GVFD Summertime “Bare Necessities”

Fire Chief Will Sprogis

Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department

The heat and summer winds have returned. Islanders and summer visitors understandably get more nervous about wildfires. Climate change models for our region are pointing to longer and hotter dry seasons, extending the critical fire risk period.

As of writing this, Gabriola is now at “Extreme – Shutdown” for Wildfire Hazard Rating. We all want to help reduce the risk to our homes and the sensitive island forest ecology that we all love. The two biggest things you can do to help:

1) Keep aware of the Wildfire Hazard Rating for Gabriola as posted on road signs at the post office and both firehalls, as well as alerts on social media, the Sounder and on our website gabriolafire.ca.

It’s very important that you read, know, and follow the list of restrictions posted on the website for each Fire Hazard Rating. And, 

2) FireSmart your home and property.

On Gabriola, we recognize being FireSmartTM is an ongoing process. Living close to nature, we ask that you do the best you can to reduce wildfire risk around your home and property. B.C. FireSmartTM has online resources to help, and you can contact us to arrange a FireSmart Home Assessment.

And, now with the wildfire danger rating at High or Extreme, here are some “Bare Necessities” we can all do each year:

a) Regularly check and keep your roof and gutters clear of any accumulating dried leaves, twigs, fir needles, moss, etc. and over-hanging tree limbs.

b) Clear off and keep away anything that can easily burn from the surrounding 1.5 metres of your home’s foundation and deck. Woodpiles, leaves, sticks, highly flammable shrubs, furniture, etc.

c) Keep regularly clearing off the surrounding yard and garden of any accumulating dry/dead debris and trim your lawn (this is before we go to High/Extreme Wildfire Risk Ratings).

d) Prune off lower limbs of coniferous trees to a height of approximately 2 metres within your yard area (1.5 – 10 metres surrounding your home and outbuildings).

e) Take great care with all flame and gas appliances during the summer season: BBQs, fire bowls, etc. Tell your guests, too. Have water and fire extinguishers charged and handy when using any controlled flame (if still permitted by the Wildfire Hazard Rating).

f) Make emergency plans. Use the online “FireSmart Last-Minute Wildfire Checklist” as a guide. Consider an emergency sprinkler system to set out around your home’s exterior if there is a fire.

g) Finally, if you notice: any burning or smoke during High/Extreme Fire Ratings (i.e. NO Firesallowed); other fire-risky activities not permitted; or see or know of any wildland free-camping activity, call 9-1-1. Do not doubt your instincts! Call 9-1-1. Dispatch will alert us, and we will respond.

Your local Fire Department or RCMP would much prefer checking things out, reducing the risk, and making sure we are all safe than sorry.

Thank you for all your help and have a fun and safe summer!