☀️🔥 Warm Weather Means Increased Wildfire Risk – Burn Responsibly, Metchosin 🔥☀️
Environment Canada and BC Wildfire Service are forecasting a significant warming trend across Vancouver Island and the South Coast beginning this weekend, with temperatures expected to rise Saturday and peak Sunday through Monday.
With increased outdoor activities, summer travel, longer daylight hours, and drier conditions, the risk of human-caused wildfires also increases.
While Category 1 campfires are currently permitted within the Coastal Fire Centre, residents are reminded that conditions can change quickly and restrictions may be updated with little notice.
If you are having a campfire:
✅ Never leave it unattended
✅ Do not burn during windy conditions
✅ Keep water and tools nearby
✅ Follow all local bylaws and regulations
✅ Completely extinguish your fire before leaving – it should be cool to the touch
Please remember that Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remain prohibited, along with certain equipment and activities throughout the Coastal Fire Centre.
Residents should also be aware that local governments, parks, and First Nations may have additional restrictions in place. Always check current regulations before lighting any fire.
📊 Wildfire activity is already ahead of recent years:
• 66 wildfires recorded since April 1, 2026
• 160 hectares burned
• 3 active wildfires currently burning
• 6 new wildfires reported in the past week
Most wildfires are preventable. A moment of care and attention can prevent a wildfire that threatens homes, forests, and our community.
As conditions continue to warm and dry, please stay informed and monitor updates from BC Wildfire Service and local authorities for any changes to burning regulations.
Together, we can help keep Metchosin safe this summer.
🚒🌲 #MetchosinFire #BurnResponsibly #WildfireSafety #FireSmart #CampfireSafety #BCWildfire #Metchosin
The Metchosin Fire Department
The District of Metchosin encompasses 17,396 acres of varying terrain and over 2,000 acres of foreshore. This rural community is home to 6,000 residents, four schools, a Federal prison, three military bases, several fuel marinas, and a First Nations Reserve.
The Metchosin Fire Department consists of 1 fire station and 38 volunteer firefighters. Our Firehall is situated in the Village core and is the hub of many community events. Two full-time firefighting personnel are staffed by the District and respond to emergencies during normal business hours Monday to Friday.
The Fire Department responds to approximately 700 calls per year, which include various public assists, fires, motor vehicle accidents and medical emergencies. Apparatus include 3 engines, 1 tanker, 1 rescue, 1 duty vehicles for transporting personnel and additional equipment and an all terrain vehicle for remote rescues.
All fire calls are dispatched through the Saanich Fire Dispatch Centre. All volunteers are required to carry pagers, supplied to them by the Fire Department, for notification purposes. When an emergency arises, volunteers are to respond directly to the fire station for response.
All volunteers share in the responsibility for the maintenance of apparatus and equipment. Volunteers are responsible to assist with cleaning of apparatus and equipment after an emergency incident and training sessions.
Under the direction of the Fire Chief and Training Officers, all firefighters are required to participate in the training program which incorporates and emphasizes safety and education. Additionally all active members of the Fire Department, are also required to assist and participate in various community activities and public education events throughout the year.
