Permits start on Wed Mar 20

Considering the ongoing drought, and a few oversized burn piles over the last week we now require permits for all burns bigger than a campfire. Permits are free and can be obtained by calling the fire hall at 250.335.2611. Someone will come to inspect your burn pile on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

The HIFR member who comes to see your backyard burn pile will want to see the following:

  • A water source
  • Hand tools for extinguishing
  • 3m clearance to buildings, tall grass, or stanting timber.

Any burn piles containing logs or stumps are considered category III piles and require:

  • A provincial burn number
  • 250 gallons of water and a pump capable of delivering 50GPM
  • a good vent index
  • at least 1km from the school
  • more than 500m from the closest residence

Polar Bear Swim 2024

The 14 day weather forecasts a warm 6 degrees and sunny for the 2024 edition of the Hornby Island Polar Bear Swim on New Years Day. HIFR will be at Grassy Point beach with trucks, hot dogs, chai and a big bonfire in anticipation of the swimmers hitting the water at noon sharp.

This is a great family event with everyone from 6 years old to those in their 80s swimming or just watching the spectacle.

Pro tips:
1) Bring a mug for the hot chai to avoid a single-use cup.
2) Wear water shoes because the pebbles can be hard on your feet.

Fireworks!

HIFR is thrilled to present this year’s Halloween fireworks show. The fuse will be lit at 8PM sharp on October 31. Once again, Outer Island B&B has graciously offered their field for the event.

The best spot for viewing the display will be on DePape Road, near the intersection of Porpoise, close to the water tank.

The Return of Cadet Camp

It has been a few years, but we’re back with another Cadet Camp. This is a one-day camp for kids aged 10- 14. They’ll learn fire safety, how to escape a burning building, first aid, use real fire extinguishers to put out a real fire, and advance and spray a fire hose.

They’ll come back in the evening to show off their new skills in front of their parents and family. We’ll be at the firehall all day except for an afternoon event in the school parking lot.

We’ll be holding it on March 30 from 10AM – 3:30PM. Lunch is included and the camp is free. You can register at this link, or by calling the fire station office at 250.335.2611.

Polar Bear Swim 2023

After far too many cancelled years, it’s back!

The weather is forecasted to be a warm 5 degrees with a slight chance of showers for the 2022 edition of the Hornby Island Polar Bear Swim. HIFR will be at Grassy Point beach with trucks, hot dogs, chai and a big bonfire in anticipation of the multitude of swimmers hitting the water at noon sharp.

This is a great family event with everyone from 6 years old to those in their 80s swimming or just watching the spectacle.

Pro tips:
1) Bring a mug for the hot chai to avoid a single-use cup.
2) Wear water shoes because the pebbles can be hard on your feet.