In September, local governments across British Columbia were surveyed regarding fire services in their communities. Fifty (50) BC municipalities and regional districts responded, providing valuable insights into how this essential service is funded. The average population of responding local governments was 20,573 with a median population of 5,150.

FIRE SERVICES BUDGETS: A KEY MUNICIPAL PRIORITY
Municipalities reported that their fire services budgets represented between 1.3 percent and 19 percent of their overall municipal budgets, with an average of 9.4 percent and a median of 9.0 percent. In comparison, regional districts, which also provide fire services for some municipalities, reported their fire services budgets accounted for 2.7 percent to 8 percent of their total budgets.

On a per capita basis, the average fire services budget was $467.80 per resident, with a median of $221.71. This per capita investment reflects the level of resources required to maintain readiness and ensure public safety.

Table 1: Average Fire Service Operating Budget by Population Size

Table 2: Median Operating Budget by Population Size

FIRE SERVICES: TRAINING BUDGETS

Local Governments reported that training accounted for an average of 5 percent of their fire services budget, with a median of 3 percent of their fire services budget.

Table 3: Average Fire Services Training Budget by Population Size

Table 4: Median Training Budgets by Population Size

FIRE SERVICES MANAGEMENT: IN-HOUSE OR REGIONAL DISTRICT?
Ninety-one (91) percent of municipalities reported managing their fire services in-house, while 9 percent receive fire services from their regional districts. Municipalities receiving fire services from regional districts typically serve smaller populations, averaging 2,375 residents.

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