The Bracebridge Fire Department saw its highest volume of activity on record in 2025 with crews responding to a total of 509 incidents.
According to the department’s 2025 annual report, call volumes surged by nearly 29 per cent compared to the previous year due to a “sharp increase in motor vehicle collisions and structure fires.”
Fire officials said two major storm events, including the ice storm at the end of March, placed significant operational demands on firefighters and support staff. Crews received 56 calls and made extensive wellness checks during those extreme weather events.
Public education initiatives reached nearly 7,500 residents and visitors, according to the report, with continued emphasis on smoke and carbon monoxide alarm safety, short-term rental accommodation inspections, and emerging risks such as lithium-ion battery fires.
While personnel furthered their expertise by completing 3,664 training hours across 77 sessions.
Additionally, grants received during the year provided essential funding for cancer prevention, training equipment, and protective gear, while also launching new mental health supports and official Chaplain services.
The report also states the town’s updated emergency Response Plan, Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, and emergency communications strengthened the municipality’s ability to respond to future large-scale events.
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