there is smoke, fire, carbon monoxide, or another hazard.

• Ensure Occupant Safety by evacuating and securing the building if necessary.

• Reset or Secure Systems once the scene is safe, or remain on site until service technicians arrive.

• Provide Education on maintaining alarm systems to reduce false alarms in the future.

Even when no fire or carbon monoxide is found, alarm responses play a vital role in community safety by ensuring systems are working properly and by reinforcing the importance of early detection.

The Dryden Fire Service responds to a variety of calls where members of the public need assistance that doesn’t involve a fire or medical emergency. These calls may seem small, but they can make a big difference to the safety and well-being of our community.

Examples include:

• Lift Assists – Helping residents who have fallen and need assistance getting up.

• Alarm Checks – Investigating carbon monoxide or smoke alarms to ensure safety.

• Wellness Checks – Assisting partner agencies when community members may be at risk.

• Weather-Related Concerns – Helping residents during storm damage, flooding, or power outages.

Public assistance calls reflect our commitment to being a trusted resource for the community and ready to help whenever we are needed.

Electricity is essential to daily life, but it can also be extremely dangerous during emergencies. The Dryden Fire Service responds to hydro-related incidents to protect the public from electrical hazards and ensure the scene is made safe.

Our firefighters are trained to:

• Secure the Area – Establishing a safe perimeter to keep the public and emergency responders away from energized equipment.

• Identify Hazards – Downed power lines, damaged transformers, and electrical fires are treated with extreme caution.

• Coordinate with Hydro Crews – Working closely with utility providers to disconnect power and restore safety.

• Support Fire Suppression and Rescue – Ensuring electrical hazards are controlled before other emergency operations begin.

Hydro emergencies can occur during storms, collisions, or equipment failures. By responding quickly and working with our partners, the Dryden Fire Service ensures that electrical dangers are contained and the community remains safe.

In addition to other calls, the Dryden Fire Service is trained to perform a range of specialized rescues. These incidents are often complex and require technical training, teamwork, and specialized equipment.

Our firefighters are prepared to respond to:

• Rope Rescue – Assisting individuals in elevated or difficult-to-reach areas.

• Elevator Rescue – Safely Removing Individuals trapped in an Elevator.

• Animal Rescues – Helping pets and livestock in distress when conditions allow.

• Urban Search & Rescue - Helping with other agencies in locating lost or missing people

These rescue operations demonstrate our department’s versatility and readiness to respond to any emergency, ensuring the highest level of protection for the people of Dryden.

The Dryden Fire Service is proud to be a member of the Kenora District Mutual Aid Association, a partnership of fire departments across Northwestern Ontario. Mutual Aid enables fire departments to support one another by sharing resources, personnel, and equipment during large or complex emergencies.

Through this system, our community benefits from:

• Additional Resources – Extra fire trucks, equipment, and trained firefighters when local needs exceed our capacity.

• Regional Cooperation – Fire departments working together seamlessly during large-scale incidents such as major fires, hazardous material events, or natural disasters.

• Improved Safety – Ensuring that communities across the district have access to timely and effective emergency response.

• Shared Training and Knowledge – Enhancing firefighter skills and preparedness across all participating departments.

Mutual Aid ensures that no community faces an emergency alone. By being part of this network, the Dryden Fire Service strengthens both local response and regional resilience.

The Dryden Fire Service offers comprehensive NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level I and II training to all recruit firefighters, ensuring that all members possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to respond safely and effectively to emergencies. This training meets or exceeds the standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Firefighter Level I Training focuses on foundational skills, including:

• Fire behaviour and combustion principles
• Personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) use
• Basic fire suppression techniques and hose handling
• Search and rescue fundamentals
• Fireground safety and communication
• Ladder operations
• Forcible entry
• Vertical and horizontal ventilation
• fire hose and deployment

Firefighter Level II Training builds on these skills with advanced techniques, such as:

• Incident Command scenarios
• Vehicle rescue and auto-extrication
• Locating the origin and cause of the fire
• Maintaining tools and equipment
• Recognizing technical rescue situations
• Recognizing community risks
• Presenting public education materials and station tours

Both levels combine classroom instruction, hands-on exercises, and live fire scenarios to provide practical experience in controlled, realistic environments. 

All recruit firefighters who are successful in the completion and testing of NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level I & II will receive their International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Seal and are fully prepared to respond to the wide range of emergencies encountered in the City of Dryden.

The Dryden Fire Service provides specialized Hazardous Materials (HazMat) training for all new recruits, following the NFPA 1072 Standard for Hazardous Materials Response. This training ensures that every firefighter has the knowledge and skills necessary to safely recognize, assess, and respond to hazardous materials incidents.

During this training, new recruits learn to:

• Hazardous Materials Awareness – Identify potential chemical, biological, radiological, or toxic threats and understand associated risks.

• Safety and Scene Management – Establish safe zones, prevent exposure, and protect themselves and the public.

• Hazardous Materials Operations – Use proper containment, control, and mitigation techniques in line with NFPA 1072 standards.

• Coordination with Specialized Teams – Work effectively with provincial HazMat units and other emergency services during complex incidents.

Training combines classroom instruction, hands-on exercises, and scenario-based drills to provide recruits with practical experience in a controlled and safe environment.

All recruit firefighters who are successful in the completion and testing of NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Awareness & Operations will receive their International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Seal and are fully prepared to respond to any hazardous material incident in the municipality of Dryden or the surrounding area.

The Dryden Fire Service offers specialized Surface Water and Ice Water Rescue training for firefighters, in accordance with the NFPA 1006 Standard for Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications. This training prepares our members to respond safely and effectively to emergencies on lakes, rivers, and other water environments year-round.

Through this training, firefighters learn to:

• Perform Surface Water Rescues – Using boats, flotation devices, and rescue ropes to safely reach and recover individuals in open water.

• Conduct Ice Water Rescues – Safely responding to incidents involving people or animals who have fallen through ice.

• Apply Safety Protocols – Using personal protective equipment, cold-water immersion suits, and team-based procedures to minimize risk.

• Coordinate with Emergency Services – Working alongside EMS, police, and other agencies during water-related emergencies.

• Execute Technical Rescues – Manage complex scenarios, including ice conditions, surface water conditions and multiple-victim situations.

Training combines classroom instruction, practical exercises, and scenario-based drills to give firefighters hands-on experience in a controlled environment.

All firefighters who are successful in the completion and testing of NFPA 1006 Surface Water & Ice Water Rescue will receive their International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Seal and are fully prepared to respond to any surface water or ice water rescue incident that occurs in the municipality of Dryden or the surrounding area.

The Dryden Fire Service provides specialized Apparatus Driver/Operator training in accordance with NFPA 1002 Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications. This training ensures that firefighters are fully prepared to operate fire apparatus safely and effectively during emergency response.

During this training, firefighters learn to:

• Drive Emergency Vehicles Safely – Navigating streets, highways, and challenging terrain under emergency conditions.

• Operate Fire Apparatus Systems – Controlling pumps, hoses, aerial devices, and other onboard equipment.

• Perform Vehicle Inspections and Maintenance – Ensuring apparatus is always in a safe and ready condition.

• Apply Emergency Driving Procedures – Following safety protocols while responding to fire, medical, or rescue calls.

• Coordinate on the Fireground – Managing water supply, deploying equipment, and supporting firefighters during operations.

Training combines classroom instruction, hands-on driving exercises, and scenario-based drills to give firefighters real-world experience in operating emergency vehicles and apparatus.

All firefighters who complete and pass the NFPA 1002 Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator testing will receive their International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Seal and be fully prepared to driver and operate any fire apparatus on scene during emergencies in the municipality of Dryden and the surrounding area.

The Dryden Fire Service is committed to fostering leadership and professional growth among its members. All qualified firefighters have the opportunity to pursue advanced training to become a Lieutenant, Captain, or Fire Service Instructor, enhancing their skills and preparing them for leadership roles within the department.

Firefighters seeking promotion or instructional roles engage in:

• NFPA 1021 Officer Level I Training – Developing the knowledge and skills needed to lead teams, manage fireground operations, and make critical decisions during emergency incidents.

• NFPA 1041 Instructor Level I Training – Preparing members to deliver effective training programs, mentor new recruits, and maintain high standards of firefighter education.

This leadership development program combines classroom instruction, scenario-based exercises, and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that aspiring officers are equipped to manage personnel, resources, and emergency operations safely and efficiently.

All firefighters who complete and pass the NFPA 1021 Fire Officer Level I or NFPA 1041 Fire Instructor Level I testing will receive their International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Seal.

The Dryden Fire Service provides all new recruit firefighters with a comprehensive driver training program that prepares them to obtain their DZ (Class D) driver’s license, a critical requirement for operating fire apparatus. This program ensures recruits gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to drive safely and professionally under emergency conditions.

During this course, recruits learn to:

• Operate Heavy Vehicles Safely – Mastering maneuvering, braking, and control of large vehicles.

• Understand Traffic and Safety Regulations – Ensuring compliance with provincial laws for emergency vehicle operation.

• Perform Pre-Trip Inspections – Checking vehicles and equipment to guarantee safe and reliable operation.

• Respond to Emergency Scenarios – Applying defensive driving techniques while responding to calls.

• Coordinate on the Fireground – Supporting safe and efficient deployment of apparatus and personnel.

The training combines classroom instruction, practical driving exercises, and on-road experience to prepare recruits for the provincial DZ licensing process. By completing this course, recruits can challenge the Ontario Drive Test for a DZ driver's license and, if successful, obtain their full DZ license.

Each year, the Dryden Fire Service participates in Live Fire Training with the Ontario Mobile Live Fire Training Unit (MLFTU). For one week every year, this state-of-the-art training facility is brought to our community, providing firefighters with a safe and realistic environment in which to practice critical firefighting skills.

The MLFTU allows our members to:

• Experience Realistic Fire Scenarios – Training with live flames, heat, and smoke conditions in a controlled setting.

• Practice Fire Attack Techniques – Advancing hose lines, extinguishing fires, and managing fire behaviour.

• Improve Search and Rescue Skills – Locating and removing simulated victims from smoke-filled environments.

• Enhance Firefighter Safety – Practicing survival strategies, rapid intervention, and teamwork under stress.

• Meet Provincial Standards – Training that aligns with NFPA and Ontario Fire College requirements.

This annual training ensures that paid-per-call firefighters maintain the confidence, readiness, and skills required to respond safely and effectively to real emergencies in the City of Dryden.