Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services (MFES) has bolstered its emergency response capabilities with the acquisition of two state-of-the-art heavy rescue vehicles. Marking a significant milestone for MFES, this is the first time the department has added heavy rescue vehicles of this caliber to its fleet. These specialized vehicles are designed to handle complex emergency scenarios, including medical emergencies, structural fires, vehicle collisions, trench and confined space rescues, as well as industrial, machine, and elevator accidents.
Equipped with firefighting gear and an array of technical rescue equipment, the heavy rescue vehicles feature battery-powered hydraulic extrication tools, stabilizing struts for structural shoring and vehicle stabilization, rope rescue devices, machinery, and elevator rescue tools, among other specialized tools. The addition of these vehicles enhances MFES’s ability to respond promptly and effectively to a diverse range of emergency situations.
The strategic deployment of these heavy rescue vehicles across Mississauga aims to maximize coverage and improve response times. The vehicles will contribute to addressing emergencies such as structure fires, atmospheric testing, medical crises, and motor vehicle collisions. With an annual response rate of 30,000 emergency calls, having a robust fleet of emergency vehicles is crucial for MFES to ensure readiness for any situation that may arise. The new heavy rescue vehicles join the existing MFES fleet, which includes 17 Pumpers, eight Aerials, four Squads, two Heavy Rescues, one electric-powered Pumper (expected in August 2024), and various support vehicles like a Hazardous Response Vehicle, Air Rehab Unit, Command Post, and three District Chief Command vehicles. The addition of these vehicles reflects a commitment to community safety and effective emergency response services.