Fire Department

1.   Lillooet's Fire History
2.   Mission Statement
3.   Vision Statement
4.   Guiding Principles
5.   Department Values
6.   Services provided
7.   9-1-1

More information on the Lillooet Fire Department is available on their website at www.lillooetfiredept.ca

The Lillooet Volunteer Fire Brigade was established in the early 1900s; its early equipment consisted of a hose reel on wheels which was pushed or pulled by hand. Established as a small volunteer group, it has now proudly grown to a Paid-on-Call department.

What is a Paid-on-Call department?  Under the paid-on-call system, when the fire department is summoned, the men and women of our community leave their regular jobs and assume their roles as firefighters to assist the person(s) who require emergency assistance.  There are no career or full-time members in the department.

Lillooet’s Fire History

Lillooet has had its share of devastating fires, including a blaze in 1948 that destroyed much of the downtown core; a lightning strike on the Esso bulk plant that threatened the south end of Main Street in 1960; and a disastrous forest fire in 1971 that flattened a neighbourhood in T’it’q’et and wiped out homes and businesses in Conwayville. In 2004, forest fires in the Town Creek and Dickey Creek watersheds merged, forcing the community onto evacuation alert status. That same summer, a raging forest fire on the slopes above Seton Lake also menaced the town. Quick action by the Lillooet Fire Department and Ministry of Forests fire crews and aircraft in the summer of 2007 prevented a forest fire on Honeyman Hill from spreading southwards towards the town centre.  

Mission Statement

The mission of the Lillooet Fire Department is to protect the lives and property of our citizens and visitors we serve, by providing prompt and professional services in the event of fire, medical emergencies and disasters or any other event which may threaten the public welfare.

Vision Statement

To be recognized by our community and employees as:

• a model of excellence in providing services through education, prevention and mitigation;
• a department that is synonymous with the term ‘leadership’;
• a department that fosters an environment of involvement, trust and cohesion;
• a department responsive to the needs and concerns of the community

Guiding Principles

We believe we exist to help people,

• with respect for all people;
• that people are our most important asset;
• that continuous improvement is accomplished one step at a time;
• and to do what is best for the people we protect.

Department Values

• Service to the Community
• Dedication
• Teamwork
• Positive Work Environment

Services provided

The Lillooet Fire Department provides a number of services to the community and our visitors.  These services consist of:

• Fire Suppression - Structural, Vehicle, Wildland, Aircraft
• Rescue and Safety  -  Hazardous material spills, industrial, commercial and farm accidents, carbon monoxide alarms, fire safety equipment alarms, downed power lines
• Medical Assistance – BCAS/First Responder (NEW)  - Assisting the BC Ambulance service with medical calls i.e. heart attacks, collapses and other trauma incidents
• Fire Investigation  -  Determine fire origin and cause
• Fire Prevention  -  Code and bylaw enforcement, public building inspections
• Public Education  -  Fire safety lectures for schools, business, clubs and associations, fire extinguisher training and fire hall tours.
• Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention  -  Intervention and support for juveniles and their guardians

9-1-1 Emergency Service

9-1-1 Emergency Service is now available in the District of Lillooet. 

There are four reasons to call 9-1-1:

1. To get help for someone who is hurt or very sick.
2. If you smell smoke or see a fire.
3. If you see someone stealing something or hurting someone.
4. If you need emergency help fast for any reason.

As a citizen, it is essential that you have your house number posted on your property in a clear and visible location.  This will ensure that emergency services can find your house quickly in the event of an emergency.

Community Wildfire Protection Plan

The District is currently working on mitigating the problem of the Pine Beetle-killed trees on public and Crown land.  We need private property owners to do their part and remove these hazards from their property. This will in turn reduce the fire risk in our area.

Lillooet Fire Department Application Form