Vancouver Fire Rescue Services

Happy holidays from VFRS

We are just as excited for 2021 as you are, although this January we are not only welcoming a New Year, but a new Fire Chief. Welcome Chief Fry to Vancouver, we are happy to have you!

2020 has been a busy year, stay safe Vancouver!

We wish you a safe and happy new year!

Have you decorated your home? Don’t forget these simple decorating tips for keeping your home safe during the holidays. #firesafe #holidaysafety

With a vaccine on the horizon - it does not mean that we should stop listening to the public health orders. We need to make sure we stay vigilant, we need to protect the most vulnerable, we are ALL IN THIS TOGETHER. #stayhome #covidchristmas #virtuallearning #virtualgettogether #staysafe

We live in an area of the world where we’re constantly plugged in. Especially around the holidays. Make sure you go by the rule - one plug one outlet, do not overload your electrical outlets, and remember electricity produces heat.. give your electronics room to breath. #firesafety #electrical #staysafe

It’s the Holidays! Keep your home safe this holiday season by following our simple tips. #fireprevention #holiday #lights

Tomorrow is a day of remembering, a day to be thankful, and a day to spend with loved ones. Please watch the city of Vancouver’s ceremony electronically from the safety of your home. More details to come #remember #poppy #veterans

Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep. Keep candles at least 1 foot or 30 centimetres away from anything that can burn. Use candle holders that are sturdy, and won’t tip over easily. Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface. Light candles carefully. Keep hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.... Don’t burn a candle all the way down put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container. Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home #candles #fireprevention

Do you use portable electric space heaters? Follow these tips and recommendations: Purchase a heater with the seal of a qualified testing laboratory. Keep the heater at least 3 feet (1 metre) away from anything that can burn, including people. Choose a heater with a thermostat and overheat protection.... Place the heater on a solid, flat surface. Make sure your heater has an auto shut-off to turn the heater off if it tips over. Keep space heaters out of the way of foot traffic. Never block an exit. Keep children away from the space heater. Plug the heater directly into the wall outlet. Never use an extension cord. Space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when you leave the room or go to bed. See more

Do these symptoms sound familiar? Could be so many different things..right? Make sure you have a CO detector in your home to alert you if there’s a leak so you can get out quick. #coawareness #2020 #safetyfirst

As the leaves pile up, this is a reminder that any outdoor burning in the City of Vancouver requires a permit from the Fire Chief. Call 311 for more information.

You must have a permit to buy and set off fireworks. Fireworks can only be set off: On October 31, by the permit holder (someone 19 years or older that complies with all the permit conditions), on private property, with the property owner's written permission and on paths that avoid people, animals, buildings, or vehicles. Not obeying the rules can lead to a $1,000 fine. Reduce the risk with these safety tips. - Read and follow the instructions for each individual firework -... Stand well back when they have been lit. - Protect your eyes with safety glasses. Regular glasses may contribute to an injury or may an injury worse. - During the show, store unused fireworks away from the area to prevent them from setting off early. - Set fireworks on a safe appropriate surface Help to keep Vancouver clean. Wait 30 minutes after the display has finished. Check the firing area for duds, clean up all debris, and check it again the next morning. Never attempt to re-light fireworks that have misfired (duds). Wait 30 minutes and then place them in a bucket of water. #fireworks #halloween

Have you used your extinguisher and never replaced it? Does it need to be serviced? They can be recycled at the Vancouver Transfer Station for free, maximum 2 per day. Call a local fire protection company to recycle a larger amount. Do not drop used fire extinguishers off at a fire hall.

You need a carbon monoxide detector in your home if your home meets any of the following listed above Let’s keep our homes safe, our family safe, and everyone around us safe. #coweek #carbonmonoxide #prevention #safetyfirst

Those who wish to purchase, possess and use fireworks must first obtain a free permit from the City’s website. The permit, along with two pieces of ID, must be presented to a permitted retailer between October 25th and October 31st at 6:00pm. Fireworks may be used on private property, by the permit holder, only on October 31st. Fines for firework related offenses are $1000. ... https://vancouver.ca/home/fireworks-safety-and-permits.aspx

It’s carbon monoxide awareness week! Did you know that CO is a colourless and odourless gas? Make sure you have a CO detector in your home, and test it once a month. ... #firesafety #carbonmonoxide #safetyfirst #alarms

Halloween can be a fun and spooky time of the year. If you are going out trick or treating, each person should carry a flashlight or glow stick, and choose reflective costumes to make sure you are seen. Make sure everyone can see clearly out of their costumes and there are no tripping hazards. #happyhalloween #safetyfirst

Reminder: Unattended cooking is the leading cause of residential fires, set a timer when cooking to help you remember. #FirePreventionWeek

Opening night of Bright Nights is temporarily suspended until December 8 as a result of the new Provincial health orders. The BC Professional Firefighters Burn Fund has launched a Bright Nights 50/50 raffle to raise important funds enabling burn survivor programs to operate year round https://brightnights.rafflenexus.com/a/bright-nights-train

Yesterday was #ShakeoutBC hopefully you participated at 10:15 am! Throughout the day we were at #MEC educating the public about how to prepare for an emergency and how to shut off your gas. #PrepareYourself #Earthquake #Shake #SafetyFirst

Get ready to Shake Out today, October 15th at 10:15am, join us and DROP, COVER and HOLD ON. Take your #ShakeOut drill a few steps further! Find out how you can secure your space, organize disaster kits, and minimize financial hardship with the Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety: www.shakeoutbc.ca

Turn pot handles inward so that they can’t be easily knocked over #FirePreventionWeek #firesafetychallenge

This grade 7 student took his imagination and creativity and put it to work! When Nickolai said that he had made a few things for the fire department we were really excited to see, upon delivery we were blown away! He even printed our truck numbers on the helmet keychains! Thank you so much Nickolai! Keep up the amazing work. #3dprinting #earsavers #keychains #dooropeners #entrepreneur

In the event of a grease fire, DO NOT put water on it. Slide a lid or pan over top of the flames and turn off the heat source. Do not move it until completely cooled as there is a risk for burns. If in doubt, get out, and call 911. #firepreventionweek

Stay fire safe this Halloween by keeping all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like bulbs or heaters. Use battery operated candles or glow sticks in pumpkins. Keep all exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes. Make sure all smoke alarms in the home are working.... #halloween2020 #firesafety

Keep kids safe in the kitchen! Have a kid-free zone of at least 3 feet around stove and areas where there is hot food or drink #FirePreventionWeek #firesafetychallenge

Put a lid on it! Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn-off the burner. #FirePreventionWeek #firesafetychallenge

Knowing how to use propane and patio heaters safely can help you enjoy the outdoors this Fall and Winter while reducing the dangers of Carbon Monoxide poisoning and fire. KEEP THEM OUTSIDE never use indoors or in an enclosed structure to avoid the risk of CO poisoning LOOK UP AND AROUND fire hazards can be located around, above or underneath heating units. These could include table cloths, umbrellas, awnings, decorations and more. Check manufacturers guidelines for saf...e distancing instructions. KEEP THEM STABLE make sure they are on a stable surface so they don’t get knocked over. Don’t install on grass, uneven sidewalk, or near the edge of a platform. MOVE THEM WITH CARE Do not move while the flame is lit. Shut off fuel supply and wait until completely cooled before moving. #patioheaters #fireprevention #carbonmonoxidepoisoning

Turn pot handles inward so that they can’t be easily knocked over #FirePreventionWeek #firesafetychallenge

Keep your cooking area clutter-free! Move anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from the cooking area, including oven mitts, towels, wooden utensils and food packaging. #FirePreventionWeek #FireSafetyChallenge

If you know a young women in grades 8-12 who would like to know more about a career in the fire service or career planning in general, this great free event features VFRS’ own Lieutenant Jenn Dawkins!

If you hear your smoke alarm chirping, it is time to change the batteries. Smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years #firepreventionweek

Wake up Vancouver! Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm on every level of the home, in the basement, and in every sleeping area. Test alarms monthly and change the batteries twice a year. #FirePreventionWeek #firesafetychallenge

During Diwali or the Festival of Lights we are asking you to take the steps to keep your home fire safe. When using candles and oil lamps make sure that hair is tied back and loose clothing is kept away from any flames. When using oil or ghee for your diva use only a small amount enough to last your puja or prayers. Keep candles and lamps well away from any idols, deities, decorations, curtains or furnishings so they don’t catch fire. Make sure they are on a stable sur...face, so they don’t tip over. As always, ensure your home has working smoke alarms. There should be one on every level of the home and in every sleeping area. Make sure they are tested regularly, once a month, and batteries are changed twice a year. A reminder that the use of fireworks by the general public is no longer permitted in Vancouver. Have a Safe and Happy Diwali!

To kick off Fire Prevention Week, Kylie MacDonald, Public Education Specialist with Vancouver Fire Rescue Services shared fire safety tips live from the Burn Fu...nd Centre kitchen. A special thank you to Kylie and the entire Vancouver Fire team for helping to promote such important kitchen fire safety information. Miss this morning's segment? Watch it below! #FirePreventionWeek #FireSafety #FireSafetyChallenge

Unattended cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires. Stay focused! #firepreventionweek #firesafetychallenge www.vancouver.ca/fire-prevention-week

Fire Prevention Week is upon us, this year’s theme is, Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen! Vancouver Fire Rescue Services attends on average 4.6 calls a day or 137 calls a month to an incident in a kitchen. On average 38% of all residential fires started in the kitchen. It is our hope to reduce these statistics by, building safer communities through fire prevention inspections, education and partnerships.

Mark your calendar! #FirePreventionWeek is October 4-10, 2020. This year’s theme, Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen! , focuses on the importance of cooking safely. Did you know that 38% of residential fires in Vancouver originate in the kitchen? Visit our website to participate in a colouring contest (options for adults and children), family friendly recipes, home escape plans and more!

Five Vancouver Fire Rescue Service firefighters were lost in the line of duty in the last year. September 13, 2020 is Canadian Firefighters National Memorial Day. We honour them and their families for their ultimate sacrifice.

Today is a difficult day of remembrance for our emergency services community. Take time to remember the people who did not make it home September 11, 2001. We recognize and thank the men and women of Vancouver Fire Fighters for their daily sacrifices that make safe, healthy communities.

Fireworks are part of many celebrations in the community, however, when proper safety precautions are not taken, injuries can occur. The most common types of injuries from fireworks in Canada are burns and eye injuries. Among all injuries, two-thirds of all cases involved the head, faces (including eyes), neck, fingers and hands. NEVER hold fireworks in your hand, point or throw fireworks at people, animals, or property. Fines for firework related offenses are $1000.... #fireworks #safety #halloween

Yesterday was #ShakeoutBC hopefully you participated at 10:15 am! Throughout the day we were at #MEC educating the public about how to prepare for an emergency and how to shut off your gas. #PrepareYourself #Earthquake #Shake #SafetyFirst

Fire boat 1 was called into action yesterday at the #wildlands fire to assist District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue. Remember fires are not permitted in Vancouver beaches and parks. Do you know what do to in the case of #wildfire? Check National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 7 tips for homeowners to prepare their property. https://bit.ly/2Qr3o81

With a new month upon us, it’s time to test your smoke alarm. Press the test button to hear it sound, this is how you know it is working. Test your alarms once a month and change their batteries twice a year. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. #wakeupvancouver #smokealarms

#carbonmonoxide is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas produced by burning carbon fuels like propane, natural gas, oil, wood, charcoal, alcohol, kerosene, or gasoline. Exposure to #CO interferes with the body’s ability to absorb oxygen, which can result in serious illness or death. Headaches, dizziness, and nausea are all signs of #COpoisoning. Open windows, doors, shut off appliances, go outside and call 911 if you suspect CO poisoning. Go to https://www.technicalsafetybc.ca/carbon-monoxide/summer for more information.

We are again a proud sponsor of this amazing program. Thank you Camp Ignite, the volunteers, the sponsors and attendees...you rocked it despite being in a Pandemic!

Summer time brings camping, lake visits, boating, and fun. Don’t be a part of these statistics! Wear a life jacket, obey the signs, and stay safe. All drownings are preventable. #bclakes #boating #summer #prevention #2020

Animal Deterrent Devices, commonly known as bear bangers, are now banned in the City of Vancouver. Bear bangers cannot be sold, offered for sale, or discharged in the City of Vancouver. These violations are ticket-able with $1000 fines.

Smoking material fires are preventable, do your part to dispose of smoking materials safely

VFRS and Vancouver Fire Fighters are sad to miss celebrating Pride 2020 in person with Vancouver, but that doesn't mean we're not celebrating our diverse team AND the community we're proud to serve!

The VFRS Combined Overdose Response Team works with Vancouver Coastal Health to connect people to services who need them most. Most people who use don’t know what services are available to them, or how to get connected to these services. This is what CORT does, one patient visit at a time. #endoverdose #vancouver #crisis #overdoseawareness #vancouvercoastalhealth

Unfortunately this year we are unable to keep your neighbourhood cool with summer splash, but as the weather warms up, be mindful of the signs of heat-related illness and heat exhaustion. If you see someone suffering from too much heat, call 9-1-1 and encourage them to cool off by applying water to their face and neck until emergency services arrive. Follow the link for more information: https://vancouver.ca/people-programs/hot-weather.aspx

Are you enjoying BBQ season? Have you cleaned your BBQ lately?

Camp Ignite is accepting applications now!

Going camping? NEVER use candles, matches, gas fueled lamps, heaters or burners in, or near a tent. Instead, use a flashlight when lighting is needed. Store propane, butane and other fuels away from tents.

Looking to apply for an open burn permit for a special occasion, ceremony, filming or more? Call 311 for more information

In the last ten years, 46.3% of wildfires were confirmed human caused. If open air fires are permitted in a designated camp ground, build your fire downwind and far away from your tent. Never leave a fire unattended and when you are done, douse it with water and do not leave until it is completely out. When smoking, use a designated ashtray. Do not discard cigarettes in vegetation that may ignite easily. When throwing away butts and ashes, make sure they are out by dousing in water or sand.

Did you know propane fires are permitted in the City of Vancouver, only if used for cooking food in an approved appliance? Thanks for helping us keep Vancouver safe.

Did you know that any outdoor fire needs to have a permit from the Fire Chief? All outdoor wood burning fires are prohibited in the City of Vancouver.

No fires are permitted on a Vancouver beach or in a park. You may have a BBQ but remember to never leave it unattended! Keep it clear from all combustibles. BBQ's cannot be used on sandy areas at the beach and must be 75 cm from the ground. Clean up after yourself and douse coals in cold water, restrictions can change due to extreme weather conditions and changing fire conditions. Ensure you are aware of current regulations.

As we are entering BBQ season here are a few things to consider. *Make sure there is plenty of clearance between the BBQ and any surfaces surrounding such as walls, furniture, and it is clear from the overhang to allow for ventilation. *Never leave a BBQ unattended and when you are finished cooking, turn off the BBQ as well as the fuel source. *Ensure you FOLLOW MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDATIONS ON SAFE USE.

EXCITING NEWS! Camp Ignite will go ahead with a single day event in partnership with Justice Institute of British Columbia: JIBC! We have taken all consideratio...ns from the provincial health director and required guidelines set out by the JIBC to make this happen ! AUGUST 9th Applications available at our website www.campignite.com See more

Did you know some grade 3 classrooms have been learning fire safety online during the pandemic? If you would like to learn more about fire safety at home with your children follow the link: https://vancouver.ca/home-pro/fire-safety-for-children.aspx and click on the, Online Heroes at Home Program.

Heading back to the office? Check these tips to maintain a fire safe workplace

With heavy hearts we remember Captain Jenn Casey and the snowbirds crew. Our thoughts are with you #snowbirds #remember #jenncasey

#Arson is unfortunately on the rise in our city. Here’s what you can do to help #protect your #home and #community.

Please share these fire and fall prevention tips with seniors in your life

VFRS is thankful to have the VPD and RCMP as our partners. Happy National Police week, thank you for your service and for always having our backs.