Merritt Fire Rescue Department

05/20/2026

Great job to all the residents removing cedars and junipers and helping make our community more resilient to wildfire.

If you’re thinking about removing cedars, junipers, or other coniferous plants, the City of Merritt FireSmart Program working with Pine Valley Tree Services to offer a free chipping service with two more dates available this year. If you’re considering replacing those conifer plants with FireSmart landscaping alternatives, you may also be eligible for compensation through the Merritt FireSmart Rebate Program.

For more information on these programs and how you can help prepare your home and property for wildfire season, visit https://www.merritt.ca/firesmart/

05/11/2026

Last night, Merritt Fire Rescue co-hosted the Vital Link Awards alongside paramedics from BC Emergency Health Services to recognize five individuals whose actions made a life-saving difference during a sudden medical emergency involving our own Captain Jeff Johnson.

Those recognized included community members and everyday superheroes:

• Adriane Mouland
• Dean Desilets
• Tom Harrington
• Molly Brigden

Alongside our own off-duty Lieutenant Greg Hodson, they stepped in without hesitation to provide life-saving CPR and critical assistance during an unexpected and rapidly evolving situation.

Because of their actions, Jeff is with us today.

Their willingness to step forward in a critical moment reflects values that are synonymous with both the fire service and paramedicine -compassion, courage, teamwork, and commitment to others when it matters most.

Lieutenant Hodson also received a special departmental commendation in recognition of the leadership, courage, professionalism, and selfless service he demonstrated while off duty during an extraordinarily challenging situation- embodying our department’s IMPRESS core values when they mattered most.

In addition, Lieutenant Hodson was presented with the Canadian Red Cross Rescuer Award for his life-saving actions.

Please join us in recognizing Greg, Adriane, Dean, Tom, and Molly for their actions, compassion, and service to one another and our community.

05/04/2026

International Firefighters' Day

May 4 is International Firefighters’ Day.

A day to remember those who lost their lives in the line of duty—and to recognize the firefighters who continue to show up, do the job, and keep our communities safe.

Thank you for the work you do every day. 🚒

04/13/2026

🚨📞 National Public Safety Telecommunications Week 🚨📞
This week, we proudly recognize the incredible dispatchers at the Kamloops Fire Rescue Dispatch Centre who serve as the vital link for emergencies in the City of Merritt.
They are the calm in the chaos — the steady, reassuring voices on the other end of the line when seconds matter most. Often unseen, they are truly the first of the first responders, guiding both the public and our firefighters through critical situations while helping ensure everyone’s safety.
At Merritt Fire Rescue, we are continually inspired by their professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment. Their dedication behind the scenes ensures every call is met with care, precision, and expertise.
Please join us in thanking these extraordinary individuals who make a difference in our community every single day. Your work does not go unnoticed — we are grateful for all that you do. 🙏👏

04/07/2026

Anticipate the presence of smoke in the Mountain Drive area tomorrow, Wednesday , April 8th. Venting conditions are optimal for executing a prescribed burn. Firefighters will be on-site starting at 9 am, remaining throughout the day and conducting patrols into the evening.

03/31/2026

🚒We’re currently looking to grow our team and serve our community even better

Right now, the Merritt Fire Rescue Department has 6 paid-on-call firefighter positions open and are actively recruiting individuals who are ready to step up, make a difference, and be part of something meaningful.

This is more than just a role it’s an opportunity to support your community, gain valuable training, and work alongside a dedicated team that has each other’s backs.

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a firefighter, now is the time.

👉 Apply today or reach out to learn more.
👉 Tag someone who would be a great fit!

03/20/2026

📢 Prescribed Burning Notice – Merritt Fire Rescue Department

As part of the City of Merritt’s Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan (CWRP), the Merritt Fire Rescue Department (MFRD) will be conducting prescribed burns to reduce surface fuels within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI).

🔥 When: Starting March 24 (tentative)
🌲 Where: Above Mountain Drive on the Bench
⏰ Duration: Through the end of April (or longer, depending on conditions and green-up)

Burning operations will only take place under suitable weather and venting conditions to ensure safety and allow smoke to disperse quickly.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to reduce wildfire risk and protect our community.

03/20/2026

🚨 Notice: Field Data Collection for Next Generation 911 (NG911)

Over the next 30 days, City representatives will be visiting areas throughout the community, including mobile home parks and strata developments.

The sole purpose of these visits is to collect accurate location and addressing data to support the new NG911 system and updated mapping.

Currently, some locations do not have proper address points, which may make it difficult for Police, Fire, and Ambulance services to respond quickly in an emergency. This work will help ensure faster, more accurate emergency response in the future.

This initiative is funded through a grant from the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM).

Thank you for your cooperation as we work to improve public safety in our community.

Learn more about NG911 here:

We are entering a new phase of how we access 9-1-1 services in Canada. The current system to call 9-1-1 has been in place for decades.

03/19/2026

We’re currently looking to grow our team and serve our community even better 🚒

Right now, the Merritt Fire Rescue Department has 6 paid-on-call firefighter positions open and are actively recruiting individuals who are ready to step up, make a difference, and be part of something meaningful.

This is more than just a role it’s an opportunity to support your community, gain valuable training, and work alongside a dedicated team that has each other’s backs.

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a firefighter, now is the time.

👉 Apply today or reach out to learn more.
👉 Tag someone who would be a great fit!

03/10/2026

Merritonians,

With wildfire season around the corner, now is the time to take advantage of the City’s FireSmart programs to help make your home and property more wildfire resilient.

The FireSmart Rebate Program kicks off today, and we’re offering three chipping dates this year for free vegetation removal.

For more information, visit Merritt.ca/FireSmart