Fire Prevention Programs

The Victoria Fire Department offers fire prevention programs to help keep you, your family, your property and your neighbourhood safe from the negative impacts of fire. 

Fire Prevention Week is Sunday, October 3 to Saturday, October 9. This year’s campaign is Learn the Sounds of Safety”.™ The Victoria Fire Department is once again partnering with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to educate the public about learning the different sounds of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms – and the need to take action.

What do the sounds mean? Is there a beep or a chirp coming from your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm? Knowing the difference can save you, your home, and your family.

Below are some tips to help you “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety”:

    • A continuous set of three loud beeps means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out.
    • A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.
    • Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and must be replaced.

All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years. Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms meet the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

During Fire Prevention Week, the Victoria Fire Department will be visiting local elementary schools. To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Victoria, please contact the Victoria Fire Department at 250.920.3350. For more information about Fire Prevention Week, visit: fpw.org.

Change Home Smoke Alarm Batteries in Spring and Fall

Residents should test smoke alarms once a month and change smoke alarm batteries routinely in the spring and fall when clocks are changed. Replacing a smoke alarm that is more than 10 years old is recommended.

Free Smoke Alarm Program

Victoria residents can arrange for a free home smoke alarm home visit by a Fire Prevention Officer, who will determine the best locations for a smoke alarm, install new alarms, or test existing ones. If you reside in a single family home, duplex or townhouse and require a new smoke alarm, you may be eligible to receive one free of charge. The service is available to anyone who resides in the City of Victoria. Learn more

Juvenile Firesetters

When young children experiment with starting fires, intervention is key to preventing the potentially devasting consequences that can result. Our program helps children with a risk of firesetting by engaging with both the child and parent, and also providing education support and referrals to social agencies, if required. Learn more

Hoarding Peer Support Group

If dealing with a hoarding issue has become a concern in someone's home because the excessive clutter creates a safety hazard by hindering escape from the home in an emergency or making a fire more difficult to put out, our program can help by offering a non-judgmental, supportive peer group. Learn more

Residential Underground Oil Tanks

Underground oil tanks can have detrimental impacts to the environment and your property if not properly maintained. Learn what you need to know about maintaining your underground oil tank or removing or decommissioning it. Learn more

Mobile Commercial Cooking Operations

Mobile commercial cooking operations that produce smoke or grease-laden vapour must meeting safety standarards in the City of Victoria. Learn more