SAVARY ISLAND, BC — In accordance with qathet Regional District (qRD)’s Savary Island Outdoor Fire Control Bylaw No. 549, the Fire Chief of the Savary Island Volunteer Fire Department (SIVFD) implemented island-wide fire restrictions on open burning activities on Monday, May 19, 2025. The current restriction includes a ban on any burn piles anywhere on the island. The Fire Chief is authorized by the bylaw, to set prohibitions at any time of year based on weather conditions.
SIVFD Fire Chief Chris Philpott stated: “The dry spring increases the risk for an earlier wildfire season. Island fire response resources are limited and therefore we are taking this proactive and precautionary measure to protect Savary Island.”
The prohibition on burn piles will remain in place until further notice. Currently campfires are permitted until June 30, but any campfire must be no larger than 0.5m high x 0.5m diameter and minimum 3m (10ft) from combustible materials. Savary residents and visitors are encouraged to read qRD Bylaw 549 for further details on open fires and understand that further fire restrictions may be implemented in accordance with the bylaw should conditions warrant it: https://www.qathet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/BL549-Control-Outdoor-Fires-on-Savary-Island.pdf
The public is reminded that there is a maximum penalty of $2,000 for contraventions of the fire ban. The Savary Island Volunteer Fire Department (SIVRD) is authorized to enforce the bylaw and receives regular support from the RCMP. Please dial 9-1-1 to report a fire on Savary Island.
About the SIVFD:
The SIVFD is operated by a small group of dedicated volunteers who give their time to train and respond to fires, emergency medical calls, and other public safety concerns on Savary Island. To learn more about the SIVFD and current fire restrictions on Savary, please visit qathet.ca/savary-island-volunteer-fire-department/
About the qathet Regional District:
The qathet Regional District serves the rural areas from Lund to Saltery Bay including the City of Powell River, Texada, Savary and Lasqueti Islands and provides some services, through contract, to Tla’amin Nation. To learn more please visit qathet.ca.
CONTACT:
Ryan Thoms, General Manager of Emergency Services
#202-4675 Marine Avenue, Powell River, BC V8A 2L2
E: rthoms@qathet.ca P: (604) 485-2260