The Ottawa Fire Service is reporting a 5% increase in the number of incidents to which crews responded in 2016.
In its annual report to city council, the fire service says the number of fire or fire-related calls remained generally unchanged.
But there was a 19% increase in responses to medical incidents, and a 9% jump in hazardous materials calls.
While the fire service continues to educate people about fire safety, it has launched a special program to help newcomers to Canada understand the risks that fire poses, and how to watch for problems.
It also notes that, with an aging population, public education of vulnerable seniors is moving to the forefront of its fire prevention efforts.