Whitby Fire – Keeping Residents Safe for 175 years

This year marks 175 years since Whitby’s first volunteer fire brigade was formed in 1851, laying the foundation for today’s Whitby Fire and Emergency Services. Nearly two centuries later, the service has evolved into a full‑service department responsible for firefighting, rescue, inspections, public education, and community safety.

Today, WFES operates out of five, soon to be six, fire halls across Whitby, serving a growing population. The department is staffed by professional firefighters and supported by specialized divisions that focus on training — including technical rescue and elevator response — along with risk management, administrative services, and ongoing fire prevention and outreach programs.

As it reflects on its history, the department is also looking ahead. On the final day of 2025, WFES placed Engine 36, its seventh staffed frontline fire truck, into service, helping build capacity as the town continues to grow and emergency calls rise.

Several major projects are also underway, including plans for a new fire station in West Whitby to improve response times in a fast‑growing area, a state-of-the-art fire tower, and the development and unveiling of Whitby’s Fallen Firefighter Memorial to honour the past.

The WFES Live Fire Training Tower is a four-storey facility designed to support a wide range of realistic training initiatives. The structure incorporates adaptable layouts that simulate residential, high-rise, and commercial building environments, allowing crews to train in conditions that closely reflect both our community and the continued growth within the Town.

After 175 years, the calls may look different than they once did, but the mission remains the same: protecting the Whitby community.

For more information, visit whitby.ca/Fire.