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Fire Department
City of surrey Overviews
2 0 1 4 A c c o m p l i s h m e n t s
• To maintain operations based fleet capacity,
vehicles with tenure at or beyond useful life
were replaced with several vehicles providing
economic, social and environmental benefits:
One Air and Light Support truck with improved
technological advancements to increase
operational capabilities;
Three tender trucks outfitted with increased
storage capacity and water purification
systems to aid in disasters where clean water
is not accessible; and
Three Pumper trucks with on-board emission
reducing systems such as Anti-Idling Auxiliary
Power units to allow for trucks to function on
scene without the main engines idling.
• Continued to minimize absenteeism related
costs through an Attendance Management
Program that resulted in achieving a 62%
perfect attendance.
• Renewed dispatch client contracts for all
existing clients for another 5 year term thereby
securing revenues for the foreseeable future.
• Electrical Fire Safety Initiative Team mandate
expanded to include an inspection role with
the High Risk Location (HRL) initiative involving
RCMP and Bylaws.
• Implemented video streaming capabilities for
distance education/training in station, reducing
travel required by fire apparatus to deliver
training initiative.
• Completed a comprehensive workforce
planning study for future exempt positions.
This achievement paves the way for the 2015
launch of the Administrative Development
Program which is expected to foster staff
development for future exempt positions.
• Implemented real time performance metric
monitoring with the use of business
intelligence software.
• Delivered 47 Surrey Neighbourhood
Emergency Preparedness presentations to 971
attendees.
• 12 emergency preparedness booths were
conducted at various fairs, resulting in
exposure to 7,375 additional individuals; 23
Level 1 emergency support service responses
were coordinated; provided services for 84
displaced residents.
• Partnered with BCIT and the Fire Chief’s
Association to design an online course for
building owners on their responsibilities to
adhere to the BC Fire Code.
• Secured relationship with Surrey Crime
Prevention to identify vacant/abandoned
buildings and other problematic properties in
the City.
The Fire Service helps to make our City a safe place to live. In addition to the Department’s Administration
Division, the other three divisions include:
OPERATIONS DIVISION
Operations is the largest division and is responsible for emergency
medical services, fire suppression, hazardous materials response and
rescue activities. In addition to activities handled by the Suppression
Branch, the Operations Division is also responsible for the Prevention
and Training Branches.
Prevention:
Prevention minimizes the risk of life and property loss,
which is accomplished through Bylaws, the Fire Service Act and
Fire Code Enforcement, public education and fire investigation. Fire
Prevention Officers perform fire investigations, life safety inspections
in commercial, assembly, and educational occupancies, re-inspections,
as well as review plans for new buildings, renovations and construction
sites for fire safety, occupancy approval, and business licenses. They
also help to educate the public about fire safety.
Training:
The Training Branch develops and delivers training programs to
enhance the skills, increase the competencies and expand the scope of
training for Surrey’s 500 career and volunteer staff.
MECHANICAL DIVISION
The Mechanical Division maintains, repairs and inspects the
department’s fleet of specialty fire service vehicles and equipment.
SURREY EMERGENCY PROGRAM
Surrey’s Emergency Program includes: Neighbourhood Emergency
Preparedness Program (NEPP); Surrey Emergency Program Amateur
Radio (SEPAR); Surrey Search and Rescue (SSAR); Emergency Social
Services (ESS); and Level One: Personal Disaster Assistance. Through
these programs, City staff and the large network of volunteers provide
valuable community emergency services.
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