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.
9-1-What... ?!
— E-Comm 9-1-1 (@EComm911_info) December 30, 2024
Today, we’re sharing our annual list of the top 10 most unusual calls we've received in 2024 to help raise awareness about keeping 9-1-1 lines clear for real emergencies.
Discover our top 5 calls below & see the full list here: https://t.co/iXMDyRGI4c pic.twitter.com/2TqKZdmh66
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.
