Vancouver Police are concerned over a report of a man pretending to be with the Vancouver Fire Department asking for access to someone’s home.

On July 27th, a man knocked on the door of a home near East 35th Avenue and Main Street claiming to be with the Vancouver Fire Department and conducting safety inspections and looking for fire hazards. He told the homeowner that he needed access to the entrances and exits of the home, including all entrances to the bedrooms. He was not given access, but returned later in the day, and was allowed inside by a relative who escorted the man through the house.

After the man left, the owner became suspicious and contacted City Hall the next day. He was told that the fire department does not conduct inspections of private homes unless requested to in advance by the homeowner. Police were called and have confirmed the man looking around their home was not working for the fire department, but likely looking for an opportunity to steal something or casing the home for a later time.

The suspect is described as white, 6′ tall, medium build, 170 to 180 lbs., with short, curly dirty-blonde hair. He was carrying a clipboard and wearing a navy blue t-shirt with the words “Fire Department” on a logo on the left chest.

Emergency services personnel who come to your home will always be able to properly identify themselves and provide a reasonable and justifiable explanation for why they are there.

“If a firefighter shows up at your door asking to enter your home, ask for proper identification,” says Constable Brian Montague. “If you still have concerns, call 3-1-1 to confirm who they are.”