Kingston Fire & Rescue (KFR) is asking residents in Kingston, Ontario, to use a local non‑emergency phone number for routine questions instead of calling 911. The department says using the emergency line for minor issues can tie up resources and slow help for people facing life‑threatening situations such as house fires or medical emergencies.
Fire officials say the 911 system becomes especially busy during ‘high‑demand’ periods — for example, extreme weather or major community events — and non‑urgent calls can create a backup for dispatch staff. Residents should save and use the non‑emergency/dispatch line at 613‑548‑4001 ext. 5156 for matters such as fire permit questions, fire safety information, or to check current open‑air fire or burn ban status.
People with open‑air (agricultural) fire permits must notify Kingston Fire & Rescue dispatch/communications at 613‑548‑4001 ext. 5156 before lighting an approved agricultural fire. KFR says when neighbours see smoke and call 911 without knowing a permit was issued, crews can be dispatched to what becomes a false‑alarm response, which keeps apparatus from attending genuine emergencies.
KFR’s official X account reminds the public to call 911 only for immediate dangers and life‑threatening situations (for example, an active fire, the smell of gas, or a sounding carbon‑monoxide alarm) and to use the non‑emergency line for routine or administrative inquiries. Fire Chief Monique Belair has emphasized that communicators (dispatchers) are a critical component of emergency response and that keeping emergency lines clear helps ensure timely assistance for those in immediate distress.
