Emergency Management Salt Spring Island

Air quality is currently moderate -
Stay informed via the air quality button at https://emergency.crd.ca/ for the latest conditions. The dashboard also includes a link to wildfire smoke forecasts.

Did you know the Salt Spring Island Public Library has clean filtered air?

Protect yourself from wildfire smoke by following a few basic steps.

☑️Track warnings at AQwarnings.gov.bc.ca/

☑️Reduce time spent outdoors. If you need to go outside, avoid vigorous activities.

☑️Use a portable HEPA air cleaner or do-it-yourself air cleaner to filter the air in one area of your home.

☑️Visit places with controlled air supplies, such as shopping malls, swimming pools or public libraries.

Learn more: : https://tinyurl.com/yc3ettyh

Be advised of a Yellow Warning - Thunderstorm that is in full effect over Salt Spring Island via Environment Canada.

As wildfires continue to burn across Canada and around the world, communities are facing evacuations, breathing toxic air and experiencing the very real impacts of a changing climate.

Climate change is making these fires more frequent and more destructive. It’s also driving up insurance costs and putting more communities at risk. So how do we protect ourselves and our communities?

We’re hosting a free webinar on August 26 at 12pm PST exploring how climate change is reshaping wildfire risk. We have an outstanding panel of speakers:

🔥John Vaillant, best-selling author of Fire Weather
🔥Kelsey Winter, Executive Director at CIFFC
🔥Carly Phillips, Senior Scientist at Union of Concerned Scientists

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iHS8lEuuSSyOhf-7JrNU5w #/registration

Are you evacuation ready?

Evacuations due to wildfires are front and centre in the news right now. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by these disasters. You may be wondering: How can I be better prepared?

https://saltspringexchange.com/list/are-you-evacuation-ready/

Wildfire season is here. Is your home protected? 🔥

If you live near forested areas, it is advised that you consider taking the following steps:

-Clear debris from roof & gutters
-Trim tree branches away from the house
-Move propane BBQs away from home
-Have a grab & go bag ready

Preparation takes hours. Recovery takes years.

Effective immediately, Monday, August 10, 2026, off-road vehicles (ORV) will be prohibited on Crown Land on Salt Spring Island:
https://blog.gov.bc.ca/bcwildfire/off-road-vehicle-prohibition-for-parts-of-coastal-fire-centre/

Given the scope and scale of wildfires currently burning in B.C., and to further protect public safety, recreational off-road vehicle use will be prohibited on Crown land in the Kamloops and Southeast Fire Centres, as well as parts of the Cariboo and Coastal Fire Centres. This prohibition is effective immediately, as of 12 p.m. (noon) on August 10, 2026.

Full information for current prohibitions and restrictions is provided here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fire-bans-and-restrictions

Our thoughts are with the residents of Summerland who lost homes and were forced to evacuate this past weekend.

We also recognize the enormous effort from firefighters, first responders, and emergency management teams across BC who worked to save lives during this crisis.

As residents of Salt Spring Island, this is a reminder that preparedness is not optional. You can strengthen your household and community resilience:

-Create your Family Emergency Plan
-Build an Emergency Kit with enough food and water for 14 days
-Create clear defensible space around your property
-Sign up for Alterable to receive emergency alerts

Check out the wildfire preparedness guide created by PreparedBC:

www2.gov.bc.ca

Our summer newsletter is out and was forwarded to all residents who are connected with their pod.

👇Check out the link below if you didn't get a copy:
https://conta.cc/4woYlHu

crd.checkbox.ca

Being prepared for an evacuation includes having an Emergency Support Services (ESS) profile set up in advance.

Wildfires in B.C. 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.