Ladysmith Fire/Rescue

Update: BC Wildfire Crews are on scene managing the situation.

We are aware of the column of smoke behind Ladysmith. BCWS has been informed and is responding.

Your are standing by in case they are needed.

Excellent information from our colleagues in Oliver

Your left this morning for another deployment into the interior to help our neighbours and colleagues.

Stay safe Keenan, Liam and Cam and know that your crew and community have you in their thoughts.

Thanks crew!

And am important reminder that your have careers that are put on hold when you need us, which we are grateful to be able to serve our communities.

Big thanks to Dr. Chad and the rest of the local volunteer fire fighters that are unselfishly giving up valuable summer time to help with the BC Wildfire situation.

Communities helping communities in a time of need. Amazing work fellas! 👏

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The traditional "early morning leaving for deployment pic" got missed this morning so here is the crew, once they arrived today.

Very proud of the commitment our crew shows when called upon. Always there for you when you need us.

This morning a crew of your left to assist with the fires in the interior. They will be working with departments from Oyster River, Duncan, Courtenay, Sechelt and Malahat.

Deployments like this demonstrate the commitment our crew has for, not just our community, but our neighbours across the province.

Stay safe and come back to us soon.

This morning a crew of your left to assist with the fires in the interior. They will be working with departments from Oyster River, Duncan, Courtenay, Sechelt and Malahat and others.

Deployments like this demonstrate the commitment our crew has for, not just our community, but our neighbours across the province.

Stay safe and come back to us soon.

It's National Pet Fire Safety Day, ! 🔥🐾

Your pets are your family. Help keep them protected in case of an emergency with these fire safety tips.

🐶 Prevent Fires 🐶

• Pets (especially cats and large dogs) can accidentally turn on stovetop k***s. Use k**b covers or remove stove k***s when not in use.
• Don’t leave pets unattended near fireplaces, BBQs, or candles.
• Keep glass water bowls off wooden decks — they can act like a magnifying glass and ignite the wood beneath.

🐾 Pet-Proof Your Home 🐾

• Tuck away electrical cords that pets might chew.
• Use baby gates or closed doors to block off high-risk areas like kitchens when you’re not home.
• Store flammable items (like cleaners, sprays, or oils) securely out of reach.

🚪Plan for Emergencies 🚪

• Post a pet alert decal on your front window with the number and types of pets inside.
• Keep a pet emergency bag ready: food, medications, leashes, copies of medical records, and a favourite toy.
• Assign a neighbour or friend (or notify your strata council if you live in one) who can help evacuate your pets if you're not home.
• Keep pets in areas near entrances when you’re out, so firefighters can locate them quickly.
• Remove or unplug appliances pets can accidentally turn on.

🚒 If a Fire Breaks Out 🚒

• Never delay evacuation to look for a hiding pet — alert firefighters immediately.
• If safe to do so, call your pet by name as you exit — many pets will respond to familiar voices even when frightened.
• Once outside, never re-enter a burning building to rescue a pet — let trained firefighters know where they might be.

🐈 Share the Plan 🐈

• Make sure everyone in the household knows where the pets typically sleep or hide.
• Practice fire drills including pets — get them used to leashes, crates, and exits.

Last night was your regular operational meeting where department operations, standards and direction are discussed with the crews. It is also one of those enjoyable moments where we recognize our accomplishments.

This Tuesday was no exception and the people recognized this night are inspirations and leaders to many of us on a daily basis.

Congratulations to:

Capt. Mike Smith for 15 years of service

Firefighter Jamie Svendsen received the Exemplary Service Medal for more than four decades of service

Firefighter Dave Giles received the Exemplary Service Medal for more than two decades of service

Firefighter Barry Davidson for 5 years of service

Firefighter Dan Gillard as he received his Chaplains pin and helmet crest.

We also recognized long time Firefighter Barry Hartl as he retires from the Operations Floor after more than 25 years of service to your community! We will miss you Hartl!

Thank you all for your commitment and service to our community.