What is the primary purpose of the Vancouver Fire Department?

The primary purpose of the Vancouver Fire Department is to protect life, property, and the environment from fire and other emergencies. This encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including fire prevention, firefighting, rescue operations, and responding to various emergencies, such as natural disasters, hazardous materials incidents, and medical emergencies.

By focusing on protection, the department aims to minimize loss and safeguard community resources effectively. This mission reflects the department's commitment to not only responding to fires but also proactively working to prevent them and ensure the safety of all citizens.

The other options may represent some responsibilities or services associated with emergency management, but they do not encapsulate the comprehensive mission of the Vancouver Fire Department as effectively as the selected answer. Building codes and safety regulation, emergency medical services, and traffic law enforcement during emergencies have their specific roles but are secondary to the overarching goal of emergency protection and prevention.