By: Michael Bennett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Ridgetown Independent News
Ridgetown Fire Station 11 responded to 67 calls for assistance in 2025, the same total as in 2024, according to Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue’s annual statistics that were released recently.
CKFR’s 19 stations responded to a total of 3,545 calls last year, more than 300 above the 3,212 calls answered in 2024. Ridgetown Station responded to 11 structure fire calls last year, one more than in 2024.
The station was called out to fewer medical emergencies last year as they answered 17 last year, six fewer than in 2024. Station 11 was also called out for fewer motor vehicle collisions: 21 last year compared to 27 in 2024. The local volunteers were called to two water rescue emergencies last year after getting just one call in 2024. The biggest increase for Station 11 was in automatic alarm calls as they responded to 16 incidents last year, 10 more than in 2024.
“Our volunteer firefighters are the backbone of our communities, serving with unwavering dedication, answering the call not for reward, but out of a lifelong commitment to protect their neighbours,” said CKFR Chief Chris Case.
Thamesville Station 18 responded to 41 calls in 2025, four more than in 2024. Bothwell Station had 22 call outs last year, eight more than the previous year. Orford Station 10 had a reduction in calls as they responded to 34 emergencies in 2025 after taking 43 calls in 2024.
The biggest fire in the East Kent area last year saw all four stations respond to a major blaze in Bothwell on Jan. 17 that destroyed the Bothwell Diner, Canada Post Office and the former General Store. A passer-by noticed the fire and called 9-1-1 around 2:47 a.m. The first truck from Bothwell Station 9, located just around the corner from the scene, arrived within six minutes as firefighters were met with a well-developed fire that was already spreading to adjoining buildings.
Firefighters from the four stations battled not only the burning structures but freezing temperatures and an open gas main that was spewing flames inside one of the buildings. Ridgetown Station 11’s crew operated their aerial ladder remotely because of ice buildup.
“The first crew, on their own with their three trucks, did a tremendous job until the reinforcements could arrive,” CKFR Chief Chris Case told the Ridgetown Independent News. The fire was ruled accidental and was believed to have started in the restaurant.
The 2025 CKFR review highlighted key call statistics, public-safety initiatives and notable incidents that shaped the department’s emergency response efforts. In 2025, the CKFR responded to:
Fires: 177 (up from 175 in 2024);
Medical Calls: 654 (up from 497 in 2024);
Motor Vehicle Collisions (MVC): 449 (down from 465 in 2024);
Water Rescue: 11 (down from 13 in 2024);
Automatic Alarms: 508 (up from 471 in 2024).
Although MVCs declined slightly overall, extraction-related rescues rose significantly, with firefighters performing 28 extractions in 2025, compared to 19 in 2024. This rise in extraction calls highlights the CKFR’s growing role and the continued importance of advancing specialized rescue capabilities and training.
The CKFR also supplied statistics for 2025, compared to 2024, to the Ridgetown Independent News for departments in the East Kent and neighbouring South Kent stations.
Station 8 Thamesville
Structure Fires: 9 (7 in 2024);
Medical Calls: 4 (5 in 2024);
MVCs: 21 (20 in 2024);
Automatic Alarms: 7 (5 in 2024).
Station 9 Bothwell
Structure Fires: 10 (3 in 2024);
Medical Calls: 1 (3 in 2024);
MVCs: 6 (4 in 2024);
Automatic Alarms: 5 (4 in 2024).
Station 10 Orford
Structure Fires: 14 (8 in 2024);
Medical Calls: 1 (2 in 2024);
MVCs: 17, including one extraction (32 in 2024);
Automatic Alarms: 2 (1 in 2024).
Station 11 Ridgetown
Structure Fires: 11 (10 in 2024);
Medical Calls: 17 (23 in 2024);
MVCs: 21 (27 in 2024);Water Rescues: 2 (1 in 2024);
Automatic Alarms: 16 (6 in 2024).
Station 12 Harwich
Structure Fires: 1 (7 in 2024);
Medical Calls: 2 (2 in 2024);
Motor Vehicle Collisions: 15 with three extractions (15 with one extraction in 2024);
Automatic Alarms: 7 (1 in 2024).
Station 18 Blenheim
Structure Fires: 5 (11 in 2024);
Medical Calls: 30 (16 in 2024);
Motor Vehicle Collisions: 22, including one extraction (25 in 2024);
Automatic Alarms: 27 (47 in 2024).
In addition to responding to emergencies, the Prevention and Community Safety divisions continued to strengthen CKFR’s proactive approach to fire safety and risk reduction throughout 2025. The Prevention Division completed 1,273 inspections, reinforcing the municipality’s commitment to identifying hazards and supporting compliance.
Crews advanced CKFR’s municipality-wide alarm installation initiatives, installing 492 smoke alarms and 414 carbon monoxide alarms. The CHiRP program continues to play a vital role in supporting residents – particularly those in vulnerable or high-risk situations – by ensuring access to functioning, life-saving devices in their homes.
“Throughout 2025 our firefighters continued to demonstrate exceptional professionalism, readiness, and compassion in every response,” Case said. “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 extends its appreciation to partner agencies, including EMS, CK Police, OPP, CN Rail Police, and various municipal departments for their continued collaboration. Together, these partnerships play an essential role in enhancing community safety and supporting the shared mission of protecting the residents of Chatham-Kent.
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