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Cranbrook, BC (May 11, 2026) – From January to March 2026, Cranbrook Fire & Emergency Services (CFES) responded to 589 calls for service, essentially unchanged from October to December 2025 with 587 calls. In a report to Council at their regular meeting on Monday night, CFES noted that the overall call volume and seasonal patterns remaining consistent with historical winter trends.

“Most of our major call types dropped during the winter months, which is normal with seasonal trends, but we did see an increase in the number of overdose responses because of a persistent toxic drug risk in Cranbrook and across the region,” says Chief Scott Driver, Cranbrook Fire and Emergency Services.

Geographic Patterns & Risk Awareness

Q1 continued to show a concentration of calls within the downtown core. The persistence of this pattern is being monitored as a potential indicator of evolving risk, rather than a short term fluctuation. This geographic area presents a complex operational environment, with frequent time sensitive medical calls, fire/rescue incidents, and hazard mitigation incidents. Our Fire Service, along with partner agencies, are looking at this emerging issue wholistically and partnering to reduce impacts on the community and our operations. 

Service Demand

Fire and rescue incidents accounted for 27% of responses, while pre hospital care represented 73%. This reflects the ever-changing emergency service demands of the community and is consistent with municipal fire services across the country, providing immediate, front line response across a wide range of incident types and community needs. 

CFES participation in prehospital care is a locally elected service focused on response presence and timely assistance and does not represent ownership of emergency health service delivery, which remains a provincial responsibility. 

CFES attended 428 pre-hospital care incidents. The most common call types included overdose/poisoning (119), breathing problems (40), chest pain (37), sick persons (34), falls or back injuries (32), seizures (28), and strokes (28). These incidents frequently involve acute conditions where early assessment and stabilization can positively influence outcomes.

Fire & Rescue Activity

CFES responded to 161 fire and rescue incidents, including: 

• 4 structure fires 
• 53 outdoor and miscellaneous fires 
• 65 fire alarm activations 
• 39 rescue related incidents 

“Overall, the first quarter of the year showed stable demand right across our service profile,” says Chief Driver. “By staying focused on responsive service delivery and monitoring emerging risks, our department can adjust as needed while operating within Council’s established direction and meeting public expectations.”