A firetruck with its ladder extended in front of a building

Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS)

Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services logo

A world class leader in building safe and healthy communities

Vancouver Fire Rescue Services is committed to the health and safety of our staff and the community, and will enhance awareness through education and involvement while providing world class fire and rescue services.

In addition to fire suppression, we provide pre-hospital care, vehicle rescue, marine response, hazardous materials response, technical rescue, and many other emergency services in Vancouver.

We work to create safe communities through public education for all ages, fire prevention and inspection services, and by working closely with partner agencies and community groups.

Get the latest news from VFRS

Careers with VFRS

Get the requirements for becoming a firefighter and find out about training programs.

Fire permits and inspections

Get a building lockbox permit and fire sprinkler inspection to minimize fire-related risks in your home.

Learn fire safety and prevention

Learn about home fire safety, request a free home safety check, take a fire extinguisher course, and more.

Fire Rescue Services in your community

Request a fire truck at your event, book a firehall tour to learn about fire and life safety, and learn about our charity work.

Contact the VFRS

Order fire or vehicle incident reports, FOI requests, public and officer's information, or media requests online.

VFRS Strategic Plan 2024 to 2026

This strategic plan represents the goals and strategic initiatives for a department shifting from being reactive to being proactive.

Neighbourhood Emergency Assistance Team

Take intensive training and volunteer with the Neighbourhood Emergency Assistance Team (NEAT) to support first responders during disasters.

VFRS Annual Report 2023 (14.21 MB)

Review our 2023 annual report

Send feedback about Fire Rescue Services

If you've taken a course with us, seen us in action, or just want to send comments about our service, use this form.

Health and safety courses and clinics

Get fire extinguisher training

Request a group workshop to learn about fire safety and how to use fire extinguishers from working firefighters.

We've made firefighting gear safer

We have made the transition to a new structural firefighting bunker gear, free from cancer-causing PFAS materials.

Learn more about our new gear

Latest VFRS news

Firefighters receive first sets of PFAS-free turnout gear

October 23 2024 - Vancouver Fire Rescue and the City announced on April 12 a transition to PFAS-free turnout gear to reduce firefighters' cancer risk.

Second alarm fire - 1500 Alberni Street

October 22 2024 - On October 21, Vancouver Firefighters responded to a fire at 1500 Alberni St. Flames were visible from the 20th and 21st floors of the high-rise.

3rd alarm fire - 1000 block E Pender Street

October 8 2024 - Vancouver Firefighters were notified from multiple calls of a fire on the 1000 block of E Pender Street.

Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services honour Captain Ron Hegedus

September 3 2024 - VFRS will honor Captain Ron Hegedus and his family with a funeral procession and service on September 5 in downtown Vancouver.

Statement on fire at 1987 West 7th Avenue

August 14 2024 - Overnight, Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) responded to a fire at Seven Maples, a residential building at 1987 West 7th Avenue.

Update on W. 41st Avenue Fires

August 8 2024 - Investigations and recovery efforts continue, following the crane collapse and fires in the Dunbar-Southlands neighbourhood.

Statement from Vancouver Fire Rescue Services on August 6 fires

August 7 2024 - Yesterday, Vancouver Fire Rescue Services responded to multiple fires within Vancouver.

13 fires with damage in 24 hours- 4 fires simultaneously

July 23 2024 - On July 22, 2024 Firefighters responded to 13 fires with damage within a 24 hour period.

2nd Alarm Fire - 6100 Block Commercial Street

July 16 2024 - Firefighters were called at 6:07pm to the 6100 Block of Commercial street for reports of a fire inside of a house.

5 working fires in 24 hours

June 12 2024 - From June 11 to 12, Vancouver Fire Rescue Services responded to 14 fires in 24 hours.

Lockable butane lighter sales extinguished to support harm reduction

May 8 2024 - Vancouver will soon ban the sales of continuous flame butane lighters and torches to decrease structure fires, serious injuries and deaths.

Vancouver leads industry in protecting firefighters with new PFAS-free gear

April 12 2024 - Vancouver Fire Rescue Services first fire department in North America to transition to turnout gear free from Per-and-Polyfluoroalkyl Substances.

Modified e-bike causes SRO building fire

February 22 2024 - The fire department responded to 166 E Hastings Street Thursday morning where they found an e-bike had caught on fire inside a building unit.

Crane incident at Cambie and 41 street

February 22 2024 - Fire crews were called to an incident at Cambie and 41 street after a crane fell from approximately 30 storeys, resulting in 1 death.

50 E Cordova Street Fire

January 10 2024 - Vancouver Fire Rescue Services responded to a residential SRO fire at 50 E Cordova Street on January 10, 2024, at 11:09am.

Vancouver welcomes Canada’s first electric fire engine

December 4 2023 - Vancouver Fire Rescue Services showcased its new electric fire engine on December 4, 2023.

22 Fire calls for Firefighters in 24 hours

November 29 2023 - From November 28 to November 29 2023, Vancouver Firefighters responded to 22 fire calls in the City.

East Hastings Street Progress Update

August 24 2022 - We have been working with non-profit partners and other levels of government to support those sheltering outdoors on East Hastings Street.

East Hastings Street Structures Removal Update

July 25 2022 - The City is responding to an order to immediately remove tents and structures along East Hastings Street, due to numerous urgent safety concerns.

2023-2026 Capital Plan approved by Council

June 30 2022 - City Council approved the 2023-2026 Capital Plan, which outlines $3.5 billion of capital investment in infrastructure and amenities.

Major capital projects boosted by Growing Communities Fund

July 26 2023 - Vancouver City Council approved $25 million in funding for several major capital projects.

City of Vancouver provides update on East Hastings

April 14 2023 - City crews, with the support of the VPD, have been removing entrenched tents and structures in the East Hastings encampment.

Stanley Park visitors urged to be extra vigilant due to extreme fire risk

August 1 2023 - As we enter the hottest month of the year, the Park Board is appealing to the public to be extra vigilant about fire safety in Stanley Park.

First carbon-zero firehall in Canada now open

September 6 2023 - Firehall 17 is an example of the City’s leadership on climate action and is paving the way for future buildings to achieve near zero emissions.

VFRS: Urgent call for public awareness and vigilance

August 8 2023 - Vancouver Fire Rescue Service has experienced the most fires in the first half of 2023 than anytime in our history during the same period.

3rd Alarm Fire - 500 Block Richards Street

June 20 2023 - At 12:46 am, firefighters received multiple calls of a tent encampment on fire on the 500 Block of Richards Street.

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