A primary focus of the DNVFRS is mitigating the impacts of fire and reducing the number of fires that start in the first place. 

We pursue this goal by investigating fires to determine cause and origin and working with builders and developers to ensure that measures are in place to limit fire risk. We also regularly inspect commercial, industrial, and multi-family buildings to check for compliance with all fire codes and standards. Below are some highlights of our work in 2023 that helped minimize fire risk in the District. 

Fire Investigations 

We act as Local Assistants to the BC Fire Commissioner, which means we investigate fires in our municipality to determine whether the fire was due to accident, negligence, or design flaw. 

We investigated 98 structure, vehicle, and outdoor fires in 2023. 

Pre-fire Planning and Mobile Inspections 

We’ve linked the mobile computers and digital devices on all fire engine apparatus to a new mobile software program launched in 2021 that allows for real-time updates and access to pre-incident plans. These plans provide essential details about buildings and properties and help to ensure the safety of our firefighters.  

Work continues to update information on our existing buildings in the District and to expand the program to include high-risk construction sites and communities at the highest risk of wildfire. Our crews follow a regular schedule to inspect properties for accuracy and update the plans as necessary. As new buildings are completed, the new pre-incident plan is uploaded from the Fire Safety Plan. 

Community Risk Reduction 

Our Captain of Public Safety and Community Risk Reduction is focused on increasing public engagement, reviewing and revising our programs, and identifying new ways to reach at-risk groups. 

This position helps DNVFRS develop a comprehensive assessment of the specific risks to our community and create a community risk-reduction plan. We aim to develop focused public education programs for our community and stakeholders, including updating our traditional educational programs by using innovative technology.  

In 2022, we developed and launched a new high school CPR program that provided students with lifesaving training from certified fire service personnel.  In 2023, through partnerships with the school board and North Vancouver City Fire Department, we expanded the CPR program to reach every Grade 10 student in North Vancouver. Approximately 500 students will earn a Red Cross CPR Level C certificate annually through this program. 

Our public education programs provided 226 presentations ranging from fire station tours to FireSmart information meetings and campfire safety talks with Girl Guide groups in 2023. These sessions provided over 286 hours of educational content that reached 6,504 people. 

Fire Inspections 

Our Public Safety Officers routinely inspect public buildings, industrial, commercial and multi-residential buildings and lodging houses. 

In 2023, we conducted 4,673 inspections, generating $2,025 in cost recovery from non-compliance and re-inspection fines. Starting in January 2024, we’ve adjusted our inspection schedule to prioritize high-risk properties using a new risk management software program. By analyzing our response data, we will be able to report conclusively on the success of this new program. 

As a result of the most recent upgrade of the Fire Data Records Management System (FDM), the Public Safety Division has shifted to a fully mobile inspection program that saves time, improves data entry and enhances our customer service to the community.  

Plans Reviewed and Fees Collected

Fire Safety Plans 

Our staff also processes fire safety plans as part of fire inspection work. In 2023, we processed 50 fire safety plans and collected $16,536.00 in fees to offset staffing costs for buildings that meet these minimum requirements: 

• Buildings that the BC Building Code requires to have a fire alarm 
• Demolition and construction sites 
• Storage areas 
• Where flammable liquids are stored or handled 
• Where hazardous processes or operations occur 
• Buildings that have assembly, care, treatment, or detection uses 

Building Permit Reviews 

In 2023, we separated our Building Permit reviews from our Construction Fire Safety Plan reviews. This allows us to demonstrate the different approaches and tasks our Public Safety staff take in managing development and construction activity within the DNV.  

During a project’s design-and-build phase, Public Safety staff work directly with developers to ensure that new buildings comply with the BC Building Code and the BC Fire Code and meet fire department operational requirements while under construction, during an occupancy inspection, and over the building’s life. In 2023, we provided 30 detailed permit reviews and received $229,756.00 in fees to offset staffing costs. 

Construction Fire Safety Plan Review 

Our Public Safety Division staff work directly with developers during a project’s design and build phase to ensure that all new construction is carried out safely and that the project’s surrounding areas are protected. This process allows us to engage with the contractors and owners to ensure that new buildings comply with the BC Fire Code and meet fire department operational requirements while under construction. 

In 2023, our Public Safety members reviewed 13 detailed plans and collected $2,156.70 to offset staffing costs. 

 Pre-incident Fire Plan Reviews  

Our staff maintains a database of building details and plans for properties in the DNV, and we’re working on updating an online access program. The building database supports fire department operations with timely access to information during an emergency.  

In 2023, developers submitted 51 plans to DNVFRS personnel for review and implementation and paid $8,460.90 in review fees. We also created 27 new building preplans, updated 158 existing plans through our company inspections. 

Direct Fee/Cost Recovery 

The Public Safety Division provides other services directly to the community. In 2023, these services resulted in a total cost recovery of $23,866.00.

These services include the following: 

• Fireworks permits purchased and issued fines
• False alarm recovery
• Property information requests