Fire danger stressed in B.C. Ferries’ on-board announcements

BC Ferries is doing its part to keep southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands safe and green as dry conditions raise the wildfire risk across the region.

Public service announcements are being broadcast on ferries to the southern Gulf Islands, urging travellers to practice wildfire safety and water conservation.

The messages ask travellers and Island residents to conserve water and use caution with cigarette butts, barbecues and all other heat producing items.

Questions are referred to local authorities on each island for specific details about fire bans or regulations.

The BC Wildfire Service currently lists the fire danger as high on Salt Spring, Galiano, Mayne, Saturna and North and South Pender islands.

Campfires, beach fires and outdoor burning are banned on all the islands except Salt Spring, where small campfires are allowed but must be put out by 11 p.m.

“BC Ferries’ onboard announcements help island communities like ours reach out and share information about the wildfire risks during the hot, dry summer months with both residents and travellers to the Southern Gulf Islands,” says Steve DeRousie, fire chief with Mayne Island Fire Rescue.

BC Ferries’ vice president of customer services, Corrine Storey, says representatives from the islands approached the company to make the announcements and BC Ferries was happy to assist.