St Thomas Fire Department

08/13/2026

Environment Canada is launching new notifications for severe storms and tornado warnings. As we saw this year the warnings were for large areas and vague. Causing people to ignore critical warnings they may be impacted by!
Warnings now will be more precise. When you receive a warning…please pay attention and act!

Ever received a weather alert only to look up and see nothing but blue sky?

We know that our alerts have felt too broad, often warning large areas for isolated weather hazards. That’s why we've been working on a better approach.

Introducing targeted severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings.

Using polygons, our forecasters can now target warnings more precisely to the area most at risk. This helps ensure the right people get the right warning at the right time.

We are also using new semi-automated text generation technologies that allow forecasters to publish more consistent storm-specific detail simultaneously in both English and French.

Together, these advancements mean we are getting vital safety information to Canadians!

Learn more about the latest advancements in weather alerting: https://ow.ly/HABi50Zz1qT

07/27/2026

Crews battle residential fire, during our busiest start to a year on record.
STFD stats show call volume is up %19 from this same time last year. We appreciate our staff, and their dedication to maintaining the same level of service, even with the demands of an increased number of incidents.

Barwick St. Fire:
Shortly before 5:30 this morning, crews responded to a structure fire in the Barwick St. area. One resident was transported to STEGH with minor injuries. Crews knocked the fire down quickly and were able to contain fire damage to one room. The fire is under investigation but is not considered suspicious.

Remember working smoke alarms are the early warning you and your family needs to safely escape your home in the event of a fire. Test your smoke alarms today!
Hustle & Heart 94.1 myFM
CTV London
City of St. Thomas

07/21/2026

Maintaining fire safety systems in your home or workplace ensures they are ready even if they stay quiet!

Smoke alarms, sprinkler systems, emergency lighting, extinguishers, and fire alarms rarely get attention when they're working properly.

07/16/2026

Wildfire smoke contains tiny particles that can travel deep into the lungs and cause irritation or inflammation. To reduce your exposure:

✅ Limit strenuous outdoor activities
✅ Check local air quality conditions before heading outside
✅ Keep windows and doors closed
✅ Visit an indoor public space, such as a library or community centre, if you need cleaner air
✅While supplies last, on high-risk air-quality days, you can pick-up a respirator from SWPH or community libraries. Check this link for locations: https://www.swpublichealth.ca/community-health/environmental-health/air-quality/outdoor-air-quality/

If you must spend time outdoors, consider wearing a well-fitting respirator mask, such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent. Those at higher risk include infants and children, older adults, pregnant individuals, people with chronic health conditions, and those who work outdoors.

Learn more and monitor local air quality conditions through Environment Canada: https://www.airqualityontario.com/aqhi/

07/15/2026

Upgraded to orange

9:35 AM EDT Wednesday 15 July 2026

Impact Level: High

Forecast Confidence: High

Air quality is expected to deteriorate later today as smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario moves into the area. Poor air quality may persist into Friday. During heavy smoke conditions, everyone’s health is at risk regardless of their age or health status. Limit time outdoors. Reschedule or cancel outdoor sports, activities and events. You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance. People more likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should avoid strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms. When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool. Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke.
Check on your neighbours, friends and family!

07/15/2026

It’s national pet fire safety day!
Learn where your pets run to hide when they are scared! It will better help you tell firefighters where they might be hiding in your home for rescue!
Some people even train their dogs to go to a door, when they hear the smoke alarm sound! Amazing!

National Pet Fire Safety Day 🐾🔥

Today is a great reminder that fire safety plans should include every member of your family — including your furry friends!

Pets can accidentally start fires by knocking over candles, turning on stovetops, chewing electrical cords, or getting into other household hazards. A few simple steps can help keep your pets and your home safe:

✅ Keep candles and open flames out of reach of curious pets
✅ Use stove k**b covers or remove k**bs when not in use
✅ Secure electrical cords to prevent chewing
✅ Keep pet supplies and toys away from heat sources
✅ Keep a fire extinguisher and working smoke alarms in your home
✅ Include your pets in your emergency evacuation plan

Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do in case of a fire — and have a plan for safely getting your pets out. 🐶🐱

A little preparation can help protect the pets we love. ❤️

St Thomas Fire Department

07/15/2026

Please check on friends and neighbours that are vulnerable to the heat!
Stay hydrated!

❗️Environment Canada is forecasting a multi-day heat event starting Monday, July 13th and continuing into Wednesday, July 15th or Thursday, July 16th. Daytime highs will be as high as 35 degrees Celsius, with humidex values near 42. Overnight low temperatures are expected to be near 23 degrees Celsius.

Residents in Elgin County, Oxford County, and the City of St. Thomas are recommended to monitor the weather forecast to evaluate the risk of exposure to heat as conditions could change. Visit Environment Canada's website for the most up-to-date information: https://weather.gc.ca/

During an extreme heat warning, residents should take precautions to protect themselves and the most vulnerable from heat related illness.

Those most vulnerable to the effects of the heat include older adults, infants and young children, outdoor workers, and people experiencing homelessness who do not have shelter, proper clothing or food.

Anyone who experiences physical distress because of extreme temperatures should seek medical attention immediately, either by calling 911 or by going to the nearest emergency department.

Find a cooling centre: https://www.swpublichealth.ca/extreme-heat

07/14/2026

They’re here!!

07/14/2026

Hot summer night tonight!!
Woodhaven park! At the corner of Locke Ave and Rosemount!!!! 7pm!
Remember this is done by on duty crews and the event may be late or cancelled!
See you all there!!
104.9myfm_online
City of St. Thomas, Ontario
Victim Services Elgin