Fire and Rescue Annual Report 2021
District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services (DNVFRS) provides essential emergency, risk education, and support services to our community.
We are committed to reducing life and property loss due to fire, and promoting public safety through fire education and awareness.
This report is a concise summary of our work and achievements in 2021.
Report Sections
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Learn more about the DNVFRS
We deliver services to the community through an integrated approach that encompasses response, outreach, and prevention.
The District of North Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services (DNVFRS) is a mission-oriented emergency services agency focused on the safety and well-being of our community.
Our members deliver services through an integrated approach that encompasses emergency response for fire, rescue, and life safety, and community risk reduction through public safety programs, including risk-based inspections, fire investigation, plan review, and targeted public education.
COVID-19 pandemic response
DNVFRS continues adapting and developing a strategy to maintain emergency services safely during an ongoing pandemic.
The ongoing global pandemic required DNVFRS to continue adapting and developing a strategy that would allow us to maintain our current level of professional emergency services safely and responsibly.
In order to achieve that goal, we introduced a variety of initiatives in 2021.
Reducing risk
In 2021, we conducted 84 fire investigations, and completed 4,190 inspections and 51 fire safety plans.
Mitigating the impacts of fire — and reducing the number of fires that start in the first place — is a primary goal of DNVFRS.
We pursue this objective 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. In 2021, we conducted 84 fire investigations, and completed 4,190 inspections and 51 fire safety plans.
Fire service accreditation
We are committed to attaining and maintaining fire service accreditation.
In 2018, we began a multi-year process to become an accredited fire service through the Commission on Fire Service Accreditation (CFAI).
The journey to accreditation exemplifies our commitment to building on the proactive fire department culture, with an emphasis on self-improvement and providing the community with an innovative, progressive fire department that meets and exceeds expectations.
Responding to incidents
In 2021, we responded to 5,216 incidents, either independently or as part of a tri-municipal effort.
Our highly-trained firefighters are industry certified to fight fires of all types, from structure blazes to fires in vehicles and boats.
Our firefighters also routinely respond to calls for medical assistance, rescues of all kinds, hazardous material concerns, requests for public assistance, and more.
Planning for emergencies
Our fire department prepares to respond to all types of emergencies.
Helping prepare for, respond to, and recover from major North Shore-wide emergencies is a significant focus of our fire department.
Our comprehensive major emergency operations plan and pandemic/infectious disease plan are living documents that are continually updated to stay relevant and effective.
In the community
We hosted 51 events, engaging with 3,851 members of our community.
Serving in and caring for our community is our top priority, and we take pride in the work we do for our residents and businesses.
Whether teaching fire safety to children, helping our seniors plan and practice evacuation in an emergency, or demonstrating the tools and techniques we use daily to help keep everyone safe, we are always looking for opportunities to connect with people.
Wildfire preparedness and response
Our firefighters take part in annual training and exercises to practice interagency response to a potential wildfire.
We have long recognized that the District of North Vancouver has a significant area where our community meets the forest, which may be especially vulnerable to wildfire damage.
Therefore, we enhance our wildfire preparedness and readiness capabilities through programs, partnerships, and training, as well as grant and funding opportunities.
Team building
In 2021, we provided 10,843 hours of specialized training for our men and women.
The women and men of DNVFRS are our greatest asset, and we’re proud of the work they do every day to keep our community safe.
We are continually developing and supporting our diverse and inclusive team of dedicated professionals. We strive to provide an environment of professionalism and well-being that aids our team in obtaining the skills and attributes that allow them to excel in their positions
Financial highlights
Our 2021 operating budget was $21,496,349
Our 2021 operating budget was $21,496,349.
Fire rescue and operations accounted for the largest piece, at 66% of the total budget.
Looking ahead to 2022
Regardless of the challenges ahead, we remain committed to using our expertise and experience to serve our community.
The ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic and new Variants of Concern such as Delta and Omicron continue to impact our community and our work.
Maintaining the highest level of service to our citizens has required flexibility, adaptability, and a commitment to stay ahead of best practices in the field from our entire organization during these challenging times
