There was an increase in incidents attended by the fire department from January to May of this year, according to the Burnaby Fire Department's 2013 first quarter report presented to council May 6.
According to the report, there were 3,265 incidents from January through March of this year, compared to only 3,065 during the same time last year. These incidents included building fires, bush fires and medical emergencies.
"Call volume is up slightly from last year, but it kind of fluctuates during the year and we've been pretty steady around 13,000 calls for the last two to three years," said Shaun Redmond, fire chief for the department.
But the increase in incidents doesn't change anything for the department, it's still business as usual, he said.
According to the report, there was also an increase in false alarms, from 36 in the 2012 first quarter to 100 during the first quarter of this year. The report also indicated a slight decrease in accidental alarms, down to fewer than 300 from 353 in the previous year.
The fire prevention division performed more than 1,400 inspections during the quarter, which is about the same as last year, according to the report. There was however, a decrease in orders issued from the division, down from 335 in 2012 to only 118 this year.
The report also stated there were 53 exposures to smoke while the department dealt with the three-alarm blaze that destroyed the four-storey apartment building on Smith Avenue in February. The blaze also resulted in one department injury.
As the department prepares for the busier summer season, Redmond is reminding the public to take precautions when out and about.
"For instance, if you're out rollerblading, to make sure you use all the protective equipment you've got," he said. [email protected]
