Decades of service are being recognized. The Moncton Fire Department is celebrating 150 years of service.
“Founded on November 9, 1875, the Moncton Fire Department has gone from a small volunteer and salvage corps to a fully career fire department and a staff of 124 members, including full-time fire prevention and training divisions. In the 1870s, Moncton was an important hub city for the region,” Lieutenant Robert Cormier explained.
“Historically, a shipbuilding community on the Petitcodiac River, the late 19th century saw growth in the area of Moncton, and it became an important railroad hub as well as the Intercolonial Railway chose Moncton as its headquarters. After a number of significant fires in the city, including the loss of his own home and business in 1855, Ezekiel Taylor recognized the need for an organized fire brigade for the town. A first-class hand engine hose reel was purchased from a newly formed Fire Department.”
Taylor became Moncton’s first Fire Warden.
The city and the fire department have seen much growth since then. “By 1974, there were a minimum of 21 firefighters on each shift, supplemented by a volunteer corps of nearly 100 members to assist at larger incidents. 1974 saw the department service a population of 46,000 and respond to approximately 1200 calls for service,” Cormier said.
The number of volunteers dwindled, and in 2014, the Volunteer Corps was disbanded, and the city was protected by 21 firefighters,” Cormier added.
In 2025, the department now operates out of five stations, has three engine companies, two truck companies and one rescue company, two tankers and several spare specialized vehicles. Firefighters are now trained and equipped to respond to fires, EMS, motor vehicle collisions, water and ice emergencies, high-angle and technical rescue and also look after HAZMAT response to southeastern New Brunswick.
Mutual aid agreements have also been established with surrounding departments, including Riverview, Dieppe, Salisbury, St. Paul, and Shediac.
In 2024, the Moncton Fire Department responded to a record 9134 calls for service, which represents 15,336 individual unit responses. That’s an increase of 17.5 per cent over 2023 call volume and 31 per cent over 2022.
“A great part of our history is the growing. The city’s growing, and with it, so is the fire department. So it’s a very good time and a very exciting time to be a part of this department and organization,” Cormier added.
Resurgo Place currently has a special exhibit that explores 150 Years of Service. It’s on display until November 30.
