Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do we book the fire truck(s) for our special event?
A. Please fill out the online web form here or call us at (705) 345-5520. Our staff will be in contact with you within 24 hours if not immediately available. We can help you choose the package that is right for you and reserve your spot. A non-refundable deposit will be required to guarantee your time slot which can be made by credit card/Pay Pal and the balance can be paid the day of your event to one of our staff.
Q. What if there is inclement weather on the day of our event?
A. We are never afraid to get a little wet! We will arrive rain or shine to deliver a memorable time. If lighting/Thunderstorms are in the forecast, the event may be altered or rescheduled, to ensure the absolute safety of guests, staff, and the equipment. We will do our best to accommodate. If we are unable to find an available time slot that works for you, you may cancel however your deposit will not be refunded.
Q. Are there any parking/staging requirements?
A. The reality is that most homes do not have a driveway that is long enough to accommodate up to a 35-foot-long fire truck - and that's okay. At your residence, we generally park in the street outside of your home marking the area with orange cones to both have an outer limit for guests walking around the vehicle as well as a warning to passing traffic. Please note that as a result of the truck's weight and the fact that large vehicles can drip fluids, including oil and others, we are NOT LIABLE for the condition of any surfaces or materials that may be damaged by the truck.
If the event is off-street or otherwise away from traffic, Firehouse 343 apparatus will fit in almost any place a vehicle is permitted. Please keep in mind our vehicles weigh up to 17500kgs and need a solid/stable surface to set upon. Should you decide to host the event in a public park, please keep in mind you must contact the Park & Recreation Dept of that City/Municipality to abide by their Rules & Regulations on such matters.
At the time of reservation, we will ask for the address of the event so that we may be able to address the logistics of the location and follow up with you if need be.
Q. What area do you provide services to?
A. Firehouse 343's primary response area is the District of Muskoka, Simcoe County, and Northern Durham Region. We will travel outside our first due area, but a fuel surcharge will be applied. Please contact us for further information.
Q. Can the fire trucks use the lights and sirens for our event?
A. If you would like the fire truck(s) to arrive with lights and siren going, it will be at the discretion of the fire truck operator and the Ontario highway traffic act. We also believe in being good neighbours as these fire trucks look and function like the real thing. The last thing, we want to do is to create panic in the neighbourhood. We advise you to contact your neighbours with the time and date of the special event.
Q. What do I need to supply?
A. We arrive completely self-contained. Your only obligation is to have a space ready for the fire truck when it arrives. No electricity is required. Occasionally, we may need access to a standard garden hose faucet for certain water activities. We do request the assistance of several adults to help supervise the children and ensure that everyone stays safely away from any passing traffic or other hazards. We find adults are just as anxious to learn all about Firehouse 343.