Fire Protection
What We Do
CRD Protective Services provides fire protection on the Southern Gulf Islands, with the exception of Mayne and Piers islands, where it is provided by a local Improvement District.
Summer Fire Restrictions
The Gulf Islands are at risk from wildfires during the summer months - report any fire or smoke immediately by calling 9-1-1.
No Open Burning from July 1 - September 30.
Outdoor fires including campfires require a valid permit and are subject to BC Forestry closures at any time.
Please check with local fire departments for other closures and restrictions before lighting any fire or using equipment in and around forest areas.
Permits
Permits are available at your fire hall, and often from the general store or other local businesses. See your fire department's website (listed below) for listing of permit vendors.
Fire Departments
Fire Departments on the Southern Gulf Islands are primarily run by committed volunteers who work to ensure the safety of our island communities.
The Southern Gulf Island Fire Departments have three main administrative relationships with the CRD - they may be operated as a CRD service, be under contract with the CRD, or given financial contributions. All are operated by committees or societies.
North Galiano Volunteer Fire Department
New Consolidated Bylaw 3654 for North Galiano Volunteer Fire Department new
Late last year the CRD Board determined that a new standardized bylaw is required for all CRD Volunteer Fire Services. Since that time, Director Ken Hancock has been working in consultation with the North Galiano Fire Protection Committee to address any concerns about the updated bylaw. The agreed upon changes, endorsed by the committee are as follows:
- The committee will be referred to in the bylaw as the “North Galiano Fire Protection and Emergency Response Commission”. is in keeping with changes to the Local Government Act and is a change in name only.
- The committee requested a change in the number of members needed to be present to achieve “quorum” from the current 6 members to 4. The new bylaw provides for a committee of 7, the Director and 6 locally –elected members, so the new number required for quorum is 4 members present. The committee has had challenges with meeting the current requirement.
- Previously, the CRD has not allowed firefighters to serve on the committee. Under the new bylaw, one firefighter may serve on the Commission and participate as a voting member. The committee asked that firefighters have a direct role in decision-making. The Fire Chief and Officers are excluded from serving as they report directly to the committee.
- Under the existing bylaw, committee members must serve on (and be elected to) the board of the Fire Society. Under the new bylaw, members are free to run for election to one or both boards. In actuality, the composition of the Society Board and the commission may remain the same. However volunteers will be able to limit their participation to one or the other if they wish. It is hoped that this will increase the opportunities to get involved in governance and it may decrease the workload for the current members who are serving on both the Society Board and the committee.
- At the request of the committee, the Treasurer will now be elected at the AGM as well as the Chair and Vice-Chair positions. This change was requested by the committee, simply to pay respect to the important role of the Treasurer and will be unique to North Galiano.
- Under the existing bylaw, terms of committee members are indefinite. Under the new bylaw, terms are for two years and there is no limit on the number of terms a person can serve. This change allows for some turnover and regular predictable recruiting of new members.
New Commission Bylaws
- Bylaw 3654 (PDF
) - Bylaw 3173 (PDF )
Contact Information
Chief Tom Darby
S50, C5, RR2
Tel: 250.539.5453
Operated by a CRD committee.
South Galiano Volunteer Fire Department
Chief Sean Luttmer
261 Georgeson Bay Road
Tel: 250.539.2131
The CRD contracts with the fire department society to provide the service under a five-year service agreement.
Mayne Island Fire Department
Chief Jeff Francis
520 Felix Jack Road
Tel: 250.539.5156
Fax: 250.539.5146
Operated by the Mayne Island Improvement District.
Pender Island Fire Department
Chief Charlie Boyte
Tel: 250.629.3321
Fax: 250.629.6194
email
Hall # 1
4423 Bedwell Harbour Road
Tel: 250.629.3321
Fax: 250.629.6194
Hall #2
47284 Schooner Way
Tel:
250.629.3325
Hall #3
8961 Gowland Point Road
South Pender
Tel: 250.629.3400
The CRD contracts with the Pender Islands Fire Protection Society to provide service through a five-year agreement.
Piers Island Volunteer Fire Department
PO Box 2223
Sidney, BC
V8L 3S8
Tel: 250.655.0680
Fax: 250.655.0680
Saturna Island Volunteer Fire Department
Chief John Wiznuk
185 East Point Road
Tel: 250.539.5605
Fax: 250.539.2799
The CRD levies a tax to support this service and gives the funds to the Saturna Island Volunteer Fire Protection Society as a contribution. The CRD also provides some financial management.
© Image courtesy of Chris Campbell