Gillies Bay Volunteer Fire Department

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Powell River, BC
Gillies Bay Volunteer Fire Department

Come learn about what the Gillies Bay Volunteer Fire Department is doing these days.

10/25/2026

We've fielded a lot of social media messages lately relating to potential emergency situations💻

Thus, we'd like to remind the public that there are absolutely NO circumstances which make it appropriate to report anything that even resembles a potential emergency through social media🖥️

If you have a concern for public safety and want us to come take a look, call 911📲

If you smell smoke in the middle of summer when fires are prohibited, call 911📞

If your family member is experiencing a medical emergency and you need help, call 911☎️

If you're unsure if something is an emergency, and "don't want to make a fuss" STILL call 911!📱

You will be connected with emergency dispatchers who will determine what the next step will be and what resources may be needed🚓🚒🚑

They may help you realize that something isn't as much of a concern as you thought, and redirect you elsewhere↪️

OR they may determine that the issue you were worried about "making too much trouble over" is far more pressing than you thought🚨

In the case of the fire department, if an issue sounds small, our dispatchers will page the duty officer to investigate🔍 If it's bigger, then the entire department will be paged📟

You're not bothering us. We signed up to help our community🤝 But we can't do that if you don't call 911 first. Don't be afraid. That is what the system is for📱 Use it when necessary, but if you're not sure, call anyway💛

Please, NEVER contact emergency services on social media with any time sensitive issue threatening life or property🔥

We'd rather attend a false alarm promptly and go home than miss a Facebook message sent hours earlier about your neighbour's CO alarms going off for the last 30 minutes😬

We'd rather come look at a massive column of smoke across the valley right away, rather than when we notice your message on Instagram later in the evening📨

When in doubt, ALWAYS call 911☎️ The life or home you save by doing so could be your own, and if you're concerned about it, then we probably should know as soon as possible⏱️

Tell your friends🗣️

Thank you🚒

10/13/2026

🖤 In Memoriam - Captain Darren Zant

It is with profound sadness that the Gillies Bay Volunteer Fire Department shares the passing of Captain Darren Zant.

A week ago, we lost not only a dedicated firefighter and medical first responder, but also a friend, mentor, and pillar of our community.

Darren first joined the department in September 1992 at the age of 27. During his initial seven years of service, he demonstrated the commitment, reliability, and community spirit that would become the hallmarks of his character.

In 2019, Darren returned to the department, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a continued desire to serve. He quickly became a respected leader and was promoted to the rank of Captain. In 2021, Darren joined our Medical First Responder team, sharing his extensive training and experience in advanced first aid to help care for neighbours and visitors when they needed it most.

Saving lives and serving others was simply part of who Darren was. Whether responding to emergencies, training alongside fellow members, mentoring newer firefighters, or volunteering at community events, Darren always stepped forward when help was needed.

The photographs shared here capture just a few moments from more than three decades of service: Darren as a young firefighter, Darren as a seasoned captain, and Darren doing what he always loved most: contributing to his community.

His legacy will be found not only in the lives he touched and the people he helped, but also in the example he set for all of us.

On behalf of the entire Gillies Bay Volunteer Fire Department, we extend our deepest condolences to Darren's family, friends, and all those who knew and loved him.

Thank you for your service, Captain Zant.

Your watch is over. We have it from here. 🚒

08/13/2026

On or around August 20th and 21st, Selkirk will be falling danger trees around the airport trail (the trail with exits at Airport Rd and Elm Street that extends to the runway). Please use extra caution and keep your dogs on leash during this period.

08/09/2026

Cigarette butts can and do start fires. If you are hosting an event this summer please ensure that you provide a safe smoking area with proper (non flammable) receptacles for the butts. Of course we don’t want our friends to smoke, but we also don’t want them to hide in the forest to have a smoke.
Thank you for continuing to help keep Texada safe this fire season.

06/28/2026

Join us Sunday July 12th at 830 AM at the Gillies Bay Community Hall for the annual Texada Volunteer Firefighters Pancake Breakfast. All proceeds go to support firefighting efforts in our Community. Just $10 per person for a healthy serving of pancakes, sausages, coffee and juice.
We will have our Donation Boot on site for those who would like to donate more to the association as well as a few t-shirts (mostly large sized) for $10.

Cash only. No early birds.

05/15/2026

With summer around the corner, now’s the time to prepare your home for wildfires 🔥

Make grab-and-go bags for everyone you live with including pets: PreparedBC.ca/grab-and-go

Make your home emergency plan: PreparedBC.ca/EmergencyPlan

FireSmart your home: FireSmart BC

Check your insurance: Insurance Bureau of Canada

Learn more: www.PreparedBC.ca/wildfires

Alt text: Wildfire burning across a forested hillside under smoky red skies.

05/14/2026

Despite the lifting of the Category 1 (campfire) fire restrictions within the Coastal Fire District the ban will remain in effect within the Gillies Bay and Van Anda Fire Protection Districts.Texada has a unique micro climate which puts us at a greater risk of wildfires during the summer season.

03/18/2026

Fun practice last night working on forcible entry skills and ladder tactics.

02/24/2026

Great practice tonight and great turn out! Hose appliances and streams.

Address

Gillies Bay Road
Powell River, BC
V0N1W0

Telephone

+16044145121

Website

http://gillies-bay.ca/gillies-bay-fire-department/

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