We anticipate 2024 to be another year of change, innovation, engagement, and growth.  

Our efforts continue to focus on ensuring that every citizen who calls 911 receives an effective response from our well-trained, well-equipped, and well-supported personnel. We continue to be committed to playing a leadership role within the BC Fire Service. Collaborating with regional and provincial partners and remaining actively engaged with new initiatives and best practices remain core to our approach. 

While preparedness, response, and recovery remain a central aspect of all we do, we also recognize that our number one resource is our people. They are the reason we can deliver the high level of service we do.  

Ensuring our personnel’s mental and physical health and wellness so they can bring their best every day is critical for our success. The reality is all of our accomplishments and achievements as a fire department are due to the dedication and commitment that every one of our members brings to work every day.  

We prioritize and provide enhanced training, focus on personal and professional resiliency through robust health and wellness programs, and have the right equipment in place, all of which contribute to achieving our mission. This holistic approach allows us to continue using our expertise and experience to serve our community to the best of our abilities. 

Challenges and opportunities 

As 2023 came to a close, inquiries about the 2024 wildfire season began almost immediately. This is just one of the areas that we monitor closely to stay informed about the latest trends and forecasts.  

Our climate is changing and weather-related impacts such as wildfire, flooding, landslides, tidal volume, and other hazards are a new reality. We are proactively looking to the future, paying close attention to the changes facing our community. 

Many of these potential hazards require us to work closely with various stakeholders, from internally within the District to externally with other municipal, provincial, and federal agencies.  

Most importantly, though, we look forward to working in partnership with every one of our community members to ensure that you are safe and that we are all focused on being a resilient community ready to face any challenges. 

70th anniversary 

Established in 1954, the District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services initially operated with just four fire stations, each operated by a single firefighter and supported by a volunteer brigade.  

As we proudly celebrate our 70th anniversary, we reflect on our journey from those modest beginnings to where we stand today. With over 140 dedicated staff members spread across five strategically positioned fire stations, we cover the District's expansive 160 square kilometres, encompassing urban and wildland areas and serving our vibrant community of nearly 92,000 residents. 

The timing of this milestone is fitting as we prepare to open our new Maplewood Fire and Rescue Training Centre, which highlights our ongoing commitment to excellence in training and preparedness. As we honour our past achievements and embrace future challenges, we remain steadfast in our mission to safeguard lives and property, continuing to serve with courage, dedication, and compassion.