fire

On December 1, 1879, the fire department by-law was adopted. E. B. Smith was named engineer, followed by John Alexander. In 1888, E. B. Smith was again appointed engineer: John Alexander, assistant; Frank Atkinson, captain of engine company; William McKay, of the hose company; D. H. Gillies of the hook and ladder company and fourteen menof the hook and ladder company. In August 1925 a new fire truck was bought with an additional 500 feet of hose. The cost was $4,823.00. The volunteer Firemen were:

John Hanson	Fred J. McLeod
Ben Nichols	Norman McDonald
George Burgess	Alex Finlay
William Shipley	H. W. Adams
J. C. Reid	Roland (Pat) Reid
Fred Hatter	S. S. Robinson
William Gale	Bert Keen
Erwin Scott	Amos Wright

Through the war years and immediately after, the local fire department was a rather informal group of area men that respond to the fire call when required. The rapid ringing of the large bell in the belfry of the Village Hall was the alarm signal that announced help was required and all able men quickly responded to the call. In about 1947 a large siren, fresh from wartime Britain was installed as a more efficient alarm. This siren was used for more than 35 years untill replaced by a smaller unit on the new fire hall.

A 1923 International fire truck was our main piece of firefighting equipment untill 1953 when a new pumper replaced the original equipment. Since then the equipment has been upgraded and enlarged to include a pumper truck, a water tank truck and utility eqipment van.(In Photo Gallery) Our firefighting equipment is up to date and fully modern for today's needs.

In 1960 a major re-organization of all fire departments took place in Middlesex County -- including Ailsa Craig. An active group of firefighters led by a fire chief and deputy was established with a list of active men ready to volunteer their services whenever the alarm sounded. Regular practises, meetings and training sessions were incorporated to make this a qualified department to meet the needs of the community. At this time mutual aid to neighbouring departments was established and firefighting service was established by Ailsa Craig to parts of the neighbouring townships.

In 1992 the department was again re-organized to become the Ailsa Craig and District Fire Department with the Village of Ailsa Craig and the Townships of East Williams and McGillivary becoming shareholders in its ownership and operation.

The department has been fortunate to have a number of devoted men as Fire Chief during this period. Maurice Harwood served for 12 years, Jack Branston for 16 years, Carman Pickering for 11 years, Charles Daigle for 4 years and Ron Whitmore is the current chief.

Today we are meeting the needs of the 90's with a strong active roster of 21 firefighters, and modern equipment in good condition. Whether it be fire or some other type of emergency, these people are ready to volunteer their assistance.