Toronto Fire Services Launches New Fireboat to Boost Waterfront Safety

Toronto's new fireboat, equipped for emergency response, is docked and ready for action at the waterfront.

Toronto's New Fireboat is A Modern Replacement for the Aging William Thornton

Toronto Fire Services (TFS) has taken a significant step toward modernizing its marine emergency response capabilities with the introduction of a brand-new fireboat. This cutting-edge vessel will replace the aging William Thornton, a 1982 former Canadian Coast Guard ship that has served as the city’s secondary fireboat.

Though the William Thornton has been reliable in providing medical response and assisting distressed vessels, it faced operational limitations. Its large wake required slow speeds within Toronto Harbour, and its limited firefighting capabilities—primarily a portable fire pump—could not keep pace with the growing demands of Toronto's bustling waterfront.

Meet the Firestorm-55: Built for Speed, Safety, and Suppression

After extensive research and planning, TFS selected the Firestorm-55, built by MetalCraft Marine in Kingston, Ontario. This 55-foot, aluminum-hulled vessel offers a blend of speed, maneuverability, and powerful firefighting systems.

Key Features of the Firestorm-55:

• Twin Caterpillar C18 Engines Each rated at 1,136 horsepower, these engines are paired with Hamilton Jet drives, allowing for high-speed operation with reduced wake—perfect for Toronto's mixed-use waters.

• Advanced Fire Suppression System Equipped with twin 11,360 LPM (3,000 USGPM) Darley fire pumps, the boat is capable of tackling intense marine and shoreline fires. It features a:

  • 3,000 USGPM roof monitor

  • 2,000 USGPM bow monitor

  • Two 1,250 USGPM side-mounted monitors

• Onboard Medical Room The vessel includes a fully enclosed medical room for patient stabilization and treatment—transforming it into a mobile triage unit when necessary.

  
  

Supporting the William Lyon Mackenzie, Toronto’s Primary Fireboat

The Firestorm-55 will operate alongside the William Lyon Mackenzie, TFS’s iconic primary fireboat, which has been in service since 1964. The Mackenzie underwent major refurbishments in 2004 to extend its operational life, including new propulsion and pump engines, generators, and a rebuilt wheelhouse.

While the Mackenzie remains Toronto’s primary marine response vessel, the Firestorm-55 enhances the city’s capacity to respond to growing marine emergencies and protect one of Canada's busiest waterfronts.

Why This New Fireboat Matters

Toronto’s waterfront has seen explosive growth in residential, recreational, and commercial activity. With an expanding skyline and increasing boat traffic, the need for agile and powerful marine fire response is more critical than ever.

The new fireboat represents a strategic investment in public safety, ensuring that Toronto Fire Services can provide rapid, effective emergency response on the water.

Conclusion: A Safer Future for Toronto’s Waterfront

With the addition of the Firestorm-55, Toronto Fire Services is better equipped to handle marine emergencies—from fires to medical incidents—along Lake Ontario’s busy shoreline. This vessel isn’t just a boat—it’s a floating firehall, ambulance, and command center, ready to serve Toronto’s dynamic and ever-growing waterfront community.