Victoria Fire Department News

As a pivotal moment for both environmental and firefighter health initiatives, the Victoria Fire Department has placed into service its first electric fire truck, a Rosenbauer RTX.  With a target to electrify or renewably power 80 percent of its vehicles by 2040, the city has already placed an order for a second unit.  state-of-the-art electric fire truck With the new Rosenbauer RTX, this addition to the Victoria firefighting fleet is an agile, climate-friendly emergency respon...

“We have to do better,” said Victoria Fire Chief - Daniel Atkinson, while sharing his frustration in response to a beach fire on Dallas Road. Early Thursday morning, firefighters responded to a fire along the Dallas Road bluff that had spread from a beach fire. Open fires are not permitted in Victoria any time of year and they pose a serious risk to people, pets, nearby homes, and coastal ecosystems. Fines of up to $2,000 can be issued to those having beach fires. Primary cause of...

A heat warning is in effect for Great Victoria. Environment and Climate Change Canada is predicting daytime temperatures in the low 30s, with overnight lows near 16 C. There are 13 misting/water bottle filling stations, drinking fountains and places to stay cool located throughout the city. Residents can take steps to reduce the risk of heat-related illness by drinking more fluids regardless of their activity level, and by not waiting until they are thirsty to have a drink. Avoid liquids t...

The City of Victoria is developing a Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan and is seeking community input at an upcoming series of open houses and pop-up events. Public input will help inform the Plan, which will identify actions for the City in collaboration with multi-sector partners, to help make the community safer and more inclusive for everyone. Seeking community input The community is invited to drop by an open house or pop-up to learn more and share their concerns, experiences and sugg...

The City of Victoria has entered into a service agreement with the SOLID Outreach Society to fund the operations of a new access hub facility at 2155 Dowler Place that will provide wrap-around community-based services to reduce the risk and impacts of homelessness. $300,000 grant The City is providing up to $1.8 million in annual operating funding and has provided a one-time grant of $300,000 to help SOLID acquire the property. The initiative is funded by the City’s Financial Stability...

The Victoria Fire Department is hosting a family-friendly open house on Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Fire Department Headquarters, 1025 Johnson Street What visitors can expect: Visit the fire hall and B.C. Ambulance station Take part in games and activities Spray a fire hose Meet Sparky the fire safety dog and Bearamedic Check out the fire truck fleet, including the new electric fire engine and a pumper truck from 1925 Feed the hungry crew at the Victoria Fir...

The City of Victoria’s first electric fire truck has rolled into its new home at the Fire Department Headquarters. The newest addition to the firefighting fleet, the Rosenbauer RTX, is an agile and climate-friendly emergency response vehicle with enhanced features and safety for Victoria’s firefighters. Rosenbauer RTX fire truck The new fire truck marks a milestone in the City of Victoria’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint by electrifying or renewably powering 80...

The City of Victoria is looking for two candidates to serve on the Board of Variance.   The Board is made up of five members appointed by City Council. They review appeals relating to the City's zoning bylaw in which compliance would cause a person hardship. A term is three years and the Board meets twice a month on Thursdays at 12:30 p.m.

In honor of 2024 National Public Works Week, the City is releasing its third round of limited edition fleet trading cards. These cards feature the vehicles and machines operated by the City of Victoria’s Public Works division that rumble and roll down city streets. City fleet vehicles Supplementing the previous two campaigns, five new cards highlight the rollers, movers, and diggers that help staff build and maintain the vibrant and livable city. These cards feature photos, information,...

The Province of B.C. has announced a fire ban coming into effect on Friday, May 17 for the South Island. However, in Victoria, open fires are not permitted at any time of year. Serious risk for residents Natural gas or propane fires are only permitted in parks or beaches for cooking food – no fire rings are permitted. Portable grills, camp stoves or barbecues must be kept two metres away from any structure and cannot be set up in playgrounds, sports fields or on walkways or pathways. Be...

The City of Victoria is developing a Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan and is seeking community input. Once complete, the Plan will identify opportunities and actions for the City and multi-sector partners to help make the community safer and to improve the well-being of all Victorians.  “This public engagement will help us understand people’s thoughts, feelings, perceptions and opinions about wellbeing and safety, and encourage them to share their ideas on possible solution...

People can legally use an electric kick scooter on the City of Victoria roads as part of the Province’s Electric Kick Scooter Pilot. E-kick scooters E-kick scooters must be fitted with a speed limit of a maximum of 25 km/h, and riders must be at least 16 years of age and wear a safety helmet. E-kick scooters must use designated bike lanes if available and are not permitted on sidewalks or pedestrian-only paths. a sustainable, affordable option This pilot project will give residents an...

The City of Victoria is opening an overnight emergency warming center to support the Province’s extreme weather response to snow reported in the forecast. A warming center will be open from 8:30 p.m. to 8 a.m. Wednesday morning at the Victoria Curling Club, at 1952 Quadra Street. City warming centers are opened when the extreme weather response and exposure risks are active, and primary shelters and warming centers are at capacity.

The City is opening an emergency warming center to support the Province’s extreme weather response to freezing temperatures in Victoria. warming center A warming center is open at the Cook Street Village Activity Centre, 380 Cook Street. Daytime hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Overnight hours: 9 p.m.-8 a.m. The City’s warming center will remain open while the extreme weather response and exposure risks are active, and primary shelters and warming centers are at capacity.

Get in the holiday spirit by coming out to enjoy the IEOA Truck Parade and Food Drive on Saturday, December 2! A fleet of over 80 commercial trucks and buses will light up the streets of Victoria for the annual truck parade and food drive, hosted by the Island Equipment Owners Association. IEOA Truck Parade The IEOA Truck Parade starts in Victoria at the Breakwater District at Ogden Point at 5 p.m. and finishes at Royal Bay in Colwood at 8 p.m. approximately. The route will begin at the...

Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting strong winds with wind gusts of 70 to 90 kilometers per hour, which may result in falling tree branches and power outages. Preparation Guide Here’s what users can do to prepare for strong winds and help keep the neighborhood safe: 1) Trim dead or damaged tree branches to prevent them from falling during a storm. Avoid parking vehicles under trees or hydro wires during stormy weather. 2) Secure materials at risk of becoming airborne i...

Complete the Charging Your EV Future survey to help shape the future of sustainable transportation in Victoria.  effectiveness of EV fast-charging This survey is part of a collaborative research initiative, led by researchers from UVic and Royal Roads, to better understand the effectiveness of EV fast-charging infrastructure in supporting the transition to climate-friendly transportation options. These results will help inform the City’s approach to developing EV infrastructure and...

The Victoria Fire Department is partnering with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote Fire Prevention Week (October 8 to 14, 2023). This year’s theme is Cooking Safety Starts With YOU!TM. The annual public safety campaign raises awareness on how to plan ahead to keep people and their families safe in the event of a fire. Fire Prevention Week “In British Columbia, injuries, deaths and losses from household fires continue to rise at an unacceptable level. Cooki...

Victoria Mayor - Marianne Alto has released a statement in support of City of Nanaimo climate action. The statement reads, “The City of Nanaimo has recently come under fire from interests opposed to progressive climate action policies. I’m distressed that cities making responsible decisions in favor of their residents are being harassed for such thoughtful decisions. British Columbians know that our province is on the front lines of climate change. As municipalities in B.C. grapple...

Environment and Climate Action Canada is forecasting a significant fall storm that will arrive Sunday night, bringing rain and strong winds, which may result in falling tree branches and local power outages. Here’s what users can do to prepare for rain and strong winds. Heavy Rain In the event of heavy rain, city crews will be out clearing streets of leaves and debris to keep rainwater runoff flowing and prevent flooding. Learn how users can prevent flooding and follow these tips to he...

The City of Victoria is accepting applications from individuals interested in serving as the City’s nominee on the Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) Board of Directors. The Board is seeking diverse candidates who have demonstrated senior executive level experience in and knowledge of: Board governance and strategic planning, Business management and operations, Business administration, professional engineering, planning and land development, real estate management or senior legal couns...

To mark Firefighters’ National Memorial Day on Sunday, September 10, the Canadian flag at City Hall will be lowered to half-mast at the end of today and returned to full-mast on Monday. This National Memorial Day gives Canadians an opportunity each year to remember firefighters who have lost their lives while on the job. Memorial Fire Bell In 2019, the Victoria Fire Department dedicated a new Memorial Fire Bell. This bell is rung in a special ceremony to honor firefighters who have lost...

The City of Victoria is proud to be one of the first municipalities in Canada to purchase an electric fire engine to add to its growing electric vehicle fleet. The City is taking steps to prepare for the arrival of the Rosenbauer Revolutionary Technology (RT) pumper fire engine, which is currently being assembled and is expected to arrive by the end of the year. The electric fire engine will be stationed at the new Victoria Fire Department Headquarters and public safety building on Johnson Stre...

Victoria City Council is delivering on its recently adopted Strategic Plan by moving ahead with the development of a Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, which will identify opportunities for the City to take a leadership role in making the community safer and improving the well-being of all. “We know that cities across the country are struggling with a variety of challenges including the safety and well-being of all their residents. Victoria is going to lead with a solution-focused plan...

For public safety and environmental protection, the public is reminded that fires are not allowed in Victoria parks or on beaches. This includes natural gas and propane fire rings. Tips to Prevent Grass and Fires Dry grass, shrubs, and bark mulch can easily be ignited by a tossed cigarette butt, or by glass and metal that can magnify or reflect sunlight. Below are some tips to prevent grass and bark mulch fires from starting in Victoria parks and residential gardens: Properly discard...

They rumble and roll down City streets, sidewalks, and bike lanes, but how much do users know about the vehicles and machines operated by the City of Victoria’s public works department? In honor of 2023 National Public Works Week, the City is releasing its second round of limited-edition fleet trading cards. five new cards Supplementing the popular trading card pilot project, five new cards highlight the lifters, diggers, movers, and trimmers that help the City’s public works staf...

Victoria City Council has adopted a new strategic plan to guide investment and focus the City’s work over the next four years – to improve the quality of life for residents, support economic health and vibrancy, and position the City as an innovative leader in climate action. 2023 - 2026 Strategic Plan "The Strategic Plan’s eight priorities envelop the big ideas City Council wants to realize by 2026," said Mayor Marianne Alto. Mayor Marianne Alto adds, "In partnership with C...

Environment Canada and Climate Change have issued a Special Weather Statement for Greater Victoria, forecasting unseasonably hot weather developing over coastal BC, beginning Friday, May 12 through to Tuesday, May 16. Daytime highs will reach into the high 20s to low 30s, with overnight lows in the low to mid-teens. The highest temperatures are expected on Sunday and Monday. Tips to address hot weather Get VictoriaReady for the heat and remember these tips: Stay hydrated (carry a refillabl...

The City of Victoria’s new state-of-the-art, post-seismic Victoria Fire Department Headquarters, located at 1025 Johnson Street, is officially open. The 3,762 square-meter (40,500 square-foot) downtown facility replaces the 2,480 square-meter (26,700 square-foot) former Fire and Rescue headquarters on Yates Street that has served Victoria since 1959. The new public safety facility meets BC Building Code standards for buildings designed to remain operable post-disaster. This means it was b...

Victoria Mayor - Marianne Alto has released the following statement in response to the 2023 federal budget: "The federal budget includes measures that will safeguard and improve the livability and sustainability of Victoria. The budget commitments to help cities fight climate change, build affordable housing, and protect our communities from natural disasters are especially notable. But rapid implementation of those commitments, in close collaboration with municipal governments, is essential."...