Dry Conditions on Savary Island Instigates Total Fire Ban Effective Thursday, May 7, 2026
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) will implement island-wide fire restrictions on all outdoor fire activities beginning this Thursday, May 7, 2026 at noon Pacific time. The restriction will include a ban on campfires and all sizes of burn piles anywhere on the island. The total fire ban area includes all areas of Savary Island and extends to 200 metres below the high tide line so that all beach fires will also be prohibited. The Fire Chief is authorized by the qathet Regional District’s Savary Island Outdoor Fire Control Bylaw No. 549 to set prohibitions at any time of year based on weather conditions.
“The very dry spring and warmer than normal conditions have significantly increased the fire risk, stated SIVFD Fire Chief Doug Corbett. “We are initiating this precautionary measure to protect public safety and properties on Savary Island.”
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 (SIVFD) is authorized to enforce the bylaw and may request RCMP for additional support. If you see a fire or suspicious smoke, please call 9-1-1 immediately.
For a current list of fire prohibitions and regulations in effect for the Coastal Fire Centre, please visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fire-bans-and-restrictions
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
(604) 485-2260