As wildfires continue to affect parts of B.C., including the current fire near Squamish, it's a good time to check in on how the District is staying ready and learn what residents can do to stay prepared.
In West Vancouver, we’re taking a proactive approach to wildfire resilience:
- We are applying FireSmart principles to our critical infrastructure and completing vegetation fuel treatments to reduce wildfire risk and protect our community. Learn more at westvancouver.ca/wildfire-fuel-management.
- West Vancouver Fire & Rescue is ready with two new Type 5 Wildfire Trucks, two sprinkler protection units, and wildfire-trained suppression staff.
- We have mutual aid agreements in place with neighbouring communities on the North Shore to support one another if a wildfire emergency occurs.
Helpful resources
Book your free FireSmart Home Assessment: westvancouver.ca/firesmart-community
Build your emergency Grab & Go bag with tips from NSEM.ca/get-prepared
Download the Alertable app to receive real-time emergency notifications: alertable.ca
The following are some summer fire prevention tips:
- Discard cigarettes safely. Do not toss from vehicles.
- Stay on trails and do not smoke or use matches when in the forest.
- Paper cups, food wrappers, and other combustibles can provide kindling for a fire; dispose of garbage in a proper receptacle.
- Dispose of glass and bottles in the recycling container or return for deposit. Strong sunshine through a discarded bottle or jar can act as a magnifying glass and start fires.
- Store gasoline, propane, and other flammable liquids outside your home in a detached garage or shed and away from any heat sources.
Preventing wildfire risk is a shared responsibility, and we urge everyone in the community to be diligent. If you see a fire or smoke, please call 9-1-1 immediately.