Based in the city of Vaughan with a population of more than 335,000, Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS) strives to operate as efficiently and effectively as possible, while maintaining what is most important: the safety of firefighters and those who live in, work in and visit the city.

As a leader in the industry, it is VFRS’s responsibility to enhance its understanding of the needs of its growing city. The service seeks forward-looking analytic techniques to create greater value for citizens and the community through data-driven decision-making.

Thank you for participating in Fire Prevention Week 2023. Check back in October 2024 for details about next year.

Look for these types of extinguishers on the label

• Type A - Ordinary combustibles such as paper, wood and cloth.
  • Never use a Type A extinguisher on flammable liquids. This is likely to spread the fire and make it worse.
• Type B - Flammable liquids, gasoline, cooking oils or fats, oil-based paint and kerosene, etc.
• Type C - Electrical equipment, wall outlets, power cords, small/large appliances, wiring and fuse boxes.

What is a fire burn ban?

Fire burn bans are issued when weather conditions result in grass, trees and other vegetation drying out causing them to easily catch fire. A fire burn ban prohibits any outdoor burning, but does not apply to cooking food on a barbecue.

Some common examples of pollutants include but are not limited to:

• animal and vegetable oils, including food scraps
• bleach and detergents
• concrete, grout and other construction materials
• fuels such as gasoline and diesel
• motor oil, lubricants and other vehicle or engine fluids
• paints, solvents and adhesives
• pool chemicals

The spill may appear as a substance that is abnormal in colour or has a visible sheen or film.

Wastewater generated by the city flows through over 45 kilometres of sewers before it reaches York Region's Duffin Creek Treatment Plant located just east of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station.

To request this service, a discharge approval from the City and York Region is required before dewatering begins.

A dewatering discharge approval is required for:

The By-law was updated in 2016 due to Vaughan’s growing population and growing industry. Please see below for the updated By-law and additional related resources.

• View the Sewer Use By-law 025-2024  (PDF)
• View the Sewer Use By-law FAQS

What is inflow and infiltration?

Inflow happens when stormwater enters the sewage system through sump pumps or downspouts still connected to the sewage system instead of the storm sewer.

Infiltration happens when water or groundwater from beneath the earth’s surface enters the sewage system through damage or defects such as holes and cracks in manholes and sewer pipes.