The Town of Milton’s ongoing investments in fire safety have paid off – both in terms of emergency readiness and potential savings for residents.
Following an independent assessment in 2024, Milton Fire & Rescue Services has received an improved rating from the Fire Underwriters Survey (FUS), a national organization that evaluates municipal fire protection across Canada.
The FUS rating, used by insurers to help set property insurance premiums, looks at everything from firefighter staffing levels to training programs, response times, communications, and water supply. The most recent survey found that Milton has significantly enhanced its fire protection capabilities since the last review.
“Achieving a rating improvement is a significant milestone,” says Peter Gatto, Fire Chief of Milton Fire & Rescue Services. “It means our community is better protected, and our fire services are among the strongest in Canada for a municipality of our size.”
Several recent improvements contributed to the higher rating, including:
- The hiring of 12 new full-time firefighters, a dedicated Fire Prevention Officer, and a Platoon Chief in 2024
- Faster response times to emergencies
- A greater number of fire prevention inspections and stronger pre-incident planning
- Better water delivery in rural areas without hydrants
- Enhanced training, equipment maintenance, and emergency preparedness
Residents and businesses may now be eligible for lower insurance premiums due to the updated fire protection rating. The Town encourages policyholders to contact their insurance providers to ask about possible savings.
Milton Council’s support for fire and rescue upgrades reflects a broader commitment to maintaining top-tier public services. These investments not only improve quality of life but also provide real-world benefits to the entire community.