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.
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.
Latest VFRS news
3rd Alarm Fire- 2200 Block of E Hastings Street
April 24 2025 - On April 23rd at 4:09am, firefighters were called to the 2200 Block of E Hastings Street for a report of a structure on fire.
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.
