21 September 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vancouver Liberals Will Increase Support for Vancouver’s Firefighters
Kareem Allam, Vancouver Liberals pledge to increase long-term funding for firefighters and create a Firefighter Safety and Deployment Board
VANCOUVER, BC - Kareem Allam and the Vancouver Liberals have announced today that they will provide more assistance to firefighters than any previous City Council. Firefighters are first responders who cover more than just fires - they also respond to, alongside ambulances, medical emergencies, overdoses, mental health crises, car accidents, and more. In 2025, only 26% of firefighter callouts were for fire alarms or to fight fires.
An independent Darkhorse Emergency report reviewed Vancouver’s need for increased support for firefighters and first responders, and identified a need for increased funding so the firefighting service can keep up with the city’s growth. Vancouver’s firefighter’s union, IAFF Local 18, has been advocating for the recommendations to be implemented and the Vancouver Liberals will carry them out.
“We will deliver on the report in full: every position, every recommendation, backed by multi-year funding because a fire service can’t be built on one budget at a time. Crews need certainty and chiefs need a real time horizon to recruit, train, and plan stations,” said Allam. “We will tie staffing to growth. We will tie staffing to growth through a transparent formula reviewed every year, not fought over every budget.”
The Vancouver Liberals will also create a Firefighter Safety and Deployment Board that will publicly report on firefighter staffing, coverage, and crew training with the objective of improving firefighter safety. These reports will create transparency and give Vancouverites confidence that both the city’s needs, and firefighters’ needs, are being met.
“Safe crews keep citizens safe. Firefighters who are exhausted, short staffed, or under-trained can’t protect your family the way you want them to. Their safety is your safety. Before my first budget, the board will be standing. Before my first term ends, this work will be done,” pledged Allam.
Kareem Allam is available to speak with members of the media.
Media Contact:
Vancouver Liberals Communications
778-877-8406