Hornby Island Fire Rescue, in partnership with the Ministry of Forests, has successfully completed a major Crown Land Wildfire Risk Reduction project to remove excess debris and implement FireSmart best practices in the community.
In spring 2024, concerns were raised about wildfire threats near critical infrastructure and community buildings on Hornby Island. After a field visit from BC Wildfire Service and with the guidance and support from the Ministry, staff and contractors were able to complete the work over the winter and spring this year, preparing the community for ongoing hot and dry weather.
“Thank you to the Ministry of Forests for their operational and funding support on this very important project on Hornby Island,” states Doug Chinnery, Fire Chief for Hornby Island Fire Rescue. “Applying FireSmart practices throughout densely built areas can reduce risk and keeps the community safe from the threat of wildfire.”
FireSmart-aligned practices were at the heart of the project:
- Community Education: Instead of a standard notification letter, an open house, school tours, and a public walk-through encouraged proactive education and local buy-in. Residents received FireSmart materials and engaged in dialogue on fire prevention.
- Sustainable Debris Management: Rather than burning, the crew opted to chip leftover wood debris, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and helping to enrich the soil—enhancing both fire resilience and forest health.
- Local Benefits: Residents were invited to collect firewood under a Free Use Permit, turning forest cleanup into a community asset while further reducing wildfire risk.
For more information on FireSmart and how you can be prepared, visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/firesmart.
The Comox Valley Regional District is a partnership of three electoral areas and three municipalities operating on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of the land. The members of the regional district work collaboratively on providing sustainable services for the benefit of the diverse urban and rural areas of the Comox Valley.
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Media Contact:
Doug Chinnery
Fire Chief, Hornby Island Fire Rescue
250-335-2611