Sunday May 23, 2021 | METCHOSIN, BC
by Mary P Brooke, Editor | Island Social Trends
On this May long weekend, the Metchosin Fire Department has issued a reminder about burning regulations in that rural municipality on the west side of south Vancouver Island.
The open burning that is allowed in the District of Metchosin in cooler months does close on May 31. That means no incinerators, broom piles or other burning, though a small campfire no wider than 2-feet is allowed if burning clean dry firewood.
Propane fire pits are allowed.
Beach fires never allowed:
“Beach Fires are never allowed within the District of Metchosin, not on any of the municipal or CRD park beaches,” says Metchosin Fire Chief Stephanie Dunlop, who is also the Emergency Program Coordinator.
If you see an open fire call fire department dispatch at 250-478-7770.
Grants received:
Metchosin has received several grants to support FireSmart activities within the municipality. In 2021 and in spring of next year (2022), residents will see:
- Drop Off Chipping Program
- Residential FireSmart Rebate Program
- Residential FireSmart Mitigation Labourers
Firefighter Training on May 29:
Chief Dunlop says her department is excited to be hosting Office of the Fire Commission Engine Boss training, coming up on Saturday May 29.
This training provides firefighters from across the island with an opportunity to be involved in a full-scale forest fire deployment exercise.
On that day, residents will see several fire apparatus at the school field and maneuvering through the District.
Seeking homes for the training exercise:
Metchosin Fire is looking for about six to eight homes in each of two neighbourhoods: GlenForest/HiMount area and Olympic View/Tower Point neighborhoods to be involved in the training exercise.
Any residents who are interested in allowing firefighters to do a quick walk around their home and spray a bit of water, they may contact Chief Dunlop at 250-883-4472 or by email at firechief@metchosinfire.ca.
No one would be going inside a home or putting anything onto the house. The exercise is to simply get firefighters outside and working with hose deployments. It would be for about one hour on May 29 between 9 am and 3 pm.
COVID pep-talk:
We are a community that is committed to resiliency, care and collaboration – together we are stronger. Metchosin residents are invited to reach out for any information or just someone to talk to “during this very frustrating time of COVID”.
Metchosin has about 5,000 residents. As of one 13 municipalities in the Greater Victoria (Capital Region) area, it generally participates as part of the West Shore set of communities.
