British Columbia’s emergency call service has released its annual list of the most unusual and inappropriate 911 calls, including complaints about overripe fruit and an overly fragrant neighbour.
E-Comm says it handles about 2 million calls a year but not all of them qualify as emergencies.
The 2024 list is topped by complaints about a neighbour wearing too much cologne, a stain left on a shirt by dry cleaners, and an unopened McDonald’s restaurant.
Other inappropriate 911 calls included one to alert authorities of a purchase of 38 rotten avocados in a box, as well as another to report a “domestic-looking rabbit in a park” and one requesting help removing a wasp nest.
E-Comm says 911 lines should be reserved to report in-progress crimes or emergencies requiring immediate attention from police, fire or ambulance services.
The service says other unusual calls this year included requests for “technical support” and directions to a Shoppers Drug Mart.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 30, 2024.
