BC Ferries has a special message for travellers this summer.
It’s encouraging passengers aboard vessels in the northern and southern Gulf Islands and northern Vancouver Island areas to practice wildfire safety.
“Good morning/afternoon passengers. It’s very dry out there and the southern/northern Gulf Islands are at risk to wildfire,” the public service announcement says. “Please check with the local fire department for wildfire prevention restrictions and use extreme caution with cigarette butts, barbecues and all other heat producing items. BC Ferries proudly provides these messages to help protect B.C. and its beautiful Gulf Islands from wildfires.”
While the B.C. wildfire season has been far less active than experts initially predicted, the fire hazard on Vancouver Island is moderate to high.
“We’re making these announcements to help spread the word on fire safety, both on board our vessels and in the communities we serve, because it’s so important at this time of year,” says Corrine Storey, BC Ferries vice president and chief operating officer. “Wildfires devastate our province during the summer and we want to do our part to contribute to overall fire safety in these coastal communities.”
READ MORE: Wildfire Service warns wet weather no reason to be complacent
READ MORE: B.C.’s 2019 forest fire season off to a slow, wet start
BC Ferries is also hosting Pender Island Fire Rescue at the Swartz Bay terminal for the 12th year this summer. The fire department brings an antique fire truck to the terminal on Friday afternoons during the summer and firefighters provide information to Southern Gulf Island travellers about fire safety and fire bans.