Working smoke alarms
Smoke alarms provide an early warning so you and your family have time to escape.
- Test every smoke alarm once a month
- Never remove the battery to stop an alarm
- Replace alarms according to the manufacturer’s instructions
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Welcome to Richmond
Your fire and emergency services are here to help.
Moving to a new country brings many new experiences. Understanding how emergency services work is an important part of keeping yourself, your family and your new community safe.
Richmond Fire-Rescue responds to fires, medical emergencies, motor vehicle incidents, rescues and other urgent situations. We also provide fire prevention information, public education and community safety programs.
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Safety starts at home
Protect your new home and family.
A few simple safety habits can prevent fires and help everyone in your home respond quickly when an emergency happens.
Stay with your cooking
Cooking fires can start quickly. Remain nearby whenever food is heating on the stove.
- Use a timer to remind you that food is cooking
- Keep children and pets away from the stove
- Keep anything that can burn away from heat
Know two ways out
Plan how everyone will leave your home if the usual exit is blocked by smoke or fire.
- Find two possible exits from each room
- Choose a safe meeting place outside
- Practise the plan with everyone in your home
Apartment and high-rise safety
Learn the fire procedures for your building before an emergency happens.
- Know where both exit stairwells are located
- Learn your building’s fire alarm procedures
- Use the stairs during a fire, not the elevator
If you see smoke or fire
Get outside, stay outside and call 9-1-1. Never return inside for belongings or pets.
Meet your fire service
We do much more than fight fires.
Richmond Fire-Rescue serves everyone who lives, works and visits Richmond. Our crews are trained to respond to many different types of emergencies.
Firefighters also work throughout the community to prevent emergencies before they happen. This includes inspections, public education, fire-safety planning and community events.
You can always ask for help.
During an emergency, do not worry about whether your English is perfect. Tell the call-taker which language you speak and remain on the line.
Fires and smoke
Crews respond to structure fires, vehicle fires, outdoor fires, alarms and reports of smoke.
Medical emergencies
Firefighters provide emergency medical assistance and support until additional care arrives.
Rescues and collisions
Crews respond to motor vehicle incidents, people who are trapped and other urgent rescue situations.
Prevention and education
We teach residents how to prevent fires, prepare for emergencies and make safer choices at home.
What to expect during an emergency response
You may see several emergency vehicles and firefighters arrive. Keep a safe distance, follow their instructions and do not enter the emergency area. This gives crews room to work safely and quickly.
Learn more and connect
Richmond is your community.
Explore more safety information, ask us a question or invite Richmond Fire-Rescue to take part in your community program.
Meet The Squad
Request a fire hall tour, safety presentation, school visit or Richmond Fire-Rescue appearance at a community event.
Request a visitSafety information
Find guidance about smoke alarms, cooking, home escape planning, emergency preparedness and fire prevention.
Explore resourcesNew to Richmond?
Find City and community services related to settlement, housing, employment, language support and daily life.
View newcomer resourcesContact Fire-Rescue
Contact us with general questions, non-emergency service requests or public education inquiries.
Contact Richmond Fire-RescueFire safety starts with connection.
Richmond Fire-Rescue welcomes opportunities to meet newcomers, families and community groups. Invite us to help your group learn about emergency services and fire safety.
Information in your preferred language
Use the language selector in the website navigation menu to translate this page and other Richmond Fire-Rescue resources.