Duncan Fire Department
The Duncan Fire Department (DFD) celebrated its 100 year anniversary in 2002. A book has been written about this dedicated fire department and its history throughout the years.
The DFD is dedicated to protecting the community and its visitors through public education, fire prevention, fire suppression, emergency rescue, disaster preparedness, and other services, and are the first responders in the event of many emergency and non-emergency incidents. The DFD also provides mutual aid to other fire departments in the Cowichan Valley. Fire Chief Art Anderson commands a department of 25 Firefighters, 8 line Officers and 3 Command Officers answering approximately 230 calls annually.
For further information, please contact the non-emergency phone number at 250-746-5211 or email chief@duncan.ca.
Mission Statement
The Duncan Fire Department will serve our community in a professional and caring manner, focusing on the safety and preservation of life and property of our citizens.
OBJECTIVES:
- To save and protect lives and property during fires and rescue that may occur in the areas covered by the Duncan Fire Department or during Mutual Aid responses;
- To provide training for its members in order to become competent Firefighters; and
- To educate the public in safe fire practice and fire prevention.
Fire Prevention
Statistics show that, on average, fire kills eight people each week in Canada, with residential fires accounting for 73% of these fatalities.
Check out our Home Safety Tips and Office Safety Tips for information on fire prevention.
The FireSmart website assists residents on how to better protect their home: www.firesmartbc.ca
Take Action. Sign up for the FireSmart BC newsletter to receive regular updates, the latest videos, and more. Whether you are a homeowner, an active member of your community, or participate in local government, there are things you can do today to prepare for the eventuality of wildfire in your area.
Open Burning and Fireworks
All outside burning, including campfires, is prohibited within the jurisdiction of the City of Duncan. Propane BBQs and fire pits are okay.
The sale, disposal, or discharge of fireworks is also prohibited. However, public displays of fireworks may be permitted by filling out a Fire Works Application Form and submitting to the City.
Volunteer Recruitment
The Duncan Fire Department is always accepting applications. Please fill out the Duncan Fire Department Application Form, include all required supplemental documentation and drop off at Duncan Fire Hall, 468 Duncan Street, in the maildrop.
Alternately, an application form can be picked up from the Duncan Fire Hall, 468 Duncan Street, on either Wednesday evenings between 7:00-9:00 pm or Sunday mornings from 9:00-11:00 am. No qualifications are required, however, any previous experience is an asset. All training is provided through the Vancouver Island Emergency Response Academy (VIERA) and in-house.
History
The Duncan Fire Department (DFD), originally known as the Alderlea Fire Company, was formed in 1902 in response to the downtown Quamichan Hotel fire. Equipment at that time consisted of buckets, fire extinguishers, axes, and 3 ladders.
Today the equipment consists of 2 pumper trucks, 100′ platform, 3,500 gallon tender, rescue truck, command vehicle, and a utility truck.
The Duncan Firefighters Historical Society was formed in 2002, after the Duncan Fire Department’s 100th anniversary. It was formed to promote, preserve and share the DFD history. The book, ‘A Century of Service: History of the DVFD’, written by T.W. Patterson, captures the DFD history for the first 100 years. More information can be found at Duncan Firefighters Historical Society website.
To purchase a copy of ‘A Century of Service: History of the DVFD’ contact Duncan City Hall at 250-746-6126, or phone the DVFD at 250-746-5211, or email chief@duncan.ca.
