Cranbrook Fire and Emergency Service is reporting a 41 per cent rise in calls for service.
Fire chief Scott Driver said calls have been steadily increasing year after year.
In the first quarter of 2022, there were 427 calls for service. That went up to 514 in 2023 and now 604 in the first quarter of 2024.
“As we navigate through the challenges posed by a growing community, the department remains steadfast in its commitment to service,” he said.
However, there was a decrease in outdoor fires associated with homelessness compared to previous years.
Driver said this can be attributed to the work of bylaw services and Cranbrook’s social development coordinator.
“Despite the typical reduction in fire calls during winter months, we continue to witness an overall increase in call volumes, driven by the growth of our community and the social issues that accompany it,” Driver noted.
The department responded to seven structure fires between January and March, but the bulk of the calls were for pre-hospital care.
That includes 72 calls for overdose-related incidents in the first quarter.
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