Get to Know Calgary Fire's Technical-Rescue Teams

While the CFD has three water-rescue stations located in close proximity to the busiest waterways, all engines and crews are equipped to perform initial shore-based aquatic responses.

The aquatic rescue team responds to calls on nearly 50 kilometers (31 miles) of rivers, 15 kilometers (9 miles) of canals, two major dams and 18 lakes in the Calgary region.

From high atop Calgary’s skyscrapers to steep riverbanks and worksites, CFD’s high-angle rescue team responds to situations that require rope-rescue techniques.

The team also was one of the first of its kind in North America and since its inception members consistently have expanded their knowledge and technical ability to deliver world-class rescue services to the Calgary community.

The high-angle team executes rescues involving injured or trapped victims in a variety of challenging environments, including building exteriors and interiors, shafts, construction sites, tower cranes, bridges and electrical transmission towers.

The CFD’s heavy-rescue team members are trained extensively in analysis, search methods and rescue procedures in structures built with wood, steel, brick and reinforced concrete.

In addition to building collapse, the team responds to confined spaces, mechanical entrapment, vehicle extrication and trench rescue.

Meanwhile, members of the aquatic rescue team are trained to peak performance in water rescue and dive recovery.

This technical team is best known for its ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies on or near Calgary’s rivers, lakes and canals, while promoting safety and enjoyment of the city’s waterways in all seasons.

The CFD has three hazmat trucks located in strategic areas of the city.

In addition to their hazmat technician-level training, they also are CBRNE advanced-level trained, and form the city’s CBRNE response team, along with the Calgary Police Service and Alberta Health Services EMS.

In addition to building collapse, the team responds to confined spaces, mechanical entrapment, vehicle extrication and trench rescue.

The heavy-rescue team has served since 1983 and was one of the first of its kind in North America. Members consistently expand their knowledge and technical ability to deliver world-class rescue services to Calgarians.

Members of the aquatic rescue team are trained to peak performance in water rescue and dive recovery.

Between May and October, more than 30,000 people take to Calgary’s waterways on inner tubes, canoes and kayaks, or simply enjoy a dip in the water. While the temperature may soar to 30°C (86°F), the glacier-fed waters of the Bow and Elbow rivers can be cold, swift and unpredictable.

While the CFD has three water-rescue stations located in close proximity to the busiest waterways, all engines and crews are equipped to perform initial shore-based aquatic responses.

This technical team is best known for its ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies on or near Calgary’s rivers, lakes and canals, while promoting safety and enjoyment of the city’s waterways in all seasons.

The aquatic rescue team responds to calls on nearly 50 kilometers (31 miles) of rivers, 15 kilometers (9 miles) of canals, two major dams and 18 lakes in the Calgary region.

Serving one of busiest airports in the country, the CFD is one of only a few Canadian departments to provide aircraft-disaster services.