Coastal Fire Centre personnel are preparing to return to their seasonal positions ahead of the summer months. (BC Wildfire Service)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

ramping up

Hundreds of firefighters returning ahead of Island wildfire season

Mar 18, 2025 | 3:34 PM

NANAIMO — The first of three rounds of seasonal recalls is underway for the Coastal Fire Centre, as they ramp up staffing numbers ahead of the warm, summer months.

While the official start of the fire season is still two weeks away on April 1, training has commenced for the Centre’s full-time staff, along with those in the first round of recalls.

Fire information officer Julia Caranci said their numbers will grow over the next two months.

“We’re going to have several of those recalls happen over the next couple of months, and then by May we will have a full complement of firefighters, something in the range of 280 firefighters and support personnel.”

Once the full complement of crew returns, they’ll begin final training and preparations, including physical assessments, courses and re-certification.

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The Coastal Fire Centre has recorded 158 wildfires through the season to date, which ends March 31.

A large response in August to a fire along the Nanaimo River represented the most notable fire on central Vancouver Island last year.

A relatively quiet season allowed for bans on larger, open fires to be lifted in mid-September.

Caranci said it’s far too early to tell how the coming wildfire season will pan out.

“We have had a fair amount of rain and the first portion of March…that will likely help to reduce those early spring, wildfires that we have maybe seen in previous years, but really it’s going to depend on how much rain we get over the next couple of months, and particularly in the month of June.”

She said considerable June rainfall will likely mean a very quiet fire season, however an absence of regular rainfall through the month will leave the region in a vulnerable position through July and August.

Caranci recommended those in the region download the BC Wildfire Service app for their smartphone, to be aware of fires in their area and any potential evacuations.

She added now is also the time to address issues on property which may fuel a wildfire.

— with files from Jon de Roo, 97.3 The Eagle

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