Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department

06/05/2026

🚒 Jay Dearman Youth Firefighter Camp is Back! 🚒

The Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department is proud to partner with the Gabriola Recreation Society to offer an exciting summer opportunity for island youth ages 12–18.

This hands-on camp is designed to build confidence, leadership, and practical life skills while giving participants a behind-the-scenes look at emergency services. Campers will learn valuable skills such as:

🔥 Basic firefighting techniques
🩹 First aid and emergency response skills
🪢 Knot tying and rope work
🚨 Emergency preparedness
🤝 Teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving

Whether your teen is interested in becoming a firefighter, wants to gain life-saving skills, or is simply looking for an unforgettable summer experience, this camp has something for everyone.

Don’t be scared, be prepared!

📅 July 7–9 & July 14–16
🕙 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
👥 Ages 12–18

Registration is now open for the Youth Firefighter Camp and all Gabriola Recreation Society summer programs:

👉 Register here:

Gabriola Recreation Registration

The Gabriola Recreation Society is committed to ensuring programs are accessible to everyone. Confidential financial assistance is available through the Gab Access program:
👉 Learn about subsidies here:

Gab Access Grants and Aid Program

Spaces are limited, so register early and join us for a summer of learning, teamwork, and fun! 🚒🔥💪

CommunityStrong DontBeScaredBePrepared

06/04/2026

Book your FireSmart home assessment today. We’ll help you identify and prioritize practical steps to reduce wildfire risk on your property.
During a recent wildfire practice scenario, we identified properties that would have been extremely difficult — or impossible — for crews to protect under severe fire conditions. Small changes can make a big difference in giving firefighters a safer and more effective chance to defend your home.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwZnRzaASPD4RleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeMP7I9Nb1aCMNpl-ZMROcOcdAr7HCfNCba5d17udUAlzv_pY4AS52QSYxvD0_aem_3xvU8G0w8zwYKcXUIW632g&si=f_G41drkiYF6L-FK&v=PKgdgWvMul0

When you see things through FireSmart eyes, wildfire risks are clear. A few simple tasks, like clearing gutters or moving combustibles, could help protect yo...

05/28/2026

Myth busting: A FireSmart yard is boring and unattractive


Many believe that reducing wildfire risk means sacrificing curb appeal and that’s simply untrue.

The FireSmart Canada Landscaping Guide shows that you can create a yard that is both visually appealing and resilient by combining thoughtful plant choices, spacing, and design elements.

You can still include:

A variety of plants (yes, still lots of greenery) in the intermediate and extended zones.
Choose fire-resistant plants like Birch and Cherry. These tend to have moist, supple leaves, low resin content, and minimal dead material, which helps them resist ignition while still providing texture and colour.

Layered, intentional design (not empty space)
Instead of dense, continuous vegetation, FireSmart yards use well-spaced plants which creates visual interest while also slowing fire spread.

Hardscaping that enhances aesthetics
Stone pathways, decorative rock features, retaining walls, and even dry creek beds can act as fire breaks—and double as beautiful design features.

This approach doesn’t remove beauty—it adds structure, contrast, and intention to your yard design.

05/26/2026

05/13/2026

📱With the Begins at Home app, you get a self-assessment tool right in the palm of your hand!
Walk around your house, identify hazards and get a clear, prioritised list of actions to take to protect your family and your home!

️➡️ https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.firesmartcanada
️➡️ https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/firesmart-begins-at-home/id1473869628

Photo Credit to West Kelowna FD

05/08/2026

🔥 FIRE BAN IN EFFECT 🔥

A fire ban is currently in effect on Gabriola Island.
No campfires, open burning, or fireworks are permitted during this time. These restrictions are in place to help reduce wildfire risk and protect our community, firefighters, homes, and natural environment.

We ask everyone to do their part and stay fire safe during these dry conditions.

For current burn regulations, wildfire hazard ratings, and updates, visit the Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department website.

Thank you for helping keep Gabriola safe. 🚒🌲

FireSafety GVFD

04/25/2026

🔥 FREE CHIPPING DAY – APRIL 25 🔥

Clean up your yard + reduce wildfire risk 🌲

📍 Fire Hall (730 Church St)
⏰ 9am–2pm
🚗 Enter from North Road (between old hall & Hope Centre — not Church St)

✔️ Branches under 6”
✔️ Woody yard waste
❌ No leaves, grass, vines, soil, or treated wood

⚠️ Loud equipment—bring hearing protection

Let’s make Gabriola more FireSmart together 💪
Thanks to Gulf Islands Tree Services for their support!