The View Royal Fire Department (VRFD) hosted a FireSmart Wildfire Mitigation Specialist (WMS) training course from Sept. 24 to 26 at the View Royal Public Safety Building. 

Firefighters and professionals from ten fire departments and agencies across the South Island participated in this advanced three-day course. This training comes at a crucial time as ongoing drought conditions across B.C. are extending fire risks well into fall.

This year alone, over 1,600 wildfires have burned more than one million hectares of land in B.C., with major incidents such as the Old Man Lake fire near Sooke prompting evacuations in late July. 

The WMS training, part of the FireSmart Home Partners Program, equips participants with the expertise to evaluate wildfire risks and guide homeowners in their communities to take steps to protect their properties. 

As part of the training, participants completed five on-site home and building assessments in View Royal, reinforcing their knowledge of wildfire prevention techniques. 

With the completion of the WMS training, View Royal residents can now request a FireSmart Home Partners Property Assessment from the VRFD. 

These assessments are conducted by a trained Wildfire Mitigation Specialist. Throughout the training participants will receive a comprehensive wildfire risk assessment, tailored mitigation actions, a follow-up report with practical steps, a rebate upon completion of recommended actions, and a FireSmart certification that may provide insurance incentives.

For more information or to schedule an assessment, residents can email firesmart@viewroyal.ca.