Training Prepares Southern Vancouver Island Fire Departments to Offer FireSmart Home Assessments

October 1, 2024

View Royal, BC - The View Royal Fire Department (VRFD) hosted a FireSmart Wildfire Mitigation Specialist (WMS) training course from September 24 to 26, 2024 at the View Royal Public Safety Building. Firefighters and professionals from 10 Fire Departments and agencies across Southern Vancouver Island, including representatives from Sooke, Langford, North Saanich, Sidney, North Galiano, East Sooke, Shirley, Saturna, Metchosin, and the Capital Regional District, participated in this advanced three-day course.

This training comes at a crucial time as ongoing drought conditions across BC are extending fire risks well into autumn. This year alone, over 1,600 wildfires have burned more than 1,000,000 hectares of land in BC, with major incidents like the Old Man Lake fire near Sooke prompting evacuations in
late July.

The WMS training, part of the FireSmart Home Partners Program, equips participants with the expertise to evaluate wildfire risks and guide homeowners in their communities to take steps to protect their properties. As part of the training, participants completed five on-site home and building assessments in View Royal, reinforcing their knowledge of wildfire prevention techniques.

FireSmart Home Assessments Now Available to View Royal Residents

With the completion of the WMS training, View Royal residents can now request a FireSmart Home Partners Property Assessment from the VRFD. These assessments are conducted by a trained Wildfire Mitigation Specialist and provide residents with an opportunity to:

  • Receive a comprehensive, on-site wildfire risk assessment for their property;
  • Identify mitigation actions tailored to their unique property;
  • Obtain a detailed follow-up report outlining practical steps to reduce wildfire risk;
  • Receive a rebate after completing recommended mitigation actions; and
  • Earn a FireSmart certification for their home for completing all recommended mitigation actions, which may help with insurance incentives or discounts (based on the participation of insurance providers).

For more information or to schedule an assessment, residents can email firesmart@viewroyal.ca

This training is an important step in helping local communities better prepare for the increasing risk of wildfires in urban and rural areas alike. By making these services available, the VRFD aims to enhance the safety and resilience of the View Royal community.

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