Frequently Asked Questions

Call 9-1-1 when someone’s health or safety is in immediate danger, property is at serious risk, a crime is in progress, or urgent police, fire or medical assistance is required.

Be prepared to provide your city, exact location and the type of emergency. Stay on the line and follow the call-taker’s instructions. If you call accidentally, do not hang up—remain on the line and explain what happened.

Learn when to call 9-1-1

02 What types of emergencies does Richmond Fire-Rescue respond to?

Richmond Fire-Rescue responds to much more than building fires. Responses may include:

Residential, commercial, vehicle and outdoor fires
Emergency medical calls
Motor vehicle collisions
Activated fire alarms
Gas leaks and hazardous-material incidents
Water, confined-space and technical rescues
Emergency incidents at Vancouver International Airport

The resources sent to an incident depend on the information received by emergency dispatch and the potential risks involved.

See what we respond to

03 Who should I contact for a non-emergency Fire-Rescue question?

For Richmond Fire-Rescue questions that do not require an immediate emergency response, call 604-278-5131 or use the online contact page.

Do not use the non-emergency line during an emergency. Call 9-1-1 whenever immediate police, fire or medical assistance is required.

Contact Richmond Fire-Rescue

04 Who handles broken water mains, sewer issues or road hazards?

For urgent City service problems such as broken water mains, sewer problems, downed trees, traffic-signal failures, icy roads or serious road obstructions, call the City of Richmond’s 24-hour Public Works line at 604-270-8721.

Call 9-1-1 instead when the situation presents an immediate danger to a person, property or public safety.

05 Why do fire trucks use lights and sirens at night?

Emergency lights and sirens warn drivers, cyclists and pedestrians that an emergency vehicle is approaching. They are particularly important at intersections and when emergency vehicles may need to proceed through a red light or stop sign.

Although traffic is often lighter at night, road users may be less likely to expect another vehicle. Darkness, reduced visibility and higher roadway speeds can also increase risk. Crews use emergency equipment when it is needed to reach an urgent call as quickly and safely as possible.

Richmond Fire-Rescue recognizes that sirens can disturb nearby residents. Crews balance that concern with their responsibility to protect the public and safely reach people who need immediate help.

06 Why do I hear a siren at a fire hall when no truck is leaving?

Fire apparatus and emergency equipment must be checked regularly to confirm that everything is operating correctly. These checks can include a brief test of the vehicle’s siren.

Daily apparatus checks are normally completed in the morning, which is why a short siren may occasionally be heard from a fire hall even when a truck is not responding to an incident.

07 Why did a fire truck arrive when I requested an ambulance?

Richmond firefighters respond to emergency medical incidents as part of the coordinated emergency response system. A nearby fire crew may be able to arrive quickly and begin immediate patient care while an ambulance is travelling to the scene.

Firefighters can assess the situation, provide initial medical assistance and support BC Emergency Health Services personnel. The specific resources dispatched are based on the information provided to the emergency call-taker.

08 Should I call Richmond Fire-Rescue about an injured animal?

Richmond Fire-Rescue does not provide routine transportation for injured animals. For an injured, sick or distressed animal, contact the BC SPCA Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722 for guidance.

Fire crews may attend certain animal-rescue incidents when there is an immediate danger or specialized assistance is required. However, emergency apparatus must remain available for urgent incidents involving people and property.

A cat in a tree will often come down on its own once the area becomes quiet. Keep people and pets away from the base of the tree and contact an animal-service provider when assistance is still needed.

BC SPCA animal-distress information

Smoke alarms Test every month

Press and hold the test button until the alarm sounds.

Alarm lifespan Check the expiry date

Smoke alarms should generally be replaced after ten years.

During a fire Get out and stay out

Go to a safe location and call 9-1-1. Never re-enter.

01 Can I get a smoke alarm or replacement batteries from Richmond Fire-Rescue?

Richmond Fire-Rescue does not distribute household smoke alarms, replace alarm batteries or provide routine smoke-alarm maintenance.

Smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms can be purchased from hardware, home-improvement and other retail stores. Choose an alarm that has been certified by a recognized Canadian testing organization and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Renters who do not have a working smoke alarm should notify their landlord or property manager promptly.

View smoke-alarm information

02 How often should I test and replace my smoke alarms?

Test every smoke alarm in your home at least once a month. Press and hold the alarm’s test button until the alarm sounds.

Replace removable batteries whenever the alarm indicates that the battery is low, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for battery replacement. Never remove a battery simply to stop an unwanted alarm.

Smoke alarms should generally be replaced after ten years. Check the manufacture or replacement date printed on the alarm. Replace it sooner if it is damaged, repeatedly malfunctions or does not sound during testing.

Do not rely on the sound alone. A smoke alarm can still beep during a test even when it has reached the end of its recommended service life.

03 Why is my smoke or carbon-monoxide alarm chirping?

An occasional chirp commonly indicates a low battery, an improperly installed battery, accumulated dust, a malfunction or an alarm that has reached the end of its service life.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions because different chirp patterns can mean different things. Replace the battery when appropriate and gently clean the alarm according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Replace the entire alarm if it is expired or continues chirping after basic maintenance.

If a carbon-monoxide alarm sounds continuously: Move everyone to fresh air, call 9-1-1 from a safe location and do not re-enter until emergency personnel say it is safe.

04 Where should smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms be installed?

Smoke alarms should be installed:

Inside every sleeping room
Outside each separate sleeping area
On every level of the home, including the basement
On the ceiling or high on a wall, as directed by the manufacturer

Carbon-monoxide alarms should be installed outside sleeping areas and in other locations required by applicable codes or recommended by the manufacturer.

Homes with fuel-burning equipment, fireplaces or an attached garage should have carbon-monoxide protection. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for the correct mounting location and height.

Review prevention planning

05 What type of fire extinguisher should I have at home?

Most homes contain several types of potential fire hazards. A multipurpose extinguisher rated for Class A, B and C fires is commonly selected for household use.

Class A: Ordinary materials such as paper, wood and fabric
Class B: Flammable liquids
Class C: Energized electrical equipment

Select a model that you can comfortably lift and operate. Keep it visible, easily accessible and close to an exit—not hidden behind the potential source of a fire.

Your escape always comes first. Only consider using an extinguisher on a small, contained fire when everyone else is leaving, 9-1-1 has been called and you have a clear exit behind you. When in doubt, get out and stay out.

Learn about extinguisher types

06 How do I inspect, refill or recycle a fire extinguisher?

Check your extinguisher regularly and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions. Confirm that:

It is visible and easy to reach
The safety pin and tamper seal are intact
The hose and nozzle are unobstructed
There is no visible rust, leakage or physical damage
The pressure indicator is within its normal operating range

Rechargeable extinguishers should be serviced by a qualified fire-protection company after use or when servicing is required. Disposable extinguishers should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Do not place a pressurized extinguisher in household garbage. Richmond residents can take fire extinguishers to the Richmond Recycling Depot at 5555 Lynas Lane. The current drop-off limit is five extinguishers per day.

The depot also accepts expired smoke alarms, carbon-monoxide alarms and combination alarms.

View Recycling Depot information

07 Does Richmond Fire-Rescue provide certified fire-extinguisher training?

Richmond Fire-Rescue does not operate a fire-extinguisher certification program.

Businesses or organizations that require formal certification should contact a qualified occupational-safety or fire-protection training provider.

Richmond Fire-Rescue may provide general fire-safety education through community presentations and approved events, depending on availability. Educational demonstrations do not constitute professional certification.

Request a safety presentation

08 Are barbecues allowed on apartment or condominium balconies?

A barbecue may be permitted on an outdoor balcony for cooking, but building, rental and strata rules can impose additional restrictions or prohibit barbecues completely.

Before using one, check with your landlord, strata council or property manager. Keep the appliance away from combustible materials and follow all manufacturer clearances and instructions.

Never use a barbecue indoors. Gas and charcoal barbecues produce carbon monoxide and must not be used inside a home, garage, enclosed balcony, tent or other enclosed area.

Different rules apply in City parks. Natural-gas and propane barbecues are permitted only in specifically designated park areas, while open fires and wood or charcoal barbecues are not permitted in Richmond parks or on beaches.

Read Richmond barbecue guidance

09 Are accessible smoke alarms and emergency-alerting devices available?

Yes. Specialized alerting equipment is available for people who are Deaf, DeafBlind, hard of hearing or who may not be adequately alerted by a standard audible alarm.

Options can include visual strobe lights, vibrating bed shakers and interconnected alerting systems. The appropriate equipment will depend on the person, home and existing alarm system.

The Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility provides information about communication and visual-alerting devices.

Explore accessible alerting devices

10 Are public AEDs available in Richmond?

Automated external defibrillators, commonly called AEDs, are available at a number of City facilities and other public locations in Richmond.

An AED provides spoken and visual instructions and will only advise a shock when its analysis determines one is appropriate.

If someone suddenly collapses and is unresponsive: Call 9-1-1, begin CPR and send someone to retrieve an AED. Follow the device’s spoken instructions until emergency personnel arrive.

Find Richmond AED information

Inspection services Request an Inspection

Request an inspection or report a potential fire or life-safety concern.

Open request form

Building documentation Upload a Fire Safety Plan

Submit a building or construction Fire Safety Plan to Richmond Fire-Rescue.

Upload your plan

Impaired safety systems Fire Watch Program

Access Fire Watch information, program logs and restoration documentation.

View Fire Watch information

01 How do I request a fire inspection or report a fire hazard?

Use Richmond Fire-Rescue’s online Request an Inspection form to:

Request a fire or life-safety inspection
Report a potential Fire Code violation
Report a fire or life-safety hazard
Request a comfort or inspection letter

The online form is encouraged because it collects the information needed to review and respond to the request. For additional assistance, Richmond Fire-Rescue can be contacted at 604-278-5131.

Do not use an inspection form during an emergency. Call 9-1-1 when police, fire or medical assistance is immediately required.

Request an inspection

02 What information should I include with an inspection request?

Providing complete information helps Richmond Fire-Rescue assess the request and determine the appropriate next step. Include:

The full property address
The reason and scope of the requested inspection
Any related permit or application numbers
The property contact’s name and telephone number
Your preferred contact information
Relevant plans, photographs or supporting documents

When reporting a potential violation, describe the exact location and nature of the concern as clearly as possible.

03 How do childcare inspections and inspection letters work?

A proposed childcare facility must receive the appropriate municipal approvals before a fire inspection is scheduled. Once those approvals are in place, submit the online Request an Inspection form.

A comfort letter or inspection letter can also be requested when written confirmation of a property’s compliance status is needed.

Inspection and letter requests may be subject to applicable City fees.

View childcare inspection information

04 What is a Fire Safety Plan?

A Fire Safety Plan is a building-specific document that explains how fire and life-safety risks will be managed.

Depending on the property, it can include:

Emergency procedures and evacuation responsibilities
Building and site information
Locations of fire-protection equipment
Fire alarm and sprinkler-system information
Procedures for controlling fire hazards
Inspection, testing and maintenance requirements
Emergency and building contact information

The plan should reflect the actual building, its systems, its occupants and the activities taking place on the property.

View Fire Safety Plan resources

05 Where can I find my building’s Fire Safety Plan?

A building’s Fire Safety Plan is normally kept in an accessible location for building staff and emergency responders. It is often stored near the main fire alarm control panel or in another designated location near the building entrance.

Contact the property manager, building manager, owner or strata representative when you cannot locate the plan or need access to it.

Know its location before an emergency. Staff members assigned responsibilities in the Fire Safety Plan should be able to find and use it without delay.

06 How often should a Fire Safety Plan be reviewed and updated?

Building owners and their authorized representatives should review the Fire Safety Plan at least annually and whenever changes could make the existing plan inaccurate.

An update may be needed when there are changes to:

The site or floor plans
Building use or occupancy
Fire alarm, sprinkler or life-safety systems
Emergency procedures or designated personnel
Building ownership or emergency contact information

The current version should be implemented at the building and submitted to Richmond Fire-Rescue when required.

Upload an updated plan

07 How do we conduct a fire drill, and will Richmond Fire-Rescue attend?

The required frequency and procedure for fire drills should be identified in the building’s approved Fire Safety Plan. Requirements can differ depending on the building’s use and occupancy.

Before conducting a drill:

Review the Fire Safety Plan
Notify the alarm-monitoring company when applicable
Inform designated supervisory staff
Confirm evacuation routes and the assembly location
Record the drill and any problems that were identified

Richmond Fire-Rescue does not normally attend or supervise building fire drills. Building owners and managers are responsible for organizing drills and following their Fire Safety Plan.

A drill should never create a false emergency response. Coordinate with the alarm-monitoring company and other required parties before activating an alarm system.

08 What is a Fire Watch, and when may one be required?

A Fire Watch is a temporary program used to provide added protection when a building’s normal level of fire or life-safety protection has been reduced.

A Fire Watch may be required because of:

An impaired fire alarm or sprinkler system
Reduced water supply to fire-protection systems
Loss of normal or emergency power
Reduced or blocked exits and evacuation routes
Obstructed fire lanes or emergency access
Repeated nuisance alarms
Hot work such as welding, brazing or grinding
Another condition that reduces occupant or building safety

The building owner or designated representative must act promptly when fire or life-safety protection is impaired and follow the directions provided in the Fire Watch notice.

View the Fire Watch Program

09 Who is responsible for maintaining a Fire Watch?

The building owner or the owner’s designated representative is responsible for initiating and maintaining the Fire Watch in accordance with the Fire Watch notice.

Fire Watch personnel must follow the required patrol and reporting procedures. Responsibilities can include:

Monitoring the affected building or area
Looking for fire and life-safety hazards
Keeping exits and emergency access clear
Having a reliable method to call 9-1-1
Following the instructions in the Fire Watch notice
Completing the required Fire Watch log

The Fire Watch log must remain at the building and be available to Richmond Fire-Rescue upon request for the entire duration of the program.

Open the Fire Watch Program Log

10 How is a Fire Watch cancelled?

Richmond Fire-Rescue does not cancel the Fire Watch on behalf of the property.

The building owner or designated representative is responsible for ending the Fire Watch after the affected fire or life-safety system has been repaired and fully restored.

The owner or representative must then:

Confirm the system has been restored by the appropriate technician
Notify the alarm-monitoring company when applicable
Complete the required cancellation documentation
Provide Richmond Fire-Rescue with the requested information
Retain the Fire Watch records for the property

Do not end a Fire Watch simply because repairs have begun. Continue the program until the affected system is fully operational and the cancellation process has been completed.

Submit Fire Watch documentation

11 What happens if an inspection identifies a violation?

When a property does not comply with applicable fire, building or municipal requirements, a Fire Prevention Officer may issue a Notice of Violation describing the items that must be corrected.

The property owner is responsible for correcting the identified issues. Complex matters may require a qualified registered professional to assess the property and develop an acceptable compliance plan.

Depending on the circumstances:

Supporting repair or compliance documentation may be required
A follow-up inspection may be scheduled
Reinspection fees may apply
Continued non-compliance may result in an Order to Comply
Repeated violations may result in a municipal ticket

Follow the instructions and deadlines shown on the Notice of Violation and contact the assigned Fire Prevention Officer when clarification is needed.

Learn about violations

Fireworks Permit required

Fireworks cannot be possessed, sold or lit in Richmond without authorization.

Campfires and open fires Not permitted

Backyard, beach and park campfires are not allowed within the City of Richmond.

Outdoor cooking Approved appliances only

Use certified appliances and permitted fuel sources while following all property and park rules.

Professional displays Fireworks Permit Information

Review requirements for professional fireworks, pyrotechnics and special effects.

View permit information

Local regulations Burning & Barbecue Rules

Review Richmond’s year-round open-fire restrictions and outdoor cooking rules.

View burning bylaws

Safe disposal Find a Disposal Option

Check current disposal guidance before moving fireworks, road flares or marine flares.

Search Recyclepedia

01 Are fireworks legal in Richmond?

Fireworks and firecrackers cannot be possessed, purchased, sold or lit within the City of Richmond without the required authorization.

This restriction applies throughout the year, including Halloween, Canada Day and New Year’s Eve. Consumer fireworks are not automatically permitted simply because they are available for purchase outside Richmond.

Sparklers are also fireworks. They can reach extremely high temperatures and should not be treated as harmless toys.

Residents who wish to watch fireworks should attend an authorized public display operated by qualified professionals.

Read Richmond fireworks guidance

02 How is a professional fireworks or pyrotechnic display approved?

Richmond Fire-Rescue issues permits for professional fireworks displays, pyrotechnics and special effects on private and City-owned property.

Fireworks displays and special effects must be conducted by appropriately licensed Fireworks Display Supervisors or Senior Pyrotechnicians.

Applications require supporting safety and event documentation. Organizers should submit a complete application a minimum of two weeks before the proposed display to allow time for review.

Special-effects requests connected with filming on City-owned property must first be coordinated through the City’s Film and Major Event Liaison.

An application is not an approval. No fireworks or special-effects activity may proceed until the required permit has been issued.

View display permit requirements

03 Can I have a campfire, beach fire or backyard fire in Richmond?

No. Campfires, bonfires and other recreational open fires are not permitted within the City of Richmond at any time of year.

This includes open fires in:

Residential yards
City parks
School grounds
Beaches and waterfront areas
Portable fire pits and similar open-flame devices

Restrictions elsewhere in British Columbia do not override Richmond’s local bylaws. A provincial campfire ban ending does not make campfires legal inside Richmond.

Do not burn yard waste. Leaves, branches, grass, weeds, lumber and household materials must not be burned as a recreational or disposal fire.

Review Richmond burning rules

04 What outdoor cooking or heating appliances are permitted?

Approved and certified outdoor appliances may be used for cooking or smoking food when they are designed for that purpose and use an allowed fuel source.

Permitted fuel sources for approved appliances generally include:

Natural gas
Propane
Charcoal

Wood, wood chips and other materials that release uncontrolled smoke or airborne embers are not permitted as outdoor fuel sources under Richmond’s rules.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and check any additional landlord, strata, property-management or park restrictions before using an appliance.

Outdoor appliances belong outdoors. Never operate a barbecue, smoker or outdoor heater inside a home, garage, tent, enclosed balcony or other enclosed space.

View barbecue and smoker guidance

05 Is agricultural burning ever permitted?

Limited open-air burning may be considered for agricultural purposes on qualifying agricultural land between October 1 and April 30.

Agricultural burning requires authorization from both:

Richmond Fire-Rescue
Metro Vancouver

Obtaining one approval does not replace the other. Burning cannot begin unless all required permits and authorizations are in place and current conditions allow it.

Richmond Fire-Rescue may suspend or cancel a permit when conditions create an unacceptable fire, smoke or public-safety risk.

This exception is not for residential yard cleanup. A homeowner cannot obtain an agricultural permit simply to burn branches, leaves or garden waste.

View outdoor burning permits

06 Do provincial fire restrictions change Richmond’s local rules?

No. Richmond’s local bylaws continue to apply regardless of whether a provincial campfire restriction is active.

Different rules may apply on City property, provincial property and federally managed land. Visitors should confirm which authority manages the location before relying on a general fire-ban notice.

Richmond may also introduce additional restrictions during periods of extreme heat, dry conditions or elevated fire risk. Those temporary restrictions can affect activities that may otherwise be permitted.

Check current Richmond guidance

07 How should I report unsafe fireworks or open burning?

Call 9-1-1 when there is an active fire, fireworks are creating an immediate danger, fire is spreading, or people or property are at risk.

Move to a safe location and provide the call-taker with the exact location and a clear description of what is happening.

For questions about bylaws, permits or a concern that does not require an immediate emergency response, contact Richmond Fire-Rescue through the online contact page or call 604-278-5131.

Do not approach or confront anyone. Remain at a safe distance and allow emergency personnel to assess the situation.

Contact Richmond Fire-Rescue

08 How should unwanted fireworks or expired flares be disposed of?

Richmond Fire-Rescue does not accept fireworks, road flares or marine distress flares from the public.

Do not bring these items to a fire hall, place them in a regular recycling cart or discard them in household garbage. Do not ignite, dismantle or otherwise attempt to deactivate them yourself.

Disposal programs and approved collection locations can change. Contact the Recycling Council of British Columbia before transporting the material to confirm:

Whether the specific item is accepted
The current approved disposal location
Any quantity limits or appointment requirements
How the item must be safely prepared for transportation

Keep the item secure while seeking guidance. Store it away from heat, flames, children and unauthorized handling without altering its original condition.

Find current disposal guidance

Planning an event Submit early

Send your request as early as possible to allow time for review and scheduling.

Scheduling Approval is required

Submitting a form does not guarantee that the requested date or service is available.

Operational priority Emergencies come first

Personnel and apparatus must remain available to respond throughout the community.

Community outreach Book The Squad

Request a community event, fire hall tour, strata presentation or safety presentation.

Submit an event request

Upcoming appearances View the Event Calendar

Find public events, open houses and community appearances involving Richmond Fire-Rescue.

Explore upcoming events

Schools and classrooms Online Education Program

01 What is The Squad?

The Squad is Richmond Fire-Rescue’s community outreach team. It brings fire-safety education, prevention messages and interactive learning directly into the Richmond community.

The Squad works with:

Schools and classrooms
Seniors’ groups
Strata and residential communities
Community organizations
Public events and gatherings

Its purpose is to make fire and life-safety information practical, approachable and easier for residents to use.

Meet The Squad

02 What types of visits or events can I request?

The event-request form currently accepts requests for:

Community events
Fire hall tours
Strata presentations
Safety presentations and educational programs

Requests can come from schools, community organizations, neighbourhood groups, seniors’ groups, property representatives and other Richmond organizations.

Richmond Fire-Rescue will review the event details and determine whether the requested participation is appropriate and operationally possible.

03 How do I request Richmond Fire-Rescue for an event?

Complete the online Meet The Squad request form. Select the type of event or presentation you are requesting and provide complete event and contact information.

After the form has been submitted, Richmond Fire-Rescue will review the request and respond using the contact information provided.

A submitted request is not a confirmed booking. Do not advertise Richmond Fire-Rescue’s attendance until confirmation has been received.

Submit an event request

04 What information should I include in my event request?

Include enough detail for Richmond Fire-Rescue to understand the event, audience and requested involvement.

The form asks for:

The type of event or presentation
The proposed date and start and end times
The organization’s name
The requestor’s contact information
The expected number of participants
The complete event location
A description of the event
The specific services requested from Fire-Rescue
An event-day contact, when different from the requestor

Mention any accessibility requirements, audience considerations, parking limitations or site-entry instructions that could affect participation.

05 How far in advance should I submit an event request?

Submit the request as early as possible. Additional planning time gives Richmond Fire-Rescue a better opportunity to review the request, coordinate personnel and determine whether the requested date can be supported.

Last-minute requests may not provide enough time for scheduling, even when the event itself would otherwise be appropriate.

Early notice does not guarantee attendance. Requests remain subject to staffing, scheduling, operational requirements and emergency-response needs.

06 Is Richmond Fire-Rescue attendance guaranteed once approved?

Emergency response always takes priority. Even an approved appearance may need to be delayed, shortened, changed or cancelled if personnel or apparatus are required for an emergency or another operational need.

Fire apparatus attending an event may remain in service and ready to leave immediately. Event organizers should avoid building essential activities around the guaranteed presence of a particular vehicle or crew.

Emergency vehicles must remain accessible. Do not block a fire apparatus with tents, displays, parked vehicles, crowds or event equipment.

07 Can I request a fire truck for a child’s birthday party?

Richmond Fire-Rescue does not provide dedicated fire apparatus or emergency crews for private birthday parties.

Fire trucks and operational crews must remain available to respond to emergencies throughout Richmond.

Families interested in meeting The Squad or seeing Richmond Fire-Rescue in the community can check the public event calendar for upcoming open houses, community events and public appearances.

View public events

08 Can my group request a fire hall tour?

Yes. A fire hall tour can be requested through the Meet The Squad form.

The form allows groups to identify a preferred Richmond fire hall. Tour requests are reviewed based on:

The group and purpose of the visit
The requested date and time
Fire hall and personnel availability
The expected number and age range of participants
Current operational requirements

A requested fire hall or date may not be available. Richmond Fire-Rescue may suggest another option when appropriate.

A tour can be interrupted without notice. Crews and apparatus may need to leave immediately when an emergency call is received.

Request a fire hall tour

09 Can we request a fire and life-safety presentation?

Yes. Schools, strata communities, seniors’ groups, businesses and community organizations can request a safety or educational presentation.

Topics and delivery can vary depending on the audience, program goals and available resources. A request might involve:

Home fire-safety information
Smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms
Fire extinguishers and evacuation planning
Strata and shared-building safety
Emergency preparedness
Age-appropriate school education

Describe the audience and the information you hope to cover when completing the request form.

Request a safety presentation

10 How does the Online Education Program work for schools?

Teachers begin by registering their class through the Online Education Program form.

Programs are currently available for:

Kindergarten and Grade 1
Grades 2 and 3
Grades 6 and 7

Students complete the online fire and life-safety program in the classroom. After the program is completed, The Squad may arrange an in-person visit as part of the learning experience.

The registration form asks for the teacher’s name, school, grade level, number of students or required booklets and email address.

11 Where can I find upcoming Richmond Fire-Rescue events?

The Richmond Fire-Rescue Event Calendar lists upcoming public appearances, community activities, fire hall events, presentations and other scheduled programs.

Events identified as public are open to the community according to the details shown in the listing. Private events are displayed for awareness but are not open for general attendance.

The calendar can be viewed as a list or by month and includes options for subscribing through common calendar services.

Open the event calendar

Requesting records Check routine access first

Many City records can be provided without using the formal FOI process.

Applying for work Use the current posting

Eligibility, dates and required documents can change between recruitment competitions.

Immediate assistance Call 9-1-1

Records, career and contact forms are not monitored for emergency response.

Firefighter recruitment Become a Firefighter

Review current recruitment stages, hiring resources and firefighter application information.

View firefighter careers

Current opportunities Join Our Team

Find current Richmond Fire-Rescue and City of Richmond employment opportunities.

View current jobs

Access to records Freedom of Information

Learn when a formal FOI request is needed and how to submit one to the City.

View FOI information

01 How do I request a Richmond Fire-Rescue incident report?

Access to a Richmond Fire-Rescue incident report may require a formal Freedom of Information request, particularly when the record contains personal, confidential or sensitive information.

Before submitting a formal request, contact the City or review its records information to determine whether the record can be provided through a routine request.

When requesting an incident report, include as much detail as possible:

The date and approximate time of the incident
The complete incident location
The type of incident
The incident number, when known
Your connection to the incident or property
The specific records you are requesting

Be specific about the record you need. A request for a defined incident report is easier to process than a broad request for all information about a general subject.

Review access-to-records information

02 Does every request for City records require an FOI application?

No. Many records held by the City of Richmond are already publicly available or can be provided directly by the department responsible for them.

Examples of information that may be routinely available include:

Published bylaws and policies
Council agendas and minutes
Annual reports and budgets
Public maps and property information
Information already published on a City website

Formal FOI processing is generally used when records may contain sensitive, confidential or personal information, or when another access process is not available.

FOI provides access to existing records. It is not a process for asking City staff to conduct research, prepare an opinion or create a new report.

03 How do I submit a formal Freedom of Information request?

A formal FOI request must be made in writing and must contain enough detail for City staff to locate the requested records.

You may use the City’s standard Access to Records Request Form or submit a written request containing the required information.

Requests can currently be submitted:

By email to foi@richmond.ca
By fax to 604-204-8642
By mail or hand delivery to the City Clerk’s Office, 2nd Floor, Richmond City Hall, 6911 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC V6Y 2C1

Fees may apply to some requests. When a fee is required, the applicant will be advised before the request is fully processed.

Open the City’s FOI page

04 Can I request records containing another person’s information?

Access to another person’s personal information is restricted by privacy legislation.

When requesting another person’s information, you may need to provide:

That person’s signed consent for disclosure, or
Proof that you have legal authority to act on their behalf

Providing consent or proof of authority does not necessarily mean that every part of a record can be released. The City must review the record and apply any required privacy exceptions.

05 Can the City provide Richmond RCMP or policing records?

No. The City of Richmond’s FOI process does not provide access to Richmond RCMP policing records.

Requests for police reports, investigative information or other RCMP records must be made directly through the appropriate Richmond RCMP records process.

Richmond RCMP’s non-emergency telephone number is 604-278-1212.

For an active emergency, call 9-1-1. Do not use a records request or non-emergency number when immediate police, fire or medical assistance is required.

06 Where are Richmond Fire-Rescue job opportunities posted?

Current Richmond Fire-Rescue opportunities are listed on the Join Our Team page and through the City of Richmond’s official careers system.

Firefighter recruitment is maintained separately on the Career Firefighter page because it follows a multi-stage recruitment process.

Job availability changes throughout the year. A position should be considered open only when an active posting and application instructions are available.

View current opportunities

07 When does Richmond Fire-Rescue recruit career firefighters?

Recruitment timing can change from year to year. Richmond Fire-Rescue posts current application dates, recruitment stages and candidate updates on its Career Firefighter page.

Applications are only accepted during an active application period and must be submitted through the application system identified in the current posting.

Use the live recruitment page as the source of truth. Previous hiring timelines, guides and social-media posts may no longer reflect the current competition.

Check firefighter recruitment status

08 What qualifications are required to apply as a firefighter?

Required education, licences, certifications and application documents are listed in the current firefighter hiring guide and recruitment posting.

Applicants are responsible for confirming that every requirement is current and has been completed by the applicable deadline.

Applicants from another province or country may apply, but they must:

Be legally entitled to work in Canada
Complete the same recruitment process as other applicants
Confirm that their education, licences and certifications satisfy the current requirements

Training does not automatically establish eligibility. Applicants should not assume that a course or certification is accepted without comparing it with the current hiring guide.

Review current requirements

09 Does Richmond Fire-Rescue have volunteer firefighters?

No. Richmond Fire-Rescue does not operate a volunteer firefighter service. Richmond’s operational firefighters are career employees.

Community members interested in supporting Fire-Rescue events or programming can email fire@richmond.ca to express their interest.

Opportunities are not guaranteed and can vary depending on the program, event, required qualifications and operational needs.

The City of Richmond also offers volunteer opportunities through other departments and community programs.

Explore ways to get involved

10 What is Camp Ignite, and does Richmond offer sponsorship?

Camp Ignite is an independent regional mentorship program that introduces young women to firefighting, fitness, teamwork and careers in the fire service.

The program is intended for young women in Grades 11 and 12, generally between 16 and 18 years old.

Richmond Fire-Rescue may sponsor a limited number of eligible Richmond residents to attend. Current program dates, eligibility rules and application deadlines are maintained by Camp Ignite.

Applicants seeking Richmond sponsorship should follow the current Camp Ignite application process and contact Richmond Fire-Rescue as directed on the Get Involved page.

Camp Ignite is not operated by Richmond Fire-Rescue. It is an independent program supported by participating fire departments and fire-service organizations.

View Camp Ignite information

11 Where should general inquiries and media requests be sent?

General non-emergency questions, service requests, public-education inquiries and community-program questions can be submitted through the Richmond Fire-Rescue contact page.

Richmond Fire-Rescue Administration is available Monday to Friday, from 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays, at 604-278-5131.

Members of the news media should use the dedicated Media Contact Form for interview requests, emergency-response information updates and spokesperson requests.

Contact forms are for non-emergency matters. Call 9-1-1 when police, fire or medical assistance is required immediately.

General contact form Media contact form

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