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What We Respond To

We do more than put out fires. Learn how Richmond Fire-Rescue supports safety in the community, from emergency response to public education and prevention planning.

Emergency Response

Fire

Fire

We respond to each and every fire that is reported. Some examples include:

  • House fires
  • Cooking fires
  • Car fires
  • Electrical fires
  • Industrial fires
  • Dumpster fires
  • Cigarette-caused fires 
  • All other types
Medical Calls

Medical Calls

We respond to all emergency medical calls where a patient requires immediate medical attention, such as a heart attack or injury. We also support patients who are awaiting transport to a hospital by BC Ambulance Services. Patient safety is our priority and we will stay on the scene until the patient has been safely transported.

For someone who has fallen and is unable to lift themselves back up, we also provide Medical Lift Assistance.

Motor Vehicle Incidents

Motor Vehicle Incidents

We provide emergency services for a major vehicle collision if:

  • Someone is injured
  • The vehicles are no longer safe to drive
  • The vehicles are leaking fluids
Alarm Calls

Alarm Calls

We respond to all activated fire alarms in buildings, regardless if flames or smoke are visible. Always evacuate immediately and safely, and then call 9-1-1 to report the alarm.

Public Service Calls

Public Service Calls

Circumstances which do not pose an immediate danger or threat to a person, animal or property but require the assistance of public safety professionals may be attended by us.

Examples of public service calls include:

  • Problems with smoke alarms 
  • Potential fire hazards
  • Locked inside vehicle
  • Animal rescue
Gas Leaks

Gas Leaks

We respond to all reported gas leaks, or when someone reports that they smell gas.

Technical Rescue

Technical Rescue

We provide emergency response in situations where an individual is trapped in:

  • An elevated area e.g. a platform for high-rise window cleaning
  • A confined space e.g. an elevator or sewer
  • Fast water and requires rescue e.g. a river
Hazardous Materials Incidents

Hazardous Materials Incidents

We respond to reported situations where there is a chemical leak or a fuel spill that poses as a danger to humans, animals or the environment.

Airport Incidents

Airport Incidents

Richmond Fire-Rescue responds to emergency calls at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR), whether it is a medical or fire emergency in the terminal or on a plane on the airport apron.

Public Education & Outreach

Fire and Life Safety Education

Fire and Life Safety Education

We provide education to community groups and schools on important fire and life safety information to support a safe and livable community.

Fire Prevention

Fire Safety Inspections

Fire Safety Inspections

We inspect all residential buildings, commercial businesses, major event venues and food trucks on a regular basis to ensure that all fire and building safety regulations are followed.

Fire Investigations

Fire Investigations

We conduct an investigation of each fire incident to determine the cause and origin.

Development Plan Review

Development Plan Review

We review proposed development plans to ensure they meet necessary Fire and Building Code requirements. We also review Construction Fire Safety Plans to ensure construction sites are safe for the workers and provide required fire department access.

Safety Plan Review

Fire Safety Plan Review

We review Fire Safety Plans for buildings to ensure that  BC Fire Code requirements are met during the operational life of a building.

Permits

Permits

In order to ensure a venue fulfills fire safety requirements and provides a safe environment to the public, we inspect and approve proposed large community events that:

  • Have large stage displays
  • Use fireworks
  • Feature food trucks or live cooking on site