Deputy Chief Jamie Ovens (left) and Captain Elisha Bandel from the GVFD were deployed with “Little Donkey” to the Wesley Ridge/Cameron Lake wildfire on August 1. Derek Kilbourn photo
Deputy Chief Jamie Ovens
Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department
The Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department (GVFD) recently joined forces with the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) and neighbouring Vancouver Island departments to help battle the Wesley Ridge / Cameron Lake wildfire. Deputy Chief Ovens and Captain Bandel were deployed for eight days camping out at the Dashwood Fire Department Hall #2.
GVFD deployed one of its water tenders—affectionately called “The Little Donkey”—to provide critical water supply and structure defense support. The Little Donkey’s short wheelbase and maneuverability made it ideal for steep driveways, off-road access, and tight turns in rural and remote areas. Gabriola’s role included putting out spot fires, Fire Smarting homes if required and refilling water bladders for BCWS crews. Throughout the deployment, safety was a top priority with very high safety standards that were maintained at all times so crews could work effectively.
Fast, Well-Prepared Response
On August 1, at 10:45 a.m., GVFD received the deployment call from BCWS after the fire kicked up overnight. Thanks to preparation efforts that began in May, Ovens and Bandel were able to mobilize right away and catch the next ferry, making the Little Donkey one of the first apparatuses on scene. After a two-hour familiarization and safety tour of the Dashwood area, Gabriola’s crew began operations—launching straight into a demanding 17-hour first shift that stretched into the early morning, followed by 12-hour days for the rest of the deployment.
Conditions in the First 48 Hours
When Gabriola firefighters arrived, the fire was approaching the residential area of Dashwood. Ash was falling, smoke darkened the sky, and visibility was poor. Shifting winds, smouldering embers caused repeated spot fires. Structural defense teams often had to pivot quickly—one moment securing a home’s perimeter, the next responding to a new ignition hundreds of feet away.
Structural defense techniques included “Fire Smarting” homes by removing flammable materials, (such as door mats, plastic items, propane tanks and wooden outdoor furniture); checking the operation of BCWS sprinkler systems; and, where sprinklers couldn’t be installed in time, wetting down vegetation and perimeters around homes that were directly in the path of the fire.
Fire Behaviour Lessons
This deployment underscored some unique coastal wildfire challenges some being, Arbutus trees—common in our region—produce high heat and have thick, waxy leaves that remain intact in flight, carrying embers well beyond the fire front. Large chunks of burning cedar were seen traveling hundreds of feet, igniting new spot fires almost instantly. These spotting conditions are a major factor in the rapid spread of the nearby Mount Underwood fire which broke out earlier this week.
Teamwork in the Field
Gabriola worked as part of a Structural Defense Task Force alongside Sproat Lake, Metchosin, Salt Spring Island, and North Cowichan departments. Most departments working on this fire had prior wildfire experience, which meant crews could integrate quickly, understand the BCWS incident command function, and get to work immediately. The structural defense work carried out by the task force prevented homes from being lost to the flames. Making saving homes the most rewarding part of the deployment.
Training, Skills, and Future Readiness
This was an exceptional training opportunity, giving Gabriola firefighters extended exposure to real wildfire conditions that can’t be replicated in practice. The experience improved endurance, reinforced wildfire suppression training, and deepened familiarity with large-scale, multi-agency operations. The deployment also strengthened Gabriola’s ties with regional partners—relationships that are critical if Gabriola ever needs outside support.
Island Priorities and BCWS Partnership
In conversations with BCWS representatives, GVFD learned that the gulf islands are a high priority in wildfire planning due to evacuation complexities and the risks proposed by offshore winds. BCWS compensates departments like the GVFD for the use of its apparatus and personnel, ensuring deployments like this do not place a financial burden on local taxpayers.
Long Hours and Shared Camaraderie
The work was demanding—long days, heavy smoke, and intense heat—but there was room for camaraderie, too. One light-hearted moment came when 20 pizzas were ordered for the crew, but only 18 made it through—two were “repurposed” at checkpoints.
Supporting Our Regional Neighbours
Supporting our regional neighbours is more than goodwill—it’s strategic. These are the very departments Gabriola would call upon if a large-scale wildfire threatened the island. Deploying Little Donkey to the Wesley Creek fire allowed Gabriola to contribute to a major incident while retaining enough firefighting capacity at home to respond to local emergencies.
The Gabriola Fire Department is proud to have been part of this regional effort, working alongside skilled crews from across Vancouver Island to protect lives, homes, and forests. The knowledge gained, skills refined, and relationships built will all serve our community well in the years ahead.
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