Fire Department
Fire Department
For emergency assistance, call 911.
We are proud of and grateful for the skilled and courageous team at the Houston Volunteer Fire Department, a dedicated group of professional firefighters who enhance the quality of life in our community by helping in preventing, minimizing, and recovering from injuries and loss of life or property resulting from emergencies or disasters.
In addition to fire suppression services, the Houston Volunteer Fire Department provides a range of other services including Fire Prevention, Fire Investigation, Public Education, Vehicle Extrication, Hazardous Material Response, Medical Assists, and Confined Space Rescue.
The team of volunteer fire fighters consists of 30 members, including six officers. Join the team today!
Fire Protection Area
The Fire Department provides service within the District of Houston and designated surrounding areas as defined by the Fire Protection Area boundaries.
Fire protection boundaries help clarify where services are provided and how emergency response in the region is coordinated.
Open Burning
Open burning within the District of Houston is regulated to protect public safety and reduce wildfire risk. All man-made fires within the District of Houston boundaries are subject to the rules and regulations set out under the District of Houston’s Open Burning & Air Quality Bylaw.
Recreational Fires
Recreational fires are allowed in outdoor fireplaces, barbecues, or fire pits not larger than 90 cm (35.5 inches) in diameter that are designed and constructed to confine the fire and are suitable for such a purpose. Recreational fires are not permitted during burning bans or prohibitions and must comply with the District’s Open Burning Bylaw as well as provincial restrictions in effect at the time.
Open Burning
Open burning may only be conducted with a permit issued by the Fire Department on lots which are larger than one hectare in area. Residents can apply for a permit from the District of Houston’s Fire Chief.
The person responsible for any open burning is liable to any and all damages caused by open burning, except for any materials which are burned in accordance with the permit. Open burning must also only occur under the continuous supervision of a responsible person in order to prevent the fire from getting out of control. In addition, open burning may only continue for a maximum of 72 hours, after which the fire shall be extinguished in accordance with the bylaw.
Apply for a Burning Permit
Please note that the Fire Chief may suspend, cancel, or restrict the conditions of a permit due to hazardous conditions or adverse weather conditions. Open burning is also prohibited while an air quality advisory is in effect, and any actively burning fires must be extinguished as soon as reasonably possible after and air quality advisory is issued.
Fire Prevention & Life Safety
Fire prevention is a key component of community safety and emergency response. The District of Houston participates in the FireSmart BC Program to help residents reduce wildfire hazards around their homes and neighbourhoods.
Through FireSmart, residents may access education, home assessments, and rebate opportunities that support wildfire mitigation and community safety.
Most fire deaths happen in homes as a result of people breathing smoke and toxic fumes while they are asleep. Smoke alarms are an effective early warning device that can awaken sleeping occupants and help provide time to safely exit the building. Studies show that your chances of dying in a home fire may be reduced by 50 percent if a working smoke alarm is present in your home.
Smoke alarms are mandatory in all dwelling units under the British Columbia Fire Code. All homes, sleeping rooms within boarding and lodging houses, hotels and recreational cabins are required to be protected by smoke alarms.
While carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are not mandatory in BC, it is recommended that alarms be installed if a home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage. For more information visit the Office of the Fire Commissioner’s carbon monoxide awareness page.
Recruitment
Join the team. Serve your community.
The District of Houston Volunteer Fire Department recruits volunteer firefighters to support emergency response within the fire protection area. Volunteer firefighters play a vital role in protecting the community and responding to fires, medical emergencies, rescues, and other incidents.
Volunteer firefighters receive comprehensive training, personal protective equipment, and ongoing development opportunities. No prior firefighting experience is required as training is provided; however, applicants must be willing to commit meaningful time, maintain physical fitness, and work as part of a team in challenging environments. In return, members gain valuable skills, teamwork experience, and the opportunity to make a direct contribution to community safety.
Have any questions? Contact firechief@houston.ca
Take a Tour!
Ever wondered what it’s like to work at a fire hall? Let us show you! Tours and Demonstrations are for all age groups and any group or organization. For children under the age of 10, we request that there be one adult supervisor or chaperone for every four children. The Houston Volunteer Fire Department also provides fire safety lectures and fire extinguisher demonstrations upon request to local schools, groups or service organizations and industry.
To schedule a tour or demonstration, please call the Houston Volunteer Fire Department at 250-845-2250 between the hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Tours are given at the Fire Station and are tailored for the appropriate age group touring the station.
Please keep in mind that the Fire Department has regular job duties and training sessions, so the tours and demonstrations must be planned well in advance to schedule around the Fire Department activities.
History
The Houston Fire Department has a long history of serving the community and adapting to evolving safety needs, emergency response standards, and community growth.
1957
The Village of Houston was incorporated in March of 1957, and one of the first orders of business was to provide fire protection for the residents. Bylaw #5 was passed on September 21, 1957 to form a fire department to serve the village.
In December of 1957, the Fire Department purchased its first piece of rolling stock, a 1942 Chevrolet Utility Wagon fitted with a water tank, which was known throughout the community as Engine #1. Since that time, the fleet has grown to include three pumpers, a tanker, a rescue unit and a command pick up. Some of these vehicles were built or refurbished by the firefighters themselves.
1965
The first fire hall was located in an old school building. Later, the old community hall, built in 1939, was converted for use as a fire station. In 1965 the Village of Houston approved $13,000 for the building of a new fire hall. This building is in use today and has gone through a number of renovations and additions over the years. It serves the firefighters quite well for storing equipment, training and socializing.
Today
The District of Houston has had hundreds of people serve the community through the Volunteer Fire Department. From those first seven people who got things started, the department now maintains a roster of 30 volunteer firefighters, including six officers and a full time Fire Chief. In recent years, the Fire Department has also taken on Junior Firefighters in a program offered through Houston Secondary School.
These members have given their time to provide protective services for the residents of Houston and to support charities like Flowers of Hope and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Fire prevention education is ongoing with school visits and tours of the Fire Hall.
As always, the members of the Fire Department continue to look for ways to improve their services to the citizens of Houston. Partnering with neighbouring fire departments on training activities and using government grants to supplement the budget are just some of the ways to accomplish this.
For more information on fire-related local issues, click on the links below: