Algonquin Highlands

Fire Services

Algonquin Highlands Fire Services is dedicated to protecting life, property and the environment through education, prevention and emergency response. AHFS operates three stations; Station 60 in Dorset, Station 70 in Oxtongue Lake, and Station 80 on North Shore Road in the former Township of Stanhope.

Fire Season - No Daytime Burning

Fire season is in effect in Algonquin Highlands from April 1 through October 31 each year. This means that as a safety precaution, daytime burning is prohibited. Burning during the fire season is permitted between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Daytime burn permits are no longer issued in the Township of Algonquin Highlands. The operators of commercial operations who must conduct daytime burning are asked to contact the Fire Chief.

You can view the Algonquin Highlands Open Air Burning By-Law here.

Volunteer with AHFS

Do you have the fire within? Become a volunteer firefighter.

Test It Tuesday

Make checking the batteries in your smoke alarms and CO detectors a weekly ritual.

Volunteering with AHFS

Interested in Joining Fire Services?

Do you have the fire within? Algonquin Highlands Fire Services is comprised of some 50 volunteer men and women who are trained to NFPA standards to serve our community. Firefighters are on-call and may be needed on a moment's notice. Firefighters receive monetary compensation for the services they provide.

If you would like to know more about the Fire Services, call 705-766-0010.

If you'd like to apply to be a volunteer firefighter, print and fill out a Volunteer Firefighter Application Form and deliver it to the Township Office at 1123 North Shore Road. Your application should be submitted in a sealed envelope addressed to the attention of the Fire Chief. Alternatively, you may scan your completed form and email it to the Chief.

Firefighter's Associations

All three stations have their own Firefighters’ Associations. These are social organizations that are not formally affiliated with township fire protection services. Association members hold events, raise money and contribute to the well-being of the community. The Township appreciates these groups and their ongoing donations of money and equipment.

Fire Safety Information

Conditions for Nighttime Burning

Only a single pile is burned at any one time.
The pile is not more than 2 metres in diameter and less than 2 metres high.
The fire is at least 3 metres from any flammable materials.
You have adequate tools or water to contain the fire to the fire site.
A responsible person tends the fire until it is extinguished.

Grass fires are prohibited.

If you are camping in Algonquin Highlands, please ensure that your campfire complies with the Open Air Burning By-law and is no bigger than 60 cm by 60 cm. Campfires must be extinguished completely at the end of the night and when leaving the campsite. Campfires established for cooking (using a grill) or for warmth do not require permits and the daytime restrictions do not apply.

If conditions become extreme, the MNR or the Township retains the authority to declare a Fire Ban on all fires including those for cooking and warmth.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Alarms are required for smoke and carbon monoxide on every storey and outside all sleeping areas, plus smoke alarms are required in every sleeping area.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is known as ‘The Silent Killer’ because you can’t see it, taste it or smell it. The only way to detect the presence of the deadly gas is to install a carbon monoxide alarm.

On October 15, 2014, the Ontario Government formally enacted a new law - The Hawkins-Gignac Act - making carbon monoxide alarms mandatory in all Ontario homes at risk of CO. This revision to the Ontario Fire Code supersedes any existing municipal by-laws.