Fire trucks at Firehall 1

Learn more about the fire department and meet the people who are ready to help when there is an emergency.

A hall tour is a valuable learning tool

Not only does it give us a chance to talk about fire safety, but it gives the public, especially young children, the opportunity to understand our job and equipment. We are pleased to offer fire hall tours for Surrey schools and community youth organizations.

Educational goals

  • Increase public awareness of fire and personal safety-related issues such as the proper testing and timely replacement of smoke alarms.
  • Generate awareness about the seriousness of fire play and fire-setting behaviour.
  • Replace misconceptions about fire with practical facts.
  • Emphasize the need to be responsible for actions.
  • Create awareness about firefighting and the equipment used.

Eligibility

Carefully read these guidelines to ensure your group is eligible for a tour. When you are ready, click on Book Now to schedule a tour.

  • Groups must be from a school or youth organization based in Surrey.
  • Attendees must be 5 years of age or older and accompanied by supervisors operating with prior permission from the legal guardians of the children.
  • Group size should be under 20 people.
  • Tours are limited to halls in certain areas and are only available at select times due to operational needs.
  • Bookings are only available 60 days in advance.

Duration

Hall tours are 30 minutes in length and at any time may be cancelled if the fire crews are called to an emergency incident.

Cancellation

To cancel or change an existing booking click on the 'Reschedule' link in the confirmation email you received.

    What to expect on the tour

    Arrival

    When you arrive at the hall, proceed to the front door and ring the doorbell. It may take a minute for the crew to get there, so please be patient.

    If it appears that no one is there, please call our dispatch center at 604-543-6700 and ask if the engine is in quarters. If the crew is out at a call, the dispatchers should be able to give you an estimated time back to the hall. It may be necessary to reschedule the hall tour if the crew is engaged in a major incident for an extended period.

    Introduction

    The crew will welcome you into the hall and introduce themselves.

    At this time, please advise the crew if there are any special needs or considerations with regards to your group. We do not wish to unintentionally cause physical or psychological distress to any of the participants.

    Hall tour safety behaviour
    • No running or fooling around
    • Do not touch any equipment unless invited to do so
    • Listen to instructions carefully

    We cannot allow groups to remain in the hall if an emergency call comes in. If this occurs:

    • You will be directed to cease all activities.
    • The firefighters will escort your group from the hall.
    • Everyone must be assembled outside and accounted for before the crew can respond to their emergency.

    It would be helpful if you could prepare your group for this possibility.

    Fire safety lesson

    An age-appropriate fire safety message will be delivered by the fire crew.

    Apparatus tour

    The group may receive a tour of the truck bay, which generally includes a hose tower, shop and gear room. Some halls have specific functions, such as Technical Rescue, Hazardous Materials Response, Hose Repair or Breathing Apparatus Maintenance which they may introduce at this time.

    The firefighters will have a set of firefighter structural gear out for the group. This entails the boots, pants, coat, gloves, helmet and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) that we wear to fight fires.

    One of our firefighters will demonstrate donning their protective gear including their SCBA.

    Activity

    When the apparatus tour is complete and time permitting, the crew will set up a “Fire Fighting” station. Using a fake flame prop and fire hose connected to the building water supply, the tour participants will be able to try and “put out” a fire.

    Wrap-up

    Firefighters will conclude the tour and ensure all visitors are safely clear of the fire hall.

    Book your tour

    Read the eligibility section above and only book the tour if you are eligible.

    Find out how Surrey Fire Services is committed to protecting your privacy when booking a Fire Hall tour

    Any personal information you provide to us is collected, used, and disclosed in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The information is collected from you when you book a Fire Hall tour.

    The City of Surrey does not use or disclose personal information for purposes other than those for which it is collected, except with the consent of the individual whom the information is about or otherwise in accordance with law. The City of Surrey retains personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes of the specified program and as required under the Act.

    Personal Information is collected for the purposes of administering Fire Hall tour programs. The City of Surrey is collecting this information under s.26 (c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

    For routine information requests regarding Surrey Fire Service, visit Fire Department Information Request or contact 604-543-6731 or firerecords@surrey.ca.

    If you require additional information that the Surrey Fire Service does not routinely provide, you can make a request through the City's Freedom of Information request process.

    And remember...smoke alarms save lives!

    We want every home in Surrey to have working smoke alarms. Learn more about our HomeSafe Program that provides free smoke alarms to Surrey residents.

    Additional resources

    Contact

    For further questions related to fire hall tours or if you have any general inquiries, email fireservice@surrey.ca.