The Montreal Fire Department (SIM) has reported a stable trend in fires for the year 2025, with a slight increase in fires occurring outside buildings, particularly near homeless encampments across the city. According to SIM director Richard Liebmann, efforts are being made to prevent these fires through collaboration with the Montreal Police (SPVM) and community organizations.
During the presentation of the 2025 activity report, Liebmann highlighted that while most of these fires are minor, they pose a significant challenge. The total volume of SIM interventions increased by 8% from the previous year, reaching 140,406 in 2025, with 60% of these interventions being as first responders. Liebmann attributed this increase to the aging population and the rise in chronic diseases.
Although most fires were accidental, the SIM’s prevention initiatives have led to improved compliance with smoke detectors, although 17% of homes in the area still lack them. The department also faced climate-related emergencies, activating its civil security plan 14 times in 2025.
In response to health concerns among firefighters, the SIM expanded its team by adding 11 firefighters and 5 personnel to the technical services division. Liebmann emphasized the focus on cancer prevention, as firefighting has been classified as a known human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
The Montreal Firefighters Association raised concerns about the safety of its members, particularly regarding the decontamination process in extreme conditions. Liebmann reassured them of the department’s commitment to health and safety, outlining plans for future phases to address these challenges.
Collaboratively, the Montreal Fire Department, Montreal Firefighters Association, and Health and Safety Division released a guide for physicians to raise awareness about the health risks faced by firefighters and enhance the detection of prevalent health issues in the profession.
