Sproat Lake Volunteer Fire Department

10/26/2026

Hi all

Please drive to the road conditions as wet roads can be slippery and hydroplaning can happen.

Last week’s page outs were an Alarms Residential on Sun, an Outdoor Fire on Thurs, and an FR Red on Fri. As a note for the Outdoor Fire, a Big Shout Out to Cherry Creek FD for assisting with operations when we requested mutual aide once the scope of the fire was known. It started with some unknowns and ended up being a vehicle and hog pile fire. And just so you know, a hog pile in forestry refers to a type of biomass pile made from unprocessed waste debris, such as bark and organic matter, resulting from commercial forestry operations. It is commonly used as fuel for industrial processes or for landscaping purposes.

Air Quality - Excellent

Fire Danger Rating, Prohibitions and Restrictions - ACRD Bylaw and Provincial Rules
Danger Class - Very Low and forecasted to remain Very Low
Camp Fires Category 1 - Open
Category A (ACRD)/Category 2 (Provincial) - ACRD Open
Category B (ACRD)/Category 3 (Provincial) - ACRD Open

Active Wildfires
Province: 62 - down from 64
Vancouver Island: 3 - up from 2

Sports: MLB - Milwaukee and Tampa Bay in the World Series. MLS - Vancouver remains 1st in the Western conference (clinched a playoff spot) with Toronto remaining in 11th and Montreal remains in 15th (eliminated from playoffs) in the Eastern conference. CFL - playoffs are set - Edmonton, BC, Saskatchewan, Toronto, Montreal and Winnipeg (crossover) are off to the playoffs. NFL - still some winless and undefeated teams after week 6. NHL - Ottawa and Toronto doing well in the Eastern conference with Edmonton leading in the Western conference . BCHL - Bulldogs - in 6th place with a 7 - 5 record in the Coastal conference

Tues night’s practice was out at the training site for vehicle fires. After a demo, they were able to get thru 3 full runs.

On Thurs, some FFs were going thru supply and attack lines while others were writing some exams.

On Sat, after a quick breakfast, Duty Crew Charlie started with some hall maintenance at Hall 1. Afterwards, headed to Hall 2 to start preparations for our upcoming Halloween night.

Recruitment drive never ends - “Be The Difference”.

Stay safe one and all. Please do not drink and drive.

Capt Tony

10/19/2026

“Hi all

Last week’s page outs were an AMA Structure Fire (in Port Alberni’s area) on Sun, an AMA Structure Fire (in Port Alberni’s area) on Mon, a Road Rescue on Thurs (quick turnout as there were FFs at Hall 3 for training), and an FR Orange on Sat.

Air Quality - Excellent

Fire Danger Rating, Prohibitions and Restrictions - ACRD Bylaw and Provincial Rules
Danger Class - Low and forecasted to remain Low
Camp Fires Category 1 - Open
Category A (ACRD)/Category 2 (Provincial) - ACRD Open
Category B (ACRD)/Category 3 (Provincial) - ACRD Open

Active Wildfires
Province: 64 - down from 68
Vancouver Island: 2 - down from 3

Sports: MLB - Milwaukee waiting for the winner of Cleveland and Tampa Bay. MLS - Vancouver remains 1st in the Western conference (and has clinched a playoff spot already) with Toronto remaining in 11th and Montreal remains in 15th in the Eastern conference. CFL - Well, Ottawa got a win after week 20. So far, Edmonton, BC, Saskatchewan, Toronto, and Montreal are off to the playoffs. NFL - still some winless and undefeated teams after week 5. NHL - Canadian teams are all over the board. BCHL - Bulldogs - sorry, no update available.

Tues night’s practice was an FR practice a Hall 3. A great evening of multiple stations from the Big Wheel, Vacuum Spine Board, T-Pod Responder Pelvic Stabilization Device, and the CPR trainer. Congrats to Lt Sarah on getting the best results on the CPR Trainer - 95.5%.

On Thurs, FFs began their hose loads and lays.

On Sat, after a quick breakfast, Duty Crew Bravo continued hose testing. Almost done!

Recruitment drive never ends - “Be The Difference”.

Stay safe one and all. Please do not drink and drive.

Capt Tony”

Tony

10/11/2026

Hi all

Happy Thanksgiving one and all.

Last week’s page outs were an FR Assist Emergency on Mon, an AMA Structure Fire (in Port Alberni’s area) on Mon, and an FR Red on Weds.

Air Quality - Excellent

Fire Danger Rating, Prohibitions and Restrictions - ACRD Bylaw and Provincial Rules
Danger Class - Low and forecasted to remain Low
Camp Fires Category 1 - Open
Category A (ACRD)/Category 2 (Provincial) - ACRD Open
Category B (ACRD)/Category 3 (Provincial) - ACRD Open

Active Wildfires
Province: 68 - down from 76
Vancouver Island: 3 - down from 7

Sports: MLB - both leagues into their Championship series. MLS - Vancouver remains 1st in the Western conference (and has clinched a playoff spot already) with Toronto rising to 11th and Montreal remains in 15th in the Eastern conference. CFL - Ottawa still looking for a win after week 19. So far, Edmonton, BC, Toronto, and Montreal are off to the playoffs. NFL - still some winless and undefeated teams after week 5. NHL - Canadian teams are all over the board. BCHL - Bulldogs 3 - 4 so far and sitting in 8th.

Tues night’s practice was back at the training site. Groups changed from last time for low slope training and vehicle extrication. With multiple training groups, it works well for more hands on training. And yes, it’s getting darker already…..

On Thurs, FFs were proctored on Chapter 15 Fire hose, appliances and nozzles - and all passed.

On Sat, after a quick breakfast, Duty Crew Alpha continued with hose testing - yes, we have a lot of hoses.

Recruitment drive never ends - “Be The Difference”.

Stay safe one and all. Please do not drink and drive.

Capt Tony

10/05/2026

Hi all

Last week’s page outs were an AMA Structure Fire (in our area) on Weds, an FR Red on Weds, a Rescue Road (was not in our area) on Weds, an FR Red on Fri, an AMA Structure Fire (in Port Alberni’s area, stood down) on Sat.

Air Quality - Excellent

Fire Danger Rating, Prohibitions and Restrictions - ACRD Bylaw and Provincial Rules
Danger Class - Very Low and forecasted to rise to Low
Camp Fires Category 1 - Open
Category A (ACRD)/Category 2 (Provincial) - ACRD Open
Category B (ACRD)/Category 3 (Provincial) - ACRD Open

Active Wildfires
Province: 76 - down from 98
Vancouver Island: 7 - down from 10

Sports: MLB - Playoffs are off and running. No Blue Jays - heavy sigh. MLS - Vancouver remains 1st in the Western conference with Toronto dropped to 13th and Montreal remains in 15th in the Eastern conference. CFL - Ottawa still looking for a win after week 18. So far, Edmonton, Toronto, and Montreal are off to the playoffs. NFL - still some winless and undefeated teams after week 4. NHL - Regular season has started. BCHL - Bulldogs 2 - 2 so far and sitting in 7th.

On Mon night, the Officers held their monthly meeting. Discussions ranged from training, new apparatus, budget, and more.

Tues night’s practice was hall night. An important monthly event that ensures inventories are complete, vehicle maintenance is complete, and hall cleaning and maintenance (if required) is complete.

On Thurs, some of our newer FFs were proctored on water supply..

On Sat, after a quick breakfast, Duty Crew Delta continued hose testing with E49. We have a large amount of hose to take care of due to our area and in particular for some of the longer driveways that we must look after.

And congrats to Lt Braeden on his birthday. Nice way to end hose testing.

Recruitment drive never ends - “Be The Difference”.

Stay safe one and all. Please do not drink and drive.

Capt Tony

09/28/2026

Hi all

Last week’s page outs were an FR Red on Mon, a Duty Investigation on Mon, an MVI Extrication on Mon, an AMA Structure Fire (in Port Alberni’s area) on Tues, an MVI Extrication on Thurs, and an AMA Structure Fire (in Cherry Creek’s area) on Fri.

Air Quality - Excellent

Fire Danger Rating, Prohibitions and Restrictions - ACRD Bylaw and Provincial Rules
Danger Class - Low and forecasted to remain Low
Camp Fires Category 1 - Open
Category A (ACRD)/Category 2 (Provincial) - ACRD Closed
Category B (ACRD)/Category 3 (Provincial) - ACRD Closed

The following activities and use of equipment, materials and substances are also prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre:
Fireworks, as defined in the Fireworks Act of BC
Binary exploding targets
Sky Lanterns
Burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description
Controlled air incinerators
Air curtain burners
Carbonizers

Active Wildfires
Province: 98 - up from 96
Vancouver Island: 10 - up from 9

Sports: MLB - Blue Jays dropped to 9th with a 78 - 83 record in the American League. Heard that the Jays will not make the playoffs. MLS - Vancouver remains 1st in the Western conference with Toronto dropped to 12th and Montreal remains in 15th in the Eastern conference. CFL - yup, repeat - still 1 winless team (Ottawa) after week 17. Playoff positions are also starting to show up. NFL - 3rd week of regular season. Still early. NHL - yup, already. Regular season starts 29 Sep. BCHL - Bulldogs off to 2 - 1 season.

Tues night’s practice was at our training site. Two happenings - low slope and MVI. Low slope had FFs locating equipment, basic setups, use of Multi Purpose Device (MPD), and ropes and knots. MVI had FFs getting on scene, 360, patient contact and extrication. Even got in some training on different tools and equipment.

On Thurs, some of our newer FFs kept practicing various hose rolls and assisting pump operators for their Exterior qualifications.

On Sat, after a quick breakfast, Duty Crew Charlie began hose testing. This annual event takes approximately 3 weeks to complete. All hoses get removed, pressure tested, and if they pass get back on the truck. And sometimes you have to get a little inventive to get the air out of the hoses. A beautiful cool morning that made it a little easier to complete. And we had a great site to watch as The Cops for Cancer Tour De Rock passed by this morning as they were on their way to the coast. If you wish to donate, please see link. https://support.cancer.ca/site/TR/CopsforCancer/COPS_NW_odd_?pg=entry&fr_id=30616

Lt’s Sarah and Steve are on their last weekend of their ESM course. Nice setting to be in - and they even have a fire pole. Though I don’t think it is part of the course….

Recruitment drive never ends - “Be The Difference”.

Stay safe one and all. Please do not drink and drive.

Capt Tony

09/21/2026

Hi all

Last week’s page outs were an AMA Structure Fire (in our area) on Tues and a Wildland Fire (Mutual Aide request for a tender from Beaver Creek) on Weds. A big Bravo Zulu for all our AMA partners (BCFD, CCFD, and PAFD) as they were instrumental in our AMA structure fire.

Air Quality - Fair

Fire Danger Rating, Prohibitions and Restrictions - ACRD Bylaw and Provincial Rules
Danger Class - High and forecasted to remain High
Camp Fires Category 1 - Open
Category A (ACRD)/Category 2 (Provincial) - ACRD Closed
Category B (ACRD)/Category 3 (Provincial) - ACRD Closed

The following activities and use of equipment, materials and substances are also prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre:
Fireworks, as defined in the Fireworks Act of BC
Binary exploding targets
Sky Lanterns
Burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description
Controlled air incinerators
Air curtain burners
Carbonizers

Active Wildfires
Province: 96 - down from 107
Vancouver Island: 9 - up from 6

Sports: MLB - Blue Jays dropped to 8th with a 76 - 79 record in the American League. Playoff positions are starting to show up. MLS - Vancouver remains 1st in the Western conference with Toronto dropped to 11th and Montreal remains in 15th in the Eastern conference. CFL - still 1 winless team (Ottawa) after week 16. Playoff positions are also starting to show up. NFL - still early into the 2nd week of regular season. NHL - yup, already. Regular season starts 29 Sep. BCHL - regular season for the Bulldogs started 18 Sep. They have started the year with a 1 - 1 record. Go Dawgs Go!

Tues night’s practice was our Superior Tanker Shuttle Service (STSS). For accreditation we practice this every 3 months and document results for Fire Underwriters (FUS). Another successful shuttle. And we had a pretty good response time for the structure fire as we were just finishing up the shuttle practice.

On Thurs, some of our newer FFs were practicing various skills as they get closer to their Exterior qualifications.

On Sat, after a quick breakfast, Duty Crew Bravo was busy with cleaning up some hoses and then participated in traffic control for the 42nd Toy Run. A great organization that raises funds and toys "for the kids".

Recruitment drive never ends - “Be The Difference”.

Stay safe one and all. Please do not drink and drive.

Capt Tony

09/14/2026

Hi all

Last week’s page outs were an FR Red on Sun, another FR Red on Sun, and an AMA Structure Fire (in Port Alberni’s area) on Thurs.

Air Quality - Fair

Fire Danger Rating, Prohibitions and Restrictions - ACRD Bylaw and Provincial Rules
Danger Class - High and forecasted to remain High
Camp Fires Category 1 - Open
Category A (ACRD)/Category 2 (Provincial) - ACRD Closed
Category B (ACRD)/Category 3 (Provincial) - ACRD Closed

The following activities and use of equipment, materials and substances are also prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre:
Fireworks, as defined in the Fireworks Act of BC
Binary exploding targets
Sky Lanterns
Burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description
Controlled air incinerators
Air curtain burners
Carbonizers

Active Wildfires
Province: 107 - down from 136
Vancouver Island: 6 - down from 8

Sports: MLB - Blue Jays dropped to 7th with a 74 - 75 record in the American League. Playoff positions are starting to show up. MLS - Vancouver remains 1st in the Western conference with Toronto rose to 10th and Montreal remains in 15th in the Eastern conference. CFL - déjà vu, still 1 winless team (Ottawa) after week 15. NFL - regular season is off and running.

Tues night’s practice had everyone at Hall 2. A warm evening to practice a couple of different tasks. One was extension ladders - this involved safety, removal from trucks, setup, and then lifting of various items from an uncharged hose line to a chainsaw. The other session was at the water line working with portable pumps. This involved pump removal from a truck, care and maintenance, setup, troubleshooting, drafting and then shooting some water.

On Thurs, some of our FFs were getting evaluated on their capabilities on assisting a pump operator. Well done all.

Also on Thurs, some of our FFs visited the new Rooted and Rising School at the Sproat Lake Community Hall. A great public service for our community and maybe get some interested future FFs on the training track.

On Sat, Duty Crew Alpha was busy with the Fall Fair Parade. From vehicle prep to handing out popsicles, a great way to see our FFs and some of our trucks. Even had a little throw back to days gone by - the truck that is……

This weekend, Lt’s Sarah and Steve M were busy with their Emergency Scene Management course. A great course that gives information and training to

Recruitment drive never ends - “Be The Difference”.

Stay safe one and all. Please do not drink and drive.

Capt Tony

09/06/2026

Hi all

Last week’s page outs were an FR Red on Mon, an FR Red on Tues, and a Burning Complaint on Weds.

Air Quality - Excellent

Fire Danger Rating, Prohibitions and Restrictions - ACRD Bylaw and Provincial Rules
Danger Class - Moderate and forecasted to remain Moderate
Camp Fires Category 1 - Open
Category A (ACRD)/Category 2 (Provincial) - ACRD Closed
Category B (ACRD)/Category 3 (Provincial) - ACRD Closed

The following activities and use of equipment, materials and substances are also prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre:
Fireworks, as defined in the Fireworks Act of BC
Binary exploding targets
Sky Lanterns
Burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description
Controlled air incinerators
Air curtain burners
Carbonizers

Active Wildfires
Province: 136 - down from 202
Vancouver Island: 8 - down from 11

Sports: MLB - Blue Jays rose to 6th with a 72 - 71 record in the American League. MLS - Vancouver remains 1st in the Western conference with Toronto dropping to 11th and Montreal dropping to 15th in the Eastern conference. CFL - yup, no change, still 1 winless team (Ottawa) after week 14. NFL - regular season starts 09 Sep.

Tues night’s practice was a general meeting. Various discussions of training, hall activities, and the new boat house among other topics. There was a battery presentation from FPO Chris. Also, there was representation from the ACRD.

On Mon night, there was an Officers meeting. This was a preamble to the general meeting.

On Thurs night, there was no formal recruit training but just an open session for studying.

There was no Duty Crew on Sat.

Sorry, no pics this week….. I know, what is up with that!!! So here is a raccoon firefighter.

Recruitment drive never ends - “Be The Difference”.

Stay safe one and all. Please do not drink and drive.

Capt Tony

08/31/2026

Hi all

Last week’s page outs were a Duty Investigation late on Sunday (which turned out to be a small wildland fire that our department had authority to action - a couple of pics attached), an FR Red on Fri, an FR Orange on Sat, an AMA Structure Fire (in Port Alberni’s area, stood down) on Sun, an FR Orange on Sun, and a Burning Complaint (no issues) on Sun.

Air Quality - Excellent

Fire Danger Rating, Prohibitions and Restrictions - ACRD Bylaw and Provincial Rules
Danger Class - Moderate and forecasted to remain Moderate
Camp Fires Category 1 - Closed
Category A (ACRD)/Category 2 (Provincial) - ACRD Closed
Category B (ACRD)/Category 3 (Provincial) - ACRD Closed

The following activities and use of equipment, materials and substances are also prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre:
Fireworks, as defined in the Fireworks Act of BC
Binary exploding targets
Sky Lanterns
Burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description
Controlled air incinerators
Air curtain burners
Carbonizers
Wood fired hot tubs, wood fired pizza ovens and other wood fired devices unless vented through a structure that has a flue and is
incorporated in a building

Active Wildfires
Province: 199 - up from 173
Vancouver Island: 11 - down from 25

Sports: MLB - Blue Jays fell to 7th with a 67 - 70 record in the American League. MLS - Vancouver remains 1st in the Western conference with Toronto remaining 10th and Montreal dropping to 14th in the Eastern conference. CFL - yup, no change, still 1 winless team (Ottawa) after week 13. NFL - regular season starts 09 Sep. Slopitch - Parksville Seniors Outdoor League - this summer we were the Undertakers. After winning the regular season, the playoffs were exciting. We prevailed to make the finals, but due to weather, were unable to play the championship game. Heavy sigh….. Both teams were awarded a tie.

Tues night’s practice was our monthly hall night. Various tasks from vehicle maintenance and cleaning, inventories, and hall maintenance.

On Sat, after a quick breakfast, Duty Crew Charlie was busy at Hall 2 doing some drafting and pumping. Led by Lt Daryl this week, the crew was getting water from multiple sources (drafting and nursing from Tender 44) for engine 49. Quick change overs allowed FFs to get in some good training for both vehicles.

SLFD has been working towards getting a fire boat. Progress is being made - the ACRD Board of Directors has approved the purchase and Riptide Marine from Parksville has been selected. More to follow as info becomes available.

Recruitment drive never ends - “Be The Difference”.

Stay safe one and all. Please do not drink and drive.

Capt Tony

08/24/2026