Cherry Creek Fire Department

08/30/2026

Update @ 21:46: fire is out. Crews are overhauling.

Original:CCFD and Port Alberni Fire Department responding to a brush fire behind Walmart. There may be smoke and flames visible.

08/23/2026

Now recruiting. Applications close Sept 8th!

Have you ever wanted to serve for a greater purpose? Serve your neighbours. Serve your community. Make a difference when it matters most.

Google Form Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvL7tyL63eOW49qm0np8FurMadciBZzgGXOxOV0gViG6pusw/viewform?pli=1

08/22/2026

Are you ready to answer the call?

CCFD is now recruiting for the Fall. Head to our website @ https://cherrycreekfire.ca/recruiting/ for more info.

Download an application today:https://cherrycreekfire.ca/sitepad-data/uploads/2026/02/Application-For-Membership.pdf

Send applications to [email protected]

08/21/2026

CCFD is aware of a wildfire on the Beaufort Range. This is outside of our area. BC Wildfire Service is aware and responding.

08/13/2026

Glad to have Ben out!

One of Tofino's volunteer firefighters is gaining valuable frontline wildfire experience this summer while supporting crews in BC's Interior.

Ben Shuster has volunteered with the Tofino Volunteer Fire Department (TVFD) since 2023, where he has received Wildland Urban Interface firefighting training. This spring, he also trained with Cherry Creek Fire Department and was invited to join its wildfire deployment list.

That training has now taken Ben to the Brunswick Complex, where he is serving with the crew of Engine 33, a Cherry Creek wildland-equipped fire truck supporting wildfire operations.

The experience Ben gains on deployment will also strengthen TVFD when he returns home.

TVFD has already seen the value of members bringing wildfire experience back to the department. Fellow TVFD member Tim Oh has spent multiple wildfire seasons with BC Wildfire Service's Heatseeker Unit Crew. When Tim returns to Tofino, he shares what he has learned and helps lead wildland firefighting training for fellow members.

Opportunities like these allow TVFD members to apply their training in complex wildfire environments, learn alongside experienced crews, and bring new skills and knowledge back to Tofino.

The District of Tofino and TVFD wish Ben and the entire Cherry Creek crew a safe deployment and look forward to welcoming him home with even more experience to share.

08/12/2026

Crew swap #3

Incoming crew:

FF Ben Shuster (tofinofiresociety)

Engine Boss - Captain Wes Kovacs (CCFD) and Lt. Braeden Reynolds (Sproat Lake Volunteer Fire Department) remain

Outgoing:

FF Larissa McGillawee (CCFD)

Engine 33 remains on Task Force 3 under the call sign E-307 (meaning a Type 3 Tactical Engine) working on the Brunswick Complex

-RD

08/10/2026

Did you know?

Engine 33 can fit into a wildfire response in many different ways.

Deployed as a Tactical Type 3 Engine, Engine 33 is a highly versatile resource. The truck can drive while flowing water (pump and roll), carry both structural and wildland equipment, and support water supply operations with 1000 imperial gallons and an extendable 180° rear dump chute.

When we deploy, Engine 33 can be organized into either a Task Force or Strike Team, depending on the operational requirements of the incident. Whether operating as a Strike Team or Task Force, the resources are mobilized as a coordinated group. Crews will typically leave camp together in convoy, travel to the assigned work area, complete their operational period, and return to camp together. This helps maintain accountability, coordination and logistical control during a deployment.

A Strike Team is a group of similar type of resources working together on a common assignment. For example, several Type 3 Engines grouped together for wildland suppression. These apparatus report to a Strike Team Leader.

A Task Force combines different types of resources to accomplish a specific mission. For example, a Type 3 Engine, multiple structural engines and multiple tactical tenders can be grouped together to provide a combination of wildland suppression, structure protection and water supply. These apparatus report to a Task Force Leader.

Typically, Engine 33 will operate as part of a Task Force, where engines and tenders can be paired to provide complementary capabilities. Type 3 Engines may also remain independent and mobile when required, allowing them to quickly respond to changing operational needs or assignments.

This flexibility allows Engine 33 and its crew to support wildland suppression, structure protection, pump and roll operations, and water supply depending on what the incident requires.

Strike Team = same type of resources working together on a highly specialized task
Task Force = mixed resources working together to be versatile and multi capable to a specific need

08/10/2026

Update @ Midnight: fire is extinguished. No structures lost or injuries.

CCFD is on scene of a brush fire in 5000 block of Athol Rd. A BCWS Initial Attack crew is also responding.

Please avoid the area to give crews space to work.

08/09/2026

Did you know?

Engine 33 is equipped with pump and roll capability, allowing our firefighters to flow water while the engine is moving. This provides another valuable tactical option during wildland and interface fire operations.

When fire is approaching a roadway, crews may use pump and roll to wet down and cool the opposite unburnt side of the road ahead of the fire. This can increase moisture and humidity at the fire’s edge, reduce available fuels, and help slow fire spread.

In certain situations, allowing a fire to burn down to a road edge can also be an effective tactic for creating a larger, more continuous fire break. Extinguishing fire too early can leave unburned fuels between the fire and the road that may continue to burn later and potentially allow fire to cross the road.

This is just one of many tactics available to our crews. Fire behaviour, wind, fuel conditions, terrain, road access and firefighter safety all factor into determining the appropriate strategy.

Engine 33’s pump and roll system allows crews to adjust water flow quantity (gallonage), stream pattern and nozzle angle to adapt to changing conditions.

With approximately 1,000 Imperial gallons (1,200 US gallons) of onboard water, Engine 33 can provide crews with a significant working water supply while operating at approximately 10–15 km/h during pump and roll operations.

It’s another example of how our apparatus and training allow us to adapt our tactics to the conditions we encounter. 🔥🚒