Prince Edward County Fire and Rescue (PECFR) will transition to a new fire dispatch service beginning Tuesday, March 26.
During this seamless transition, residents can still call 9-1-1 during fire emergencies.
“Our dedicated team of first responders is always ready to serve, and this new dispatch service will help us respond more effectively and efficiently in emergencies,” says Fire Chief Chad Brown. “We look forward to working closely with St. Catharines Fire Services (SCFS) to ensure the highest level of fire services for our residents.”
Council approved in September 2023 an agreement for SCFS to provide 24/7 emergency call taking and dispatch services to PECFR. The County’s emergency response will improve due to this transition, as on-duty firefighters will now respond immediately to incidents without having to answer 9-1-1 and dispatch incidents. The transition will not affect County residents’ access to 9-1-1 phone services or PECFR’s ability to deliver effective fire protection services.
The County’s agreement with SCFS prepares PECFR to meet the mandatory transition to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s Next Gen 9-1-1 system, which is required by March 2025.
“The costs to implement the technologies for the Next Gen 9-1-1 system based on the department’s call volumes would be neither practical nor economical,” Fire Chief Brown says. “We are pleased to have this partnership in place, marking a significant milestone in the County’s ongoing mission to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.”
Businesses and homeowners using a security alarm system within Prince Edward County that is programmed to contact PECFR must reach out to their service provider and provide them with the new number for SCFS.
SCFS dispatch’s direct line for alarm testing and non-emergencies is 1-833-757-7539. Click here to learn more.
To learn more about Prince Edward County Fire & Rescue, visit the County’s website.