The two primary functions (Emergency Response and Fire Prevention Activities) of the Mission Fire/Rescue Service are carried out by five career personnel and eighty paid call volunteers working out of three fire stations strategically located with the boundaries of the District. The three halls are completely manned by paid call members with a District Chief in charge, with Fire Station No. 1 on 7th Avenue being the headquarters, providing administrative and logistical support for all stations.
Career Staffing
The Mission Fire/Rescue Service has 10 career staff as follows:
Fire Chief, Ian Fitzpatrick
Assistant Fire Chief, Larry Watkinson
Assistant Fire Chief (Vacant)
Captain, Fire Prevention Officer, Mike Schmidt
Lieutenant Fire Inspector, Michelle Bishop
Administrative Clerk, Debbie Glenn
Administrative Clerk, Gina Ruggles
The Mission Fire/Rescue Service has 4 career fire fighters
Operations
The Mission Fire/Rescue Service responds to approximately 1000 calls per year, dispatched from the Fraser Valley Regional Fire Dispatch Centre. These calls include:
Fire False Alarm
R.C.M.P. Assist Ambulance Assist
Hazardous materials Motor vehicle accidents
Public service
In addition, the Service conducts inspections and investigations, as well as responding to complaints and questions from the public.
Training
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All personnel train to the N.F.P.A. 1001 Professional Fire Fighter Standard through the B.C. Fire Fighter Certification Program as sponsored by the Justice Institute.
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All personnel receive 120 hours of recruit training prior to being assigned to a company, and also serve a one year probationary period.
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All personnel are trained to the Medical First Responder Level III with A.E.D. endorsement.
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Regular training consists of three 2 hour sessions per month.
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All personnel attend Spring and Fall four hour practical training sessions at Maple Ridge each year.
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Carry out Duty Crew equipment checks each Sunday.
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Provide weekend Standby Crews during peak holiday periods.
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Separate Rescue Crew consisting of 16 personnel who train once per month.
Public Fire Education Activities
The Mission Fire/Rescue Service utilizing a combination of career and volunteer staff carry out a variety of educational programs. These programs include, but are not limited to:
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Fire Safety Education (Kindergarten to Seniors)
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School programs
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Fire Station tours
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Fire extinguisher training
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Lectures/training for businesses
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Fire Prevention Week activities & apparatus displays
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Fire Safety Displays
Duties of Local Assistants
Fire Investigations
The Fire Commissioner of British Columbia upon recommendation of Council, under the Fire Services Act appoints a Local Assistant to the Fire Commissioner to carry out fire prevention and fire investigation duties on his behalf.
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Local Assistants under the Act are charged with determining the cause and circumstances of all dollar loss fires that occur in the area of jurisdiction.
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Carry out inspections on all occupancies except private dwellings to ensure those occupancies are in compliance with the Fire Services Act and the regulations.
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Plan checking of all new and renovated inspectable occupancies.
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Alarm system and sprinkler system inspections are carried out.
Bylaws
In addition to the Act and Fire Regulations, Council has approved five bylaws to assist the Fire/Rescue Service in its Fire Prevention activities. Full copies of the bylaws are available on this web site.
Vehicles
The Service operates 13 vehicles. Pictures of these emergency vehicles are available on this web site.
Fire Chief Dodge Ram
Deputy Chief Dodge Durango
Fire Prevention Officer Dodge Dakota
Fire Inspector Compact Van
Fire Station No. 1 3 engines
1 100' Aerial ladder
1 Tanker
1 Rescue Truck
Fire Station No. 2 1 Engine
1 Tanker
Fire Station No. 3 1 Engine
1 Tanker
Future Developments
Mission Fire/Rescue Service is currently planning the construction of Fire Station No. 4 located north of Cherry Avenue in the Cedar Valley area.
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