While a recent blaze at a property on Salt Spring’s north end was quickly extinguished by firefighters, officials still cautioned vigilance — warning that a potentially dangerous fire season on the island is only just beginning.
About 15 Salt Spring Island Fire Rescue (SSIFR) personnel and multiple vehicles raced from both ends of the island Friday, May 1, responding just after 1:30 p.m. to a call of a structure on fire in the 400 block of Stark Road. When they arrived, firefighters quickly took over for neighbours who had been bringing water to a burning carport that sent smoke billowing into the sky above the residential neighbourhood.
Crews were able to safely douse the fire, preventing flames from spreading to other buildings; the fire reportedly began on the outside of the carport, although the cause has yet to be determined by SSIFR officials.
The fire came as temperatures in the region began to climb, and local fire danger level at press time on Monday afternoon remained at “high” on Salt Spring Island, with a two-hour fire watch in effect. The B.C. Wildfire Service advised that early May’s above-seasonal temperatures are expected to increase the likelihood of new wildfire starts. The Coastal Fire Centre has instituted a campfire ban across the region as of noon on Thursday, May 7.
There were 11 calls for structure fires on Salt Spring in 2025, according to the fire chief’s annual report, down from 13 the previous year and 12 in 2023.
For current fire danger rating and restriction information, people should visit saltspringfire.com.