Richmond Fire-Rescue responded to more than 40 overdose and poisoning incidents spanning from Steveston to Hamilton in January.
The fire department presented its latest overdose and poisoning incident map in a report to the city council's community safety committee.
In January 2023, there were 22 reported overdose or poisoning incidents, but this year that number doubled.
This past January, the fire department received 618 medical calls, with 44 related to overdose and poisoning incidents.
While these events were largely located in the city centre area, three took place in Steveston, one in Hamilton and others sprinkled around the city.
Of the 44 overdose and poisoning-related calls, 11 were opioid overdoses outdoors, while four were indoors.
The remaining 29 calls were for other overdoses or poisoning incidents.
The latest statistics from the BC Coroners Service show there were three drug-related deaths in Richmond in January.
Last year, there were 26 suspected drug poisoning deaths in Richmond, with four in November alone.
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