Qualicum Beach Fire Rescue

Today on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we honour the children who never came home, the survivors, and their families. Every Child Matters.

As you dig into yardwork this fall, here are some FireSmart pruning & landscaping tips to help protect your home from wildfire risk.

✂️ Prune tree branches that hang low (within ~2 metres of the ground) so fires can’t climb upward through “ladder fuels.”
🌿 Make sure plantings are spaced out from each other and from buildings — don’t let shrubs touch siding or overhang roofs.
🚫 Stay away from bark, pine needles, or wood chips immediately next to buildings, since they ignite more easily.
🏡Use gravel, rocks or stone mulches around the foundation; farther out, mature compost can work well.
🌱 Mow to keep grass under about 10 cm; too short isn’t ideal either, because very dry or sparse turf dries out faster.
🍁 Remove dead leaves, twigs, branches, and dried fruit or seed pods — especially close to buildings, under rooflines, and in gutters.

Taking the time to prune, remove dead fuels, and tweak your yard layout now means you may significantly reduce wildfire risk come fire season. Small, consistent efforts add up.

Want more tips? Download the FireSmart BC guides:
👉 qbfirerescue.com/firesmart/firesmart-home

Weather stripping does more than keep out the cold. It helps protect your home from heat and embers.

- Check exterior and garage doors for worn or damaged weather stripping
- Make sure doors are fire-rated and properly sealed

👉 Find more FireSmart tips from FireSmart BC in the Home Guide:
qbfirerescue.com/firesmart/firesmart-home

Save the date for our Open House on Sat. Oct 3rd! Bring the family for a fun-filled, free day at the fire hall. From fire truck tours to kids’ crafts, free hotdogs, and even a bouncy castle — there’s something for everyone!
👨‍🚒 Meet our firefighters, PLUS Sparky the Fire Dog & Ember the Fire Fox!
🎯 Try out fire extinguisher + hose practice!
🚨 Get fire safety tips just in time for Fire Prevention Week

Today, we remember the 2,977 civilians whose lives were taken on September 11, 2001, and the families, friends, and communities forever changed by their loss.

We remember the 441 fallen firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and emergency responders. We honour their courage, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to protect and save lives.

Rural property owners – are you in our fire protection area? Does your homeowner’s insurance say your property isn’t protected by hydrants?

We're an accredited Superior Tender Shuttle Service fire department. This means we provide a recognized equivalent to hydrant protection by shuttling water using our fire trucks.

Rural property owners, may be eligible for reduced fire-related insurance premiums.

👉 Visit our website to learn how our accreditation might benefit you:
qbfirerescue.com/resources/superior-tender-shuttle

Have you checked out the FireSmart section on our website? Discover 10 easy ways to FireSmart your property, like:

1. Clear combustible materials from under decks and maintain a 1.5m non-combustible zone around your home.
2. Clean gutters and roofs regularly; keep decks and balconies free of leaves and debris.
3. Install 3mm non-combustible screens on exterior vents (excluding dryer vents).
4. Keep grass and weeds trimmed below 10 cm.
5. Use wildfire resistant plants in your landscaping.

We have many great resources from FireSmart BC with practical tools and tips to help protect your home from wildfire.
👉 qbfirerescue.com/firesmart/firesmart-home

Happy Labour Day! Today, we celebrate the achievements and sacrifices of working people across our country. Take some time to rest and recharge—you’ve earned it!

The campfire ban is being lifted today, Thursday, September 3rd, at noon.
Please ensure campfires are in a contained outdoor fireplace and then extinguished cold to the touch. Beach fires are not permitted at any time.
For full details on approved fireplaces and the Town bylaw, visit https://www.qbfirerescue.com/burning/.