Wildfire Prevention

Updated May 29, 2024

Communities are experiencing a serious and sustained increase in extreme wildfire behaviour in what we call the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) zone. The WUI is the transition between infrastructure and the natural landscape.

Residents and neighbourhoods can take simple steps to reduce the impact of wildfire. The time to reduce the threat of wildfire is now, not when fire is at your doorstep. Be prepared, get FireSmart and stay informed.

Join Us for Wildfire Preparedness Day on Sunday, June 2, 2024!

As wildfire season begins in B.C., it’s more important than ever to ensure we are prepared. We are pleased to announce that Broombusters in Sooke is leading a Wildfire Preparedness Day event, in collaboration with the District of Sooke, which will take place on Sunday, June 2, from 11 AM to 1 PM. The event will be held at the Stickleback Urban Trail Head near Journey Middle School on Ponds Park Corridor (see photos).
Wildfire Preparedness Day is an opportunity for community members to come together to help FireSmart the area and to learn valuable strategies to protect their homes and properties from wildfires. The event will include:
Community Clean-Up: Join us in clearing flammable vegetation and debris along the trail to create a safer environment.
Education: Experts will provide information on how to fire-smart your home and property, including tips on creating defensible space and using fire-resistant building materials.
Emergency Preparedness: Learn how to develop an emergency plan for your family, including evacuation routes and emergency supply kits.
“We want to empower our community with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves from wildfires,” said Sooke Fire Chief Ted Ruiter. “This event is a great way to come together, make a difference, and ensure we are all better prepared for an emergency, such as the threat of wildfire.”
Participants are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing and bring gloves and any personal tools they have for vegetation clearing. Water and light refreshments will be provided.
Don’t miss this chance to make a positive impact in your community and enhance your own wildfire preparedness. We look forward to seeing you there!
As always, carpooling and alternative modes of transportation to District events is encouraged. Parking is available nearby at Journey Middle School.
For more event information, please contact:
Madison Crawford, Fire Protection
District of Sooke
Tel: 250.642.5422
mcrawford@sooke.ca

Be Prepared

Prepare your friends, family, and household

Several publications are available, both online and in print form to assist the public in preparing for all emergencies including wildfire. Visit our Emergency Planning page to learn more about other resources.

Prepare your pets, hobby farm, and livestock

Get FireSmart

Use FireSmart Principles

FireSmarting your property will decrease the risk of wildfire damaging and/or burning down your home. The following FireSmart resources can help assess and protect your home.

Schedule a FREE FireSmart Home Assessment

Not sure where to start? Schedule a free home assessment for an on-site evaluation and action report with recommendations on the next steps to FireSmart your home and property. Book online anytime or call Sooke Fire Rescue at 250-642-5422.

Schedule a FireSmart Info Session

Schedule an information session at no cost for community groups, strata councils, businesses, and schools. Learn more about how you can help increase our wildfire resiliency. Topics include wildfire risk, the wildland urban interface, FireSmart principles, and how to protect your home and property.

  • Contact Sooke FireSmart at 250-642-5422 to book.

Attend a FireSmart Event

Check out all upcoming FireSmart events happening around the community! Events include public information sessions, workshops, community clean-ups and more. Learn how to become FireSmart and reduce your risk from wildfire.

Neighbourhood Recognition Program

The Neighbourhood Recognition program can support greater wildfire risk reduction activities to a neighbourhood, bringing multiple residents together with the same goal. This program has five steps including forming a committee, and completing a neighbourhood assessment, plan, event, and online application.

  • Contact Sooke FireSmart at 250-642-5422 to learn more.

Stay Informed

Sign-Up for Alertable

Sooke Alertable provides fast, and reliable notifications to keep yourself and others aware of community-wide emergency events.

Subscribe to FireSmart Updates

Join our Sooke FireSmart Group where you will receive monthly email updates about the local program including the latest initiatives, and resources to help build our community resilience to wildfire.

Know Your FireSmart Resources

Follow Sooke FireSmart

Contact Us

  • Call the Sooke Fire Rescue Department and ask for your local FireSmart Coordinator.
  • Phone: 250-642-5422
  • Email: firedepartment@sooke.ca
  • 2205 Otter Point Road, Sooke, BC, V9Z 1J2