Firefighting Glossary

Sometimes called a "quint". Like the ladder, but also has a water tank and pump like a pumper.

Carries extra lighting equipment and air cylinders to refill firefighters' breathing apparatus during extended incidents.

A highly specialized team trained to handle Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive threats. They use advanced detection and decontamination equipment to protect the public during hazardous incidents and often work in conjunction with police and medical teams.

An officer vehicle used by the Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, District Chief or Platoon Chief to oversee fireground operations and administrative tasks.

Used by senior officers to coordinate responses at major incidents. Equipped with communication and incident command tools.

Used to decontaminate personnel and equipment exposed to hazardous materials.

Reports directly to the Fire Chief. Assists in managing large areas of departmental operations (e.g., Operations, Training, Fire Prevention, Administration). May act as Fire Chief in their absence. Oversees senior staff, including Platoon and District Chiefs depending on their division.

Oversees a specific group of fire stations within a defined geographic district. Directly supervises fire captains and station crews. Responds to significant incidents in their district and assumes incident command until relieved. Ensures proper staffing, training, and readiness of their assigned stations.

Top executive officer of Toronto Fire Services. Responsible for the overall leadership, policy direction, and operation of the entire department. Works closely with city officials and other emergency services. Handles strategic planning, budgeting, public safety initiatives, and emergency response readiness across the whole city.

Responds to determine the origin and cause of fires. These units assist with post-incident analysis and investigations.

A boat with equipment for firefighting and rescue operations on the water, and supporting operations on the Toronto Islands.

Like the pumper, but with firefighting foam in addition to water. Better suited for industrial fires.

Supports HazMat units with additional equipment, supplies, and personnel.

A unit trained and equipped to handle hazardous materials incidents, chemical spills, and decontamination.

A vehicle with specialized highrise rescue equipment.

Has a long, straight aerial ladder and rescue equipment.

A smaller, more maneuverable fire engine used in tight urban spaces or for quick response. Carries essential firefighting tools.

A vehicle with extra equipment to support incidents.

Transports additional firefighting personnel to and from the scene of an incident.

Like an aerial ladder with a platform attached.

A shift commander for all firefighting operations citywide during their assigned platoon (or shift). Coordinates the response of multiple fire stations and districts during incidents. Often the highest-ranking officer on duty at night or during major emergencies before senior command arrives. Ensures that resources are effectively deployed during large-scale or multiple incidents.

Has firefighting gear and basic rescue equipment.

A vehicle that can quickly respond to incidents with specialized equipment for rapid deployment. Operates on the Toronto Islands.

A unit that provides food, drinks, and rest support to firefighters at prolonged emergency scenes. SUP7 (a.k.a. Support 7) is operated by a volunteer organization called the Greater Toronto Multiple Alarm Association. BOX12 is operated by a volunteer organization called the Box 12 Association since 1948.

Like the pumper, but with more rescue equipment.

A heavy rescue vehicle with specialized rescue equipment. For example, they're often called to accidents where vehicle occupants are trapped.

Like the ladder or aerial ladder, but has a platform attached to an arm instead.

Supports trench and confined space rescues, with equipment to shore up collapsed areas and ensure rescuer safety.

Transports large amounts of water to areas without hydrants, typically rural or remote locations.