Wildfire Preparedness on the Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) recognizes that residents are concerned right now about wildfire, particularly as fires continue to threaten communities elsewhere in British Columbia.  

The SCRD has firefighters and resources deployed in some of these communities and will continue to provide support as needed.  

Campfires 

At this time, there is no campfire ban in effect in the areas served by SCRD fire departments, including Gibsons, parts of West Howe Sound, Elphinstone, Roberts Creek, Halfmoon Bay and Egmont. 

Any decision to implement a campfire ban follows guidance and information from the BC Wildfire Service. Several factors are considered when determining whether restrictions are necessary, including current wildfire risk, weather conditions and forecasts, and conditions leading up to the current period. 

While a campfire ban is not in place at this time, wildfire conditions can change quickly, and residents are reminded that everyone has a role to play in preventing wildfires. For reference a campfire is defined as any fire no larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide. 

Residents choosing to have a campfire are reminded to: 

• Never leave a campfire unattended. 

• Do not have a campfire during windy conditions. 

• Maintain a fuel-free area around the fire. 

• Ensure you have water accessible from a hose or bucket to extinguish the fire. 

• Keep the fire small and within the legal campfire size. 

• Ensure the fire is completely extinguished and cold to the touch before leaving. 

• Check current fire restrictions before lighting a fire, as conditions and restrictions can change. 

A campfire that is permitted today may not be permitted tomorrow. Residents are encouraged to check the latest restrictions and wildfire conditions before lighting a fire. You can find this at www.scrd.ca/fire-departments.  

Prepared to respond 

Fire departments across the SCRD are prepared to respond if a wildfire threatens Sunshine Coast communities. 

Local fire departments have highly trained firefighters and equipment ready to respond to emergencies, with crews working around the clock to protect people, property and the environment. Fire departments across the region regularly participate in joint training and wildfire exercises to strengthen their ability to work together during a large-scale emergency.  

Recent investments in structure-protection equipment have further enhanced the region’s wildfire response capabilities. 

The SCRD also works closely with the BC Wildfire Service, local governments and other emergency response partners. If a significant wildfire or other emergency occurs, the Sunshine Coast Emergency Program (SCEP) can activate an Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate the regional response, support evacuation measures and provide timely information to the public. 

While the SCRD and its emergency response partners are prepared to respond, personal preparedness is equally important. Residents can take simple steps now to ensure they and their families are ready if an emergency or evacuation occurs. 

Be prepared before an emergency happens. 

Every household is encouraged to have an emergency plan and supplies ready before they are needed. 

Residents should: 

• Have a household emergency plan and discuss it with everyone in the household. 

• Prepare an emergency kit with enough supplies to be self-sufficient for at least seven days. 

• Keep a grab-and-go bag ready in case an evacuation order is issued. 

• Make arrangements for pets and livestock. 

• Keep important documents, medications and essential items readily accessible. 

• Identify wildfire risks around your home and take steps to reduce combustible vegetation and materials. More information at www.scrd.ca/firesmart.  

More information about emergency preparedness is available at www.scrd.ca/emergency-preparedness/ 

Stay informed with Voyent Alert

Residents are asked to register for the SCRD’s Voyent Alert emergency notification system. More information can be found at www.scrd.ca/alert-system. 

Voyent Alert provides residents with timely emergency information, including evacuation alerts and orders. Notifications can be received through the Voyent Alert app, text message, email or phone. 

During a rapidly developing emergency, having reliable and timely information can make a critical difference. Residents are encouraged to register now, before an emergency occurs, and ensure their contact information remains up to date. 

Preparedness starts before an emergency.  

Knowing where to get information, having a plan and being ready to leave if necessary, can help protect residents, families, neighbours and the broader community. 

The SCRD will continue to monitor wildfire conditions closely and work with its emergency response partners to ensure the Sunshine Coast is ready to respond to wildfire or other emergencies. 

Residents are encouraged to stay informed (register for Voyent Alert, www.scrd.ca/alert-system), monitor the SCRD website at www.scrd.ca and the SCRD’s Facebook Page, stay prepared (www.scrd.ca/emergency-preparedness/) and continue to do their part to prevent wildfires (www.scrd.ca/firesmart). 

Further information on the Provincial State of Emergency and wildfire situations can be found here.