View Royal Fire Rescue

05/31/2026

Congratulations to Assistant Chief Heath Bevan on his well deserved retirement.

Assistant Chief Bevan began his service with the View Royal Fire Department in 2001 and has dedicated the past 25 years to serving our department and community.

Throughout his career, he has earned the respect of colleagues across the region through his professionalism, leadership, and unwavering commitment to public service.

His contributions have helped shape the culture, values, and success of View Royal Fire Rescue, leaving a legacy that will continue to influence our organization for years to come. His dedication to both the department and the Town of View Royal has been exceptional and his impact cannot be overstated.

On behalf of all current and former members, thank you for your service, mentorship, and friendship.

We wish you and your family all the best in retirement.
---------------------
💻 www.viewroyal.ca/firerescue
📞 250.479.7322
✉️ [email protected]

05/29/2026

Today, we recognize and celebrate the retirement of Kathy Leatham after an incredible 34 years of service to the Town of View Royal, including the last 19 years with View Royal Fire Rescue.

To say Kathy has been the heart of our department would be an understatement. Her knowledge, dedication, and commitment have helped keep our organization running smoothly for nearly two decades. Whether supporting the Fire Chief, assisting our members, managing countless administrative responsibilities, or helping solve problems big and small, Kathy has always been someone we could rely on.

Over the years, Kathy has become much more than a colleague. She has become part of our fire department family, building friendships and relationships that will last a lifetime. Her kindness, patience, and willingness to listen have made a lasting impact on everyone who has had the privilege of working with her.

While her retirement is well deserved, she leaves behind some very big shoes to fill. Kathy's contributions to our department and community have been immeasurable, and her presence will be deeply missed.

On behalf of all past and present members of View Royal Fire Rescue, thank you, Kathy, for your years of dedicated service, friendship, and unwavering support. We are proud of all that you have accomplished and wish you nothing but happiness, good health, and adventure in your retirement.

Congratulations, Kathy, and enjoy your well-deserved retirement.

---------------------
💻 www.viewroyal.ca/firerescue
📞 250.479.7322
✉️ [email protected]

05/26/2026

Read our PreparedBC Wildfire Preparedness Guide to learn what to do before, during and after a wildfire 🔥

The guide is available in:
• English
• French
• Punjabi
• Simplified Chinese
• Traditional Chinese

View and download the guide here: PreparedBC.ca/wildfires

Alt text: PreparedBC Wildfire Preparedness Guide displayed on a table.

05/21/2026

Emergencies, such as wildfires and floods, can happen when you least expect them.

Check your home or tenant insurance policy for available supports if you are evacuated ✔️

If you think you’ll need help meeting basic needs, create a profile for Emergency Support Services (ESS) 👈

Creating a profile in advance will make it easier to access support ✔️

You may be eligible for help by Interac e-Transfer when you create a profile for ESS with the BC Services Card App.

Here’s how:

Step 1: Visit ess.gov.bc.ca
Step 2: Click 'Create Profile'
Step 3: Follow the BC Services Card login and registration instructions

Alt text: A mobile phone on a table displaying the ESS webpage.

05/20/2026

FireSmart BC Plant Partner Program is back at Canadian Tire View Royal!

On Friday May 9th, the View Royal FireSmart Program hosted the seasonal launch of the FireSmart BC Plant Partner Program at Canadian Tire View Royal.

The FireSmart BC Plant Program makes it easy to identify fire-resistant plants, helping you reduce the wildfire risk to your property while keeping your garden and other landscaping features looking their best.

We’re excited to partner with Canadian Tire again and we look forward to seeing the program grow.

Come by Canadian Tire in View Royal to check out their selection of FireSmart plants.

For FireSmart landscaping tips and a list of fire-resistant plants checkout: firesmartbc.ca/landscaping-hub

---------------------
💻 www.viewroyal.ca/firesmart
📞 250.479.7322
✉️ [email protected]

05/20/2026

Cedar hedges are highly flammable due to their volatile oils and natural resins. These hedges also produce a large amount of dry dead material within the hedge adding to their fire hazard risk. Consider swapping cedar hedges and other flammable vegetation for fire-resistant plants. Be sure to keep a 1.5 meter combustible free zone around your home and choose FireSmart vegetation for your property outside of this zone.

For more information on hedges, check out the FireSmart BC Guide to Lower Risk Plants for Hedges, Privacy & Screening:
firesmartbc.ca/resource/guide-to-lower-risk-plants-for-hedges-privacy-screening/

For a full list of hazardous plants to avoid, check out the FireSmart BC list of Fire Hazard Plants:
firesmartbc.ca/landscaping-hub/fire-resistant-plants/ -hazards

For additional FireSmart landscaping tips and a list of fire-resistant plants, checkout the FireSmart BC Landscaping Hub:
firesmartbc.ca/landscaping-hub

---------------------
💻 www.viewroyal.ca/firesmart
📞 250.479.7322
✉️ [email protected]

05/19/2026

Thanks so much to everyone who came out to watch the Victoria Day Parade.

The View Royal Fire Department was grateful to be able to participate in the parade.

Thanks to Firefighter Taylor and his family for representing the department with our brush truck, Brush 32.

If you would like to check out Brush 32 or our other trucks, join us on Saturday June 6 from 10:00am to 2:00pm for our annual Open House at the View Royal Fire Department at 333 Island Highway in View Royal.

---------------------
💻 www.viewroyal.ca/firerescue
📞 250.479.7322
✉️ [email protected]

05/15/2026

Join us on Saturday June 6th for the Annual View Royal Fire Department Open House!

Come tour a fire truck and check out all the amazing displays.

Grab a complementary hot dog and watch a live demonstration by your View Royal firefighters.

Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm
Location: 333 Island Highway

*No on-site parking available*
Please use alternative modes of transportation such as transit, biking or walking.
---------------------
💻 www.viewroyal.ca/firerescue
📞 250.479.7322
✉️ [email protected]

05/14/2026

With the weather warming up, now is the perfect time to prepare for wildfires 🔥

If a wildfire threatens your home or community, you may need to leave quickly ✔️

Build grab-and-go bags for everyone you live with, including pets 👈

This list will get you started:

• Food and water
• Phone charger and power bank
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and flashlight
• First-aid kit and medications
• Personal toiletries such as an extra pair of glasses
• Copy of your emergency plan and important documents
• Seasonal clothing and an emergency blanket

Once you’ve got the basics, customize everyone’s bag to meet their needs, such as medications and comfort items

Check out the full list at preparedbc.ca/grab-and-go

Prepare for wildfires: PreparedBC.ca/wildfires

Alt text: A backpack on a table with emergency supplies.

05/13/2026

UPDATE: Category 1 campfires will be once again permitted under the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction as of Friday, May 15, 2026, at 12 p.m. (noon).

Current and forecast conditions have shifted since the Coastal Fire Centre initially implemented the Category 1 campfire prohibition earlier this May, resulting in cooler temperatures, improved humidity values and an overall reduction in wildfire hazard throughout the region. Because of this, Category 1 campfires will be once again permitted under the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction as of Friday, May 15, 2026, at 12 p.m. (noon).

Although the fire risk has decreased for the region, human-caused wildfires are still possible and entirely preventable. Please take the time to learn how to enjoy a campfire safely: gov.bc.ca/saferburning

Category 2 and 3 open burning and select activities and equipment remain prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre. For full details, please refer to the following information bulletin: https://blog.gov.bc.ca/bcwildfire/campfires-permitted-across-coastal-fire-centre-due-to-decreased-fire-risk/