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Fire Prevention Week 2023

We are participating in Fire Prevention Week October 8-14, 2023. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is “Cooking safety starts with you. Pay attention to fire prevention.” which works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safer when cooking.   

“Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires and deaths. The good news is you can prevent most cooking fires and burns and help keep your family safer with some simple but effective tips” said Fire Chief Tim Doyle.

We are hosting an Open House in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week, on October 26, 2023 from 2:30-4:30 pm at Fire Station 1 at 666 Fitzwilliam Street.

The annual Fire Prevention Week Poster Contest is open to all students from kindergarten to grade 12.  2023 Contest Package  2023 Contest Entry Form 

key cooking safety tips:

  • Always keep a close eye on what you’re cooking. For foods with longer cook times, such as those that are simmering or baking, set a timer to help monitor them carefully.
  • Clear the cooking area of combustible items and keep anything that can burn, such as dish towels, oven mitts, food packaging, and paper towels.
  • Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
  • Create a “kid and pet free zone” of at least three feet (one meter) around the cooking area and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
  • Stay in the kitchen, use a timer, and avoid distractions that remove your focus from what’s on the stove.

If you have a fire…

  • Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
  • Call 9-1-1

For more information about fire prevention, visit:

Office of the Fire Commissioner: www.gov.bc.ca/FireSafety

NFPA: www.nfpa.org/Events/Events/Fire-Prevention-Week

Sparky’s Fire Safety Club: www.sparky.org

 

 

Open Fire Prohibitions Lifted

The Province has lifted the Open Fire Prohibitions in the Coastal Fire Centre effective September 27, 2023 at noon. As such, Nanaimo Fire Rescue will align itself with the Province and lift the Open Fire Prohibitions that were placed on June 7, 2023, effective at noon September 27, 2023.

See the BC Wildfire Service information bulletin.

 

We've implemented a new phone system for the non-emergency Fire Department line (250-753-7311). It is very important to listen to the entire message to know which number to press to receive the help you need.

  • General Inquiries and Fire Administration - press 1
  • Fire Dispatch - press 2 - this is for non-emergency calls such as burning complaints, fire alarm testing, public assistance calls and smoke alarm issues
  • Fire Loss Prevention - press 3 - this is for inquiries on burning regulations, inspections, business licences and building finals
  • VIERA (Vancouver Island Emergency Response Academy) - press 4 - fire training questions
  • Media requests - press 5 - for calls from media personnel

Last updated: October 4, 2023

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