Vancouver firefighters responded to 35 fire calls during the weekend of July 19-20. The city’s fire rescue team shared details of their busy days on Monday, highlighting the variety and volume of incidents they faced.
Among the calls, firefighters tackled three vehicle fires. Several other incidents involved “set fires,” which were handed over to the Vancouver Police Department for further investigation. Fire crews also responded to five fires in single-room occupancy hotels (SROs), which are often vulnerable to fire hazards.
Cooking fires accounted for another five calls. These are common during busy weekends when more people cook at home or in shared spaces.
The largest category of calls involved outdoor fires, with firefighters responding to 20 separate incidents. These outdoor fires require quick action to prevent spreading and damage to nearby property and nature.
One of the more serious emergencies was a two-alarm house fire. This fire was linked to e-mobility devices, such as electric bikes or scooters, which can sometimes pose fire risks if not properly handled or charged.
In total, calls for fire services in 2024 are up slightly, with a 2% increase compared to previous years. So far this year, Vancouver firefighters have attended to 73,767 calls. This increase reflects the growing demands placed on emergency services in the city.
The dedication of Vancouver firefighters helps keep the community safe despite the rising number of fire incidents. Their quick response and expert handling of various fires, from vehicles to homes and outdoor areas, remain crucial.
