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• Reduced the number of non-compliant
properties through inspection education
strategy for commercial and multi-
residential properties; the compliancy
inspection rate has been maintained from
91% in 2015 to 90% in 2016.
• With the help of a sustained focus on
Homesafe fire prevention initiatives, there
has been a marked reduction in both the
residential fire rate per 1,000 dwellings
(49% reduction), and the fire related death
and injuries in residential properties (88%
reduction) over the last decade.
• Completed a comprehensive audit review
of Technical Specifications for a major
apparatus to better align with updated
corporate procurement guidelines.
• Jointly with the City, received the 2016
Award for Collaborative Excellence by
the Canadian Collaborating Centre for
Injury Prevention in recognition of the BC
Working Smoke Alarm Campaign; and the
2016 Professional Development Award
by the Canadian Association of Municipal
Administrators for the publication: The
Right Decision: Evidence Based Decision
Making for Government Professionals.
• Continued to refine the Attendance
Management Program that resulted in
achieving a 62% perfect attendance.
• Engaged in an evaluation of predictive
analysis software to maintain the
effectiveness of the program in optimally
deploying resources to City’s service
demands.
• Inspected 7,525 business properties
and provided 7,063 safety educational
inspection pamphlets to the business
proprietors. This ongoing initiative bolsters
the City’s efforts to improve the resiliency
of businesses in the event of a disaster or
major incident. The Business Emergency
Preparedness Program included delivery
of 6,966 targeted disaster recovery
educational pamphlets.
The Fire Department helps to make the City a safe place to live and has responsibility for the
following divisions/sections:
OPERATIONS DIVISION
Operations is the largest division and is responsible for emergency
medical services, fire suppression, and hazardous materials response
and rescue activities. In addition to the 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.
SURREY EMERGENCY PROGRAM
Surrey’s Emergency Program includes Neighbourhood
Emergency Preparedness Program (NEPP); Business Emergency
Preparedness Program (BEPP); Surrey Emergency Program Amateur
Radio (SEPAR); Surrey Search and Rescue (SSAR); and Emergency
Social Services (ESS), Level One: Personal Disaster Assistance.
Through these programs, City staff and the large network of
volunteers provide valuable community emergency services.
CITY OF SURREY
OVERVIEWS
FIRE DEPARTMENT
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