Fire / Fire Prevention
Q: Do I need a permit to have a fireworks display? |
A: Yes, you do. Firework permit applications are available at the Fire Department. There is no charge for a permit. Fireworks are only permitted on Dec. 31 until 2am Jan. 1st, July 1st, and October 31st. A special occasion permit is required to discharge fireworks on any other date except those listed above. |
Q: Can I volunteer at the Fire Department? |
A: The Kitimat Fire and Ambulance Service is a career department. There are no volunteer firefighters at the department. |
Q: Can a High School student volunteer at the Fire Department? |
A: Technically no; however, there is a great work experience program at the Fire Department for students in Grades 10 to 12. Students assist in answering phones and making call-ins at the Fire Department during evenings, weekends, and holidays. It’s a great opportunity to enter the work force and gain work experience. Keep an eye out for job postings at the school or the District of Kitimat website: https://www.kitimat.ca/en/municipal-hall/current-job-postings.aspx |
Q: Why, when I call for an ambulance, are the paramedics who respond Kitimat firefighters? |
A: The District of Kitimat is contracted by BCEHS to operate their ambulances within the District of Kitimat and beyond. We are a dual service department, meaning our firefighters are trained to be firefighters as well as paramedics. Because of this, we provide the citizens and visitors of Kitimat the best fire, rescue and medical services in the province |
Q: Do I need a burning permit to burn any land clearing debris like branches? |
A: Yes, you do. Burning Permits are available Monday to Friday, from 8am to 4pm via the Prevention Office. Call the non-emergency line, 250-632-8940, to ask for a permit. |
Q: Is there a burn ban? |
A: You can call the Kitimat Fire Department to find out if there is a burn ban in effect, or you can also check the District of Kitimat website: www.kitimat.ca and social media feeds. For the most up to date information, check out BC Wildfires website: bcwildfire.ca to see if there are any current burn bans in effect. (Kitimat is in the Northwest Fire Centre) |
Q: What size of firepit can I have? |
A: Fires must be contained within a non-combustible receptacle constructed of cement, brick or metal and no more than 1 metre in diameter. In Cablecar, Strawberry Meadows, and Kitamaat Village Road properties fire pits shall be no more than 1.5 metres in diameter. Check out our Backyard Fire Pit Pamphlet for more information. |
Q: Why did a fire truck arrive when I only requested an ambulance? |
A: To ensure the highest level of care to the community, we often respond with both an ambulance and a fire truck within the community to better support our paramedics and provide a higher standard of care to the community. |
Q: Should I call the Fire Department non-emergency line to arrange a ride to the hospital for an appointment? |
A: No, please call 9-1-1, ask for ambulance, and arrange a transfer from your residence to the hospital. The Kitimat Fire and Ambulance Service cannot self dispatch. |
Q: What do the firefighters do when they aren’t actively on a call? |
A: The firefighters are constantly training for fire, paramedic, and specialty rescue. They also do commercial inspections for businesses, schools, apartments, and day cares. There are various community outreach programs for fire prevention and charity events that the firefighters participate in too. |
Q: Where can I drop off expired or empty fire extinguishers? |
A: Fire extinguishers that need to be recharged can be dropped off at CDN Controls. Expired fire extinguishers can go to the landfill. |
Q: How often should I change the batteries in my smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors? |
A: Twice a year! Change the batteries in your smoke or carbon monoxide detectors when the time changes each year. |
Q: How do I check my smoke alarm? |
A: Press and hold the test button on your smoke alarm for a few seconds. If it is working correctly, the alarm will sound and automatically stop when you release the button. Remember to test your smoke detector monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. If your smoke detector is over 10 years old, it needs to be replaced with a new unit. If you hear your smoke detector making a chirping sound, replace the battery as soon as possible. |
Q: When is a carbon monoxide detector required? |
A: Whenever solid fuel burning appliances are used in the home such as a propane fireplace, woodstove, kerosene heater, water boilers, fuel fired dryers, etc., a carbon monoxide detector should be installed. |
Q: When I am driving and see an emergency vehicle with lights and sirens on, what should I do? |
A: When you notice an approaching emergency vehicle, IMMEDIATELY pull to the right and stop. If you are approaching an intersection and see an emergency vehicle that is approaching the intersection from behind you or another direction, come to a stop preferably one or two car lengths back from the intersection |
Q: Can the Fire Department check my car seat for me? |
A: The Kitimat Fire and Ambulance Service does not offer car seat checks. The Kitimat CDC does car seat checks at both of their locations, call 250-632-3144 for more information. https://kitimatcdc.ca/ |
Q: I need a fire and life safety inspection, who do I contact? |
A: To schedule an inspection, please call 250-632-8940. There is no charge for this. |
Emergency Management
Q: Does Kitimat have an emergency management plan? |
A: Yes, Kitimat has an Emergency Response and Recovery Plan that supports the response to and recovery from numerous hazards, risks, and vulnerabilities. The District of Kitimat Emergency Plan establishes the framework that ensures the district is prepared to deal with any of these hazards. It is the methodology through which the district will mobilize its resources in the event of an emergency, thereby restoring the municipality to a state of normalcy. It is designed to ensure that all agencies which may become involved in an emergency are aware of their respective roles and responsibilities during that emergency and participate in the Emergency Management Program. |
Q: What type of emergency event/events could occur in the District of Kitimat? |
A: A Hazard, Risk and Vulnerability Analysis was completed and 16 hazards, risks and vulnerabilities were identified that if one or more was to occur, would have an impact on the community. |
Q: How does the District coordinate a large scale emergency? |
A: In the event of a medium to large scale event happen, the District would activate its Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Staff would be brought into the EOC to coordinate key functions such as the EOC Director, a Liaison Officer, a Public Information Officer, Operations, Planning, Logistics and Finance. The response is guided by the BC Emergency Response Management System (BCERMS). Lines of communication are maintained with the Incident Commander and resources are allocated as required and/or requested. When the District of Kitimat EOC is activated, the Provincial Regional Emergency Operations Center is also activated to provide additional support and resources as required. |
Q: When would an evacuation be issued and by whom? |
A: An evacuation is issued when it is determined that an event has potential to do harm to people or property and could be ordered by the local government under the authority of the Emergency Program Act. |
Q: How much advance notice of an evacuation order would I receive and do I have to leave my property? |
A: An evacuation order may or may not be preceded by an evacuation alert, depending on the event and how much time is available to clear the affected area. It is preferable to first issue an alert so people can prepare, but this is not always possible. Once an evacuation has been ordered, it is strongly encouraged that you leave your property and leave the area immediately. |
Q: What evacuation zone am I in? |
A: Kitimat is divided into a few different residential zones. Check out our Evacuation Quick Tips Map! Quick reference: “berry” street = Strawberry Meadows “water” street = Kildala (eg., Babine, Kuldo, Omenica) “bird” street = Nechako (eg., Osprey, Hawk, Eagle) “person” street = Whitesail (eg., Banyay, Angle, Deville) “fish” street = Cable Car (eg., Coho, Rainbow, Sturgeon) |
Q: What kind of assistance is available for people who have been evacuated? |
A: There are two (2) organizations that provide for the immediate needs of evacuees: Emergency Support Services (ESS) ESS is a provincial emergency response system that provides services to preserve the well being of people affected by an emergency or disaster. ESS volunteers play an important role during emergencies within the District and Region by:
The Canadian Red Cross, Disaster Services Branch, also plays a very important role in the by helping people affected by emergencies and disasters. The Red Cross works with governments and other humanitarian organizations (such as Emergency Support Services) to provide for people’s basic needs – food, clothing, shelter, first aid, emotional support and family reunification. During the recovery phase of disasters, Red Cross remains on the scene, helping those affected to rebuild their lives and communities. More information on the Canadian Red Cross and the disaster services they provide can be found at www.redcross.ca or by contacting their Prince George office at (250) 564-6566. The website also contains some excellent information on how families and individuals can ensure that they are personally prepared in the event of a disaster impacting their community.
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