Fire and Rescue

In an emergency call 911.

Kitimat Fire and Ambulance Service has a diverse compliment of 26 firefighters, 3 chief officers and 2 administrative assistants .
The department responds to about 2600 calls per year.
Core services include fire, rescue, and paramedic duties along with fire prevention and education.

Active fire restrictions

As of noon on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, here are the current fire-related restrictions within the District of Kitimat:

 

  • Open Fires, Categories 2 and 3
  • Fireworks
  • Sky lanterns
  • Burns barrels or burn cages of any size or description
  • Binary exploding targets
  • Tiki and similar kinds of torches

Last updated September 12, 2023

Campfire / backyard fires are again permitted as of the September 12, 2023 update

* Note that any campfire bans still allow for the use of CSA-or-ULC-rated cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes, or portable campfires that use briquettes, liquid or gaseous fuels.

Learn about the types of fires on the BC Wildfire website.

Additional reading: A Guide to Outdoor Campfires and Outdoor Stoves

 

Fire

We respond to a variety of calls including residential, commercial and industrial fires.

National Fire Protection Association

Office of the Fire Commissioner

Technical Rescue and Specialty Response

Members respond to a number of technical rescue and specialty response calls within the District of Kitimat as well as outside the boundaries, including:

  • Motor vehicle extrication
  • High angle rescue
  • Confined space rescue
  • Hazardous material response

Wildfires

Report wildfires:

1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on your cell phone

BC Wildfire Status

Fire Prevention

BC Fire Code Enforcement
The Fire Prevention Division of the Kitimat Fire and Ambulance Service is responsible for enforcing all aspects of the BC Fire Code.
Backyard Fire Pit

Before you light up your backyard fire pit, read over the pamphlet to ensure you know the regulations.

 Backyard Fire Pit Pamphlet 

Fire Inspections - Commercial and Industrial

  Inspections – Commercial, Industrial and High Occupancy

Kitimat Fire and Ambulance Service inspects over 300 commercial, industrial and high occupancy properties.

Commercial Fire Inspections

Commercial fire inspections are critical to ensuring the safety of occupants in commercial properties. Fires can cause significant damage to property, result in injuries or fatalities, and cause financial losses. In addition, fires can disrupt business operations and lead to business closures, impacting the economy and community.
Fire inspections help identify potential fire hazards, such as faulty wiring, improper storage of flammable materials, and inadequate fire protection systems. These hazards can be addressed before a fire occurs, preventing potential damage and injuries. Fire inspections can also identify non-compliance with fire safety regulations and ensure that corrective measures are taken.

Process of Conducting a Commercial Fire Inspection

Commercial fire inspections are typically conducted by trained fire inspectors who assess the property for potential fire hazards and compliance with fire safety regulations. The inspection process may include the following steps:
1. Inspection of the building's exterior: This involves assessing the building's construction materials, fire exits, and fire suppression systems.
2. Inspection of the building's interior: This includes assessing the fire alarms, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, and other fire protection systems.
3. Identification of potential fire hazards: The inspector looks for potential fire hazards such as overloaded electrical circuits, improperly stored flammable materials, and other potential ignition sources.
4. Review of records: The inspector reviews records of fire drills, maintenance of fire protection systems, and other relevant records.
5. Recommendations and follow-up: The inspector makes recommendations for addressing any identified hazards and follows up to ensure that corrective measures are taken.

TIPS FOR LIFE SAFETY

- make sure exits are not blocked
- make sure there is clearance around any electrical boxes/breaker panels
- make sure fire extinguishers are tested/serviced annually
- make sure fire alarms/smoke detectors are working. Test them monthly!
- make sure emergency lighting and exit signs are in proper working order
- make sure the space is clean/tidy
- make sure the fire department has up to date emergency contacts for your building/business
  • For a pdf version of this information click here
  • Looking for a fire inspection checklist?  It's as simple as this
Fire Investigations

Fire Investigations

     The District of Kitimat has three (3) Level III Fire Investigators. Typically, a chief officer takes on this role with support from the Office of the Fire Commissioner and the RCMP.  Fire investigation is a complex and challenging field that involves determining the origin, cause, and spread of fires. Fire investigators must be knowledgeable about fire science, chemistry, physics, and engineering, as well as possess strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
     The primary goal of fire investigation is to identify the cause of the fire, which can be accidental, natural, or intentional. Investigators use a variety of techniques to gather evidence, such as examining the scene of the fire, interviewing witnesses and first responders, and analyzing physical evidence.
One of the most important aspects of fire investigation is determining the fire's point of origin. This requires a thorough examination of the scene, including the location and pattern of burn marks, the presence of accelerants or ignition sources, and any other factors that could indicate where the fire started. Investigators must also consider the layout of the building, the materials involved, and the weather conditions at the time of the fire.
     Another key aspect of fire investigation is determining the cause of the fire. This can be a complex and time-consuming process, as investigators must rule out all possible causes before arriving at a conclusion. Possible causes of fires include electrical faults, smoking materials, cooking 
equipment, arson, and natural phenomena such as lightning strikes.
     Once investigators have identified the cause of the fire, they can use this information to make recommendations for improving fire safety and preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future. This may involve recommendations for building design, fire suppression systems, or changes 
to fire safety regulations.
     Fire investigation is a vital field that plays a critical role in protecting lives and property. By identifying the cause of fires and making recommendations for fire safety improvements, fire investigators can help prevent future tragedies and ensure that communities remain safe and secure.
pdf version here
Fire Safety Information

Our fire prevention services include:

  • Commercial inspections
  • Fire code enforcement
  • Fire safety week
  • Smoke detector initiatives
  • Home inspections
  • Cooperative training efforts with local industry
  • Fire investigations

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Home Escape Plan

Fire Exit Drills in the Home

Home Smoke Alarms

Natural Gas Safety

Portable Fire Extinguishers

FireSmart BC Landscaping Guide

FireSmart Home Manual - Reduce Potential Impacts of Wildfire on your home

Open Burning

The following items are not permitted to be burned in open fires within Kitimat city limits:

  • Rubbish
  • Garden refuse
  • Plastics
  • Any materials that will result in the production of dense, black smoke including:
  • Insulation from electrical wiring or equipment
  • Asphalt roofing materials
  • Hydrocarbons, plastics, rubber materials or creosoted wood
  • Any material which will generate a foul odor
  • Any material classified as a dangerous good 

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