By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue (CKFR) has released its comprehensive 2025 Year in Review, offering a detailed look at the department’s emergency response activity, prevention initiatives, and community‑safety efforts over the past year. The report shows a notable increase in overall call volume, continued investment in public‑safety programs, and a growing demand for specialized rescue capabilities across the municipality.
According to CKFR, firefighters responded to 3,545 calls in 2025, up from 3,212 calls in 2024, marking a significant rise in emergency activity. The data reflects both shifting community needs and the expanding role of modern fire services. The year‑end statistics show 177 fires, slightly up from 175 the previous year; 654 medical calls, a substantial increase from 497 in 2024; 449 motor vehicle collisions, down from 465; 11 water rescues, down from 13; and 508 automatic alarms, up from 471.
Although MVCs declined slightly overall, extraction‑related rescues rose sharply, with firefighters performing 28 extractions in 2025 compared to 19 in 2024. This increase highlights the department’s expanding technical‑rescue responsibilities and the importance of ongoing training, equipment upgrades, and specialized response capabilities.
Beyond emergency response, CKFR’s Prevention and Community Safety divisions continued to strengthen the municipality’s proactive approach to fire safety and risk reduction. In 2025, the Prevention Division completed 1,273 inspections, reinforcing the municipality’s commitment to identifying hazards, supporting compliance, and reducing fire risks before emergencies occur. Fire crews also advanced CKFR’s municipality‑wide alarm installation initiatives, installing 492 smoke alarms and 414 carbon monoxide alarms in homes across Chatham‑Kent. These efforts were supported through the CHiRP program, which plays a vital role in assisting residents—particularly those in vulnerable or high‑risk situations—by ensuring access to functioning, life‑saving devices.
“Throughout 2025 our firefighters continued to demonstrate exceptional professionalism, readiness, and compassion in every response,” said Fire Chief Chris Case. “We remain committed to advancing our prevention efforts, strengthening community safety, and investing in the training and equipment that support a safer, more resilient community.”
CKFR extended its appreciation to partner agencies—including EMS, Chatham-Kent Police Service, OPP, CN Rail Police, and multiple municipal departments—for their ongoing collaboration. These partnerships are essential in supporting coordinated emergency response and enhancing public safety across the region.
As CKFR moves into 2026, the department remains focused on strengthening its operational readiness, expanding community‑safety initiatives, and continuing to adapt to the evolving needs of Chatham‑Kent residents. With rising call volumes and increasing complexity in emergency response, CKFR’s commitment to prevention, training, and inter‑agency cooperation remains central to its mission.
