Central Saanich Fire Department

06/06/2026

Central Saanich Fire Dept crews attended a structure fire at Garden Fork restaurant early this morning, at the corner of Keating and West Saanich. Crews arrived at 3:01 am to a fire that was heavily involved in the basement, main floor and attic. Unfortunately the building sustained significant damage. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

06/05/2026

𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞. 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞.
Paid On-Call Firefighters live and work right here in Central Saanich—responding when needed to support community safety.
This paid role includes professional training and ongoing skill development, all while balancing work, family, and everyday life.
We’re looking for people who are team-focused, committed, and ready to step up when they can.
👉 Learn more: csfire.ca

06/05/2026

🎨✏️ Young residents—this is your chance to share what makes Central Saanich special!
As part of our 75th anniversary celebrations, the District is launching a youth art and writing contest. Whether it’s your favourite place, what makes your hometown unique, or even what animals in your neighbourhood might say about living here—get creative and tell your story.

🖼 Submit an original artwork or📝 Write a short essay (200–300 words)
🎁 Five winners will receive a 75th anniversary t-shirt and a behind-the-scenes tour of Central Saanich Police and Fire!
📅 Deadline: July 31, 2026
📧 Submit by email ([email protected]) or drop off at Municipal Hall at 1903 Mt Newton Cross Road or Fire Station 1 on Keating Cross Road

Let’s celebrate Central Saanich—through your eyes!

06/02/2026

WE PROVIDE THE TRAINING: YOU PROVIDE THE COMMITMENT

The Central Saanich Fire Department is now recruiting Paid On‑Call (POC) firefighters.

Paid On‑Call firefighters are trained professionals who respond to emergencies on an on‑call basis, playing a vital role in keeping Central Saanich safe.

The department provides comprehensive professional training and operational support. We are looking for individuals who bring commitment, value teamwork, and are able to respond when available in support of their community.

For more information and to apply by September 10: centralsaanich.ca/POCfire

05/29/2026

🌿 How do you manage yard waste?

Dry vegetation near our homes can become dangerous during wildfire season. This summer and fall, we're exploring ways to help residents remove yard waste like leaves, branches and grass clippings.

This 5-minute survey is open to all Central Saanich residents. It aims to help:
👀 identify current practices and challenges
✅ improve yard waste services and programs
👩‍🚒 reduce wildfire risk across our community

👉 Take the survey today: CSFireSmart.ca

05/28/2026

🏡 Free curbside chipping is BACK! Starting on June 1, a mobile chipper and crew will be operating in higher-risk wildfire areas in Central Saanich, helping residents remove flammable branches and woody debris from around their homes.

Last year, 150+ residents registered and the crew removed 100+ cubic yards of chipped yard waste (that's the volume of over 50 pickup trucks!) 🛻

What you need to know:
🗺️ Three designated zones (check your address on the interactive map!)
Zone 1: Jun. 1, Jul. 13, Aug. 24
Zone 2 : Jun. 15, Jul. 27, Aug. 31
Zone 3: Jun. 29, Aug. 10, Sep. 14
📅 You must register ahead (submit a quick form)
🌿 We can only chip some yard waste (see the list of acceptable materials)
⏰ You must place materials at the curb by 7 a.m. on your date

Crews may need more than one day to complete work in each zone, so please leave materials out until collection is finished.

👉 Check out the zone map, details and registration form: CSFireSmart.ca

Zones are based on factors like 🌳 proximity to forested areas and 💸 available FireSmart funding through the provincial Community Resiliency Investment program.

🗺️ Not in a designated zone? We're exploring other wildfire prevention and disposal options. Please fill out the 5-minute survey at CSFireSmart.ca

05/15/2026

🔥 Campfire ban lifted before the long weekend 🔥
Good news, Central Saanich! Cooler temperatures and higher humidity mean reduced wildfire risk. The campfire ban will be lifted Friday, May 15 at noon, in alignment with BC Wildfire Service.

✅ What’s allowed:
• Category 1 campfires (up to 0.5 m high x 0.5 m wide)
• CSA-rated or ULC-rated outdoor stoves
• Propane camp stoves and fire pits

⚠️ What’s not allowed:
• Category 2 & 3 open fires
• Fireworks

For all prohibited activities and equipment: CSFire.ca

If you’re planning to enjoy a campfire this long weekend:
✔️ Keep fires small and manageable
✔️ Avoid burning in windy conditions
✔️ Maintain a fuel break around the fire
✔️ Never leave your fire unattended
✔️ Fully extinguish fires before leaving

Let’s enjoy the long weekend safely and responsibly!

05/10/2026

📢 That's a wrap on Emergency Preparedness Week! It's important to know our risks in Central Saanich, including extreme heat, wildfire, drought, storms and flooding.

In an emergency, it's often the people nearest to you who are first on the scene to help. We're ALL in it together!
🤝 How well do you know your neighbours?
🚒 How well-prepared are you for emergencies?
📞 Is there someone nearby you can ask for help in times of need?
🤍 Have you reached out to build a connection with someone who may need it?

Connected communities respond better and recover faster! Let's take care of each other.

Learn more about our Emergency Program: CSaanich.ca/GetPrepared

05/09/2026

📢 It’s Emergency Preparedness Week! Today’s focus is ☔ Rainwater Flooding ☔

Rain intensity, soil saturation, blocked drains, high tides limiting outflow and aging or undersized infrastructure can all contribute to flooding.

📞 You can report clogged storm drains or other non-emergency issues to the Municipal Yard at 250-544-4224.

In Central Saanich, areas prone to localized, often seasonal, rainwater flooding include ȾIKEL (Maber Flats) and the Martindale Valley.

Protect yourself, your home and those closest to you:
🍂 Check storm drains near your home are clear & free of debris
🏘️ Keep eavestroughs clear and pointed down & away from your home & foundation
🚙 Do not drive through floodwater, in case of sink holes or washed-out road beds
🌳 Be vigilant near trees as heavy rain followed by strong wind can bring them down

👉 Find out more: CSaanich.ca/GetPrepared

Did you know? During storm season, free sandbags and sand are available at the Municipal Yard, 1703 Keating Cross Road.

👉 Learn more about flood protection: PreparedBC.ca

05/08/2026

These are all great tips for your emergency kit. Don’t forget to build on those relationships with your neighbours. You just might need to be there for each other. Just like all the emergency programs in the region, we are all .

Emergency Preparedness Week has started; we're got our kit ready? What's in your kit neighbours?

For more information visit: https://www.prepareyourself.ca/