2024 Great Canadian Fire Census
The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) recently released the results of its 4th Great Canadian Fire Census for 2024 in its report on The State of Fire and Emergency Services in Canada.
According to the report, 614 fire departments serving more than 22 million Canadians participated in the expanded 2024 survey designed to include broader questions on fire and housing, insurance coverage, wildfire training and equipment, mutual aid agreements, issues related to civilian response capacity, equity, diversity and inclusion, and; perceived effectiveness of fire prevention activities.
There are two primary recommendations from the census in the report – the creation and installation of a National Fire Administration, and; modernization of the Joint emergency Preparedness Program (JEPP).
The report lays a foundation for better understanding that can guide advocacy; direction-setting for both departments and the various manufacturers and suppliers that will have to provide the tools and equipment to support those directions, and; with any luck, incentive for even more departments to participate in the next census.
It’s evident the census and report should be relied upon as examples of fire service leadership toward a unified national response to Canadian fire service issues.
We will have more articles on the report and its recommendations in upcoming issues. You can download and read the full report here: 2024 Great Canadian Fire Census Report: Results- Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs
