The South-West Oxford Fire and Emergency Services consists of 3 stations located in Brownsville, Mount Elgin, and Beachville that service a population of approximately 7,544 residents spanning across 370.48 square kilometres.
If you see a vehicle with a green flashing light, please move over to the right of the road to allow the vehicle to pass. The green flashing light means that a Volunteer Firefighter is responding to an emergency call.
| Fire Department Information |
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Between the 3 stations (Brownsville, Mount Elgin and Beachville), the fire department responds to an average of 270 emergency calls per year in a variety of disciplines. These emergencies are responded to by our 60 paid-on-call members utilizing the 9 apparatus and a variety of specialized equipment. The foundation of the department's tasks is organized into operations, training, fire prevention, risk management, emergency management and administration aspects, which are all in place to support the delivery of critical fire suppression and emergency services.
The Fire Department is responsible for a wide range of activities. These include firefighting, and all categories of rescue matters, along with the handling and disposing of hazardous materials. Performing activities such as the removal of trapped victims from vehicles or a building may be required. Our firefighters are also trained in advanced first aid and assist in the treatment and evacuation of individuals when required. Our fire personnel train on a continuous basis to ensure their ability to respond to emergencies with the Township and handle them in a fast and efficient manner is maintained.
Some of the Department’s other vital emergency and non-emergency services include:
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Burn Permits
| General Information/Regulations |
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Open-air burning is regulated by the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (Ontario Regulation 388/97). Article 2.6.3.4. of the Act states (among other things) that, "Open Air Burning is not permitted unless approved…". On May 16, 2023, Council passed By-law No. 29-2023 which provides for the regulation and control of the setting of fires and the prevention of fire in the Township. Permits are now required for all open-air burning including (but not limited to) recreational/campfires, agricultural, non-recreational and special/demolition burns. Don't forget to call at least 30 minutes before every burn! 1-844-325-5888 |
| Who can apply? |
| Only property owners can apply. A tenant, worker or family member wishing to apply must call the Municipal Office (519) 485-0477 to provide verbal approval, or email fireadmin@swox.org with written approval. If you do not have an email address to apply for a permit online, please contact or visit our office during opening hours. |
| What type of permit do I need? |
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A recreational burn permit is an annual permit (no charge) that meets the following criteria:
An agricultural/non-recreational permit is an annual permit ($50 fee) that meets the following criteria:
NOTE: this permit type has been suspended due to item #6 above. Applications will re-open mid August, 2023. If you need to burn during this time, please apply for a recreational or special permit, or contact the Fire Chief.
A special permit is a four-week period ($35 fee) that meets the following criteria:
All permits will be void on known smog days, or days when the Township has issued a ban. |
| How do I apply? |
Please watch this informative video for more information. Contact us for assistance from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Fire Dept Admin Hours) excluding holidays.
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| What happens if someone makes a complaint or you are found in contravention of the By-law? |
| Guidelines for all burning are included on your burn permit. You must read and acknowledge the terms and conditions of the by-law, before your permit is approved. When South-West Oxford Fire and Emergency Services responds to complaints about burning, and they find you are not following the rules you may be charged for the services used to respond to the complaint, including trucks and staff costs (as per the current Fees and Charges By-law, as amended from time to time). They also have the right to fine you according to the set fines set out in By-law No. 29-2023 and/or any fines required under provincial legislation. |
Stations and Recruitment
| Brownsville - Station # 1 |
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292244 Culloden Line |
| Mount Elgin - Station # 2 |
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333269 Plank Line (Highway 19) |
| Beachville - Station # 3 |
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434696 West Hill Road |
| Values, Mission, and Vision |
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In 2016, following the advice of the Township's Fire Strategic Planning Steering Committee, the Township adopted the Fire and Emergency Services Strategic Plan. ValuesIntegrity — We are honest, trustworthy, and accountable. Honour guides our actions. Teamwork — We each bring our own skills and experience, yet we recognize that we are better together. We support and depend on each other to achieve our goals. Compassion — Caring is part of our job. We could not do what we do without deep and motivating empathy for those we serve. Courage — We show fortitude and determination in a crisis. Diversity — We respect the different identities, experiences, and perspectives of those that we work with and the community we serve. MissionThe mission of the South-West Oxford Fire and Emergency Services is to save lives and protect property through emergency services, fire and rescue response, and fire prevention. We aim to be a leader in the development and delivery of fire and emergency services for the growth and well-being of our community. VisionSouth-West Oxford Fire and Emergency Services: a leader in responding to and preventing emergencies with a commitment to excellence and teamwork. |
| Firefighter Recruitment |
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If you enjoy serving your community and are willing to dedicate the time required to successfully complete a mandatory training program, attend weekly training sessions, and respond frequently to emergencies within your response area; this could be your opportunity to make a difference in your community.
Thank you for your interest. The Fire Department is not currently accepting applications for Volunteer Firefighters. Please check back in Fall 2023. Details about recruitment will also be posted as a news article on our website, and on our social media platforms. |
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Resources
Burns and Alarms Phone Line
*NEW* Effective March 1, 2023: For alarm testing, fire drills, hot works and open-air burn permit activations please phone: (519) 842-2481. For active sounding alarms or incident related issues that need to be dealt with immediately, please phone: (519) 842-3229. For emergencies, please call: 9-1-1.
| Public Safety |
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| Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors |
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| Education |
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| Public Education |
| The South-West Oxford Fire and Emergency Services provide fire safety education to meet the needs of all citizens of South-West Oxford. Programs provide engaging and interactive education for all groups. Public fire safety educators work closely with local school boards, community groups, and various associations and are available and eager to make presentations to the community.
To request a Fire Safety Educator to present to your group, please fill out the Public Education Request Form. |
| Fire Safety Inspections |
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The South-West Oxford Fire Department Fire Safety Inspection Program is intended to reduce the likelihood of fire occurrences and the impact of fire should one occur. A fire inspection identifies if a property owner is maintaining a fire safe property and reinforces fire safe behaviours, not just infractions of the Ontario Fire Code. Fire safety inspections are conducted by the Fire Chief in one of three ways: Request, Routine, or Complaint.
Request InspectionIf a person would like to have a fire safety inspection conducted at a property they own, they can request this in writing to the Fire Chief. The letter must state the owners name, property address, and the reason for inspection. Complete the form to request an inspection here.
Routine InspectionThese inspections include targeted properties that house vulnerable sector residents, require licensing, or have a history of non-compliance.
Complaint InspectionIf a member of the public has reason to believe that a property within the Township of South-West Oxford does not comply with the Ontario Fire Code, or there are fire hazards at a property, they may file a complaint with Fire Chief Rob Serson. |
Fire Facts
Fire is dark. Most people expect fire to be light. On the contrary, fire is pitch black. In most cases smoke kills first, not flames. The poisonous gases emitted by a fire can actually put you into a deep sleep before you are overcome by flames. Installing a smoke alarm on each level of your home can give you the early warning you need to escape safely!
Fire has intense heat. Fire raises the temperature several hundred degrees in just seconds. One breath can cause severe lung damage. Develop and practice a fire escape plan, complete with a meeting place outside. An escape plan can help you escape safely when seconds count!
- Fire is fast! In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It takes only minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house.
- Fire is hot! A fire's heat alone can kill. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super hot air will scorch your lungs.
- Fire is dark! Fire starts bright, but quickly produces smoke and complete darkness. If you wake up to a fire, you may be blinded, disoriented, and unable to find your way around the home you've lived in for years.
- Fire is deadly! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire uses up the oxygen you need and produces smoke and poisonous gases that kill.
A residential home can be totally consumed in flames in less than five minutes! There is no time - you need to know what to do.
Fire Strategic Planning
In 2015, the SWOX fire and emergency services introduced its strategic plan, alongside measures in pursuance with these goals. The strategic plan is both a roadmap for the South-West Oxford Fire and Emergency Services and a guide for identifying priorities so we can continue to deliver excellent fire rescue, fire prevention, and emergency services into the future.
The South-West Oxford Fire and Emergency Services encourages you to look through our strategic planning guide below for more information: