Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department

08/31/2026

Gabriola Fire Takes 3rd at the 4th Annual Wounded Warriors Slow Pitch Tournament!

This past weekend, current members and alumni of the Gabriola Fire Department came together for a great day of teamwork, camaraderie, and fun at the 4th Annual Wounded Warriors Slow Pitch Tournament.

The tournament supports Wounded Warriors Canada, a national mental health service provider dedicated to supporting Trauma Exposed Organizations, Trauma Exposed Professionals, and their families.

Our team played four games, finishing with 2 wins and 2 losses and proudly taking 3rd place overall!

This year, the department proudly took the field as the “Lil Donkeys” a tribute to our Department Tender 11, which is frequently deployed to support wildfire operations.

It was a fantastic day filled with laughter, friendly competition, and the opportunity to reconnect with both current and former members of the department.

A huge thank you to the organizers of the Wounded Warriors tournament for putting on another incredible event and for the important work they do supporting those who have been exposed to trauma through their service.

The Gabriola Fire family had a great time and we’re already looking forward to next year!

08/31/2026

Since July 31, members of the GVFD have been supporting wildfire operations in BC’s Cariboo region.

The Gabriola crew was staged out of the historic Hat Creek Ranch, near Cache Creek. The Pear Lake wildfire is the largest active wildfire in BC at approximately 1,620 square kilometres, (roughly the size of Vancouver Island from Duncan south) and is still out of control.

Gabriola’s two-person crews have been rotating out every week, allowing fresh members to take over while ensuring Gabriola continues to maintain the staffing and resources needed to protect our own community.

Gabriola's faithful little water tender, affectionately known around the department as the “Little Donkey,” has once again been doing its part.

Our key activities on deployment include supplying structure protection, feeding fire engines and wet-lining and dousing hotspots.

The Little Donkey has deployed every wildfire season since Gabriola began participating in provincial wildfire deployments in 2023. It is one of the smaller pieces of apparatus in our fleet, but year after year it has proven itself to be a valuable resource when communities elsewhere in the province need assistance.

We are proud of the members who have stepped forward, proud of the experience they are bringing home, and maybe just a little proud of The Little Donkey, which continues to prove that you don't have to be the biggest truck in the fleet to make a big difference.

08/23/2026

**MESSAGE FROM THE GFPID BOARD OF TRUSTEES**

07/24/2026

Fundraiser for PHC Gabriola - People for a Healthy Community on NOW! food, fun and fire trucks!

come on down! here until 7pm!

At Island Meat and Deli!

06/21/2026

Come out and have some fun supporting Gabriola youth!!!!

06/20/2026

🔥 that most homes that are damaged or destroyed by wildland fire are not impacted by the advancing wall of flame, but by ignition from flying sparks and embers?

This fire season, take simple steps that reduce the risk to your home.

06/16/2026

Open to all residents, please attend

06/05/2026

🚒 Jay Dearman Youth Firefighter Camp is Back! 🚒

The Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department is proud to partner with the Gabriola Recreation Society to offer an exciting summer opportunity for island youth ages 12–18.

This hands-on camp is designed to build confidence, leadership, and practical life skills while giving participants a behind-the-scenes look at emergency services. Campers will learn valuable skills such as:

🔥 Basic firefighting techniques
🩹 First aid and emergency response skills
🪢 Knot tying and rope work
🚨 Emergency preparedness
🤝 Teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving

Whether your teen is interested in becoming a firefighter, wants to gain life-saving skills, or is simply looking for an unforgettable summer experience, this camp has something for everyone.

Don’t be scared, be prepared!

📅 July 7–9 & July 14–16
🕙 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
👥 Ages 12–18

Registration is now open for the Youth Firefighter Camp and all Gabriola Recreation Society summer programs:

👉 Register here:

Gabriola Recreation Registration

The Gabriola Recreation Society is committed to ensuring programs are accessible to everyone. Confidential financial assistance is available through the Gab Access program:
👉 Learn about subsidies here:

Gab Access Grants and Aid Program

Spaces are limited, so register early and join us for a summer of learning, teamwork, and fun! 🚒🔥💪

CommunityStrong DontBeScaredBePrepared

06/04/2026

Book your FireSmart home assessment today. We’ll help you identify and prioritize practical steps to reduce wildfire risk on your property.
During a recent wildfire practice scenario, we identified properties that would have been extremely difficult — or impossible — for crews to protect under severe fire conditions. Small changes can make a big difference in giving firefighters a safer and more effective chance to defend your home.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwZnRzaASPD4RleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeMP7I9Nb1aCMNpl-ZMROcOcdAr7HCfNCba5d17udUAlzv_pY4AS52QSYxvD0_aem_3xvU8G0w8zwYKcXUIW632g&si=f_G41drkiYF6L-FK&v=PKgdgWvMul0

When you see things through FireSmart eyes, wildfire risks are clear. A few simple tasks, like clearing gutters or moving combustibles, could help protect yo...