Our climate is changing. Summers are becoming hotter, and drought is placing increasing stress on our forests. Eventually, Salt Spring could experience that dangerous combination of prolonged drought, dry fuels, low humidity, high temperatures, strong winds and an ignition at exactly the wrong place and time. We cannot know when those conditions will align, but we can prepare for them.

The 30-30-30 Rule is widely used by wildfire professionals as a simple way to recognize conditions that can cause fires to grow quickly. When all three line up on the same day, vegetation and soil dry out fast, ignitions become more likely, and any fire that does start can spread quickly and unpredictably. Embers travel farther, spot fires can jump ahead of the main fire front, and firefighters face a much harder job. These are the days to take seriously.

If you have looked up at a hazy sky this week or felt that familiar smell in the air, you already know. Salt Spring is in smoke season again, and it is here now. We cannot control the fires themselves, but we can control how we protect ourselves and each other while the smoke is here. Smoke is more than an inconvenience. It carries tiny particles that get deep into your lungs and can affect your whole body.

A recent community survey has given Transition Salt Spring a clearer picture of how residents feel about wildfire risk on the island, and the results are both sobering and encouraging. The survey received 459 responses from residents across Salt Spring. Read on to learn how the survey is shaping Salt Spring's wildfire readiness.

Governance, Policy, and Coordination – Salt Spring Wildfire Ready Salt Spring Wildfire Policy and Governance Wildfire risk management on Salt Spring involves multiple levels of government, landowners, and community organizations. These resources cover the policy frameworks, funding mechanisms, and coordination approaches that shape how wildfire risk is managed at regional and provincial scales. Articles and…

Community Engagement – Salt Spring Wildfire Ready Salt Spring Wildfire Community Education Reducing wildfire risk at the community scale depends on reaching residents, shifting behaviour, and building shared understanding of local risk. These resources cover what works in community education and engagement, with some Salt Spring-specific tools included. Videos and Webinars Nature’s Classroom: Wild Haven…

Property-Level Action – Salt Spring Wildfire Ready Salt Spring Wildfire Action for Private Land With roughly 80% of Salt Spring privately owned, the actions taken on individual properties add up to island-wide impact. These resources support landowners in assessing their risk, prioritizing practical steps, and connecting with local programs. Guides and Tools FireSmart BC Begins…

Farmland Wildfire Planning – Salt Spring Wildfire Ready Salt Spring Wildfire Planning for Agriculture Farms and agricultural properties face specific wildfire risks, from dry fields and outbuildings to the challenge of evacuating livestock. These resources are aimed at farmers and rural landowners managing fire risk alongside their agricultural operations. Videos and Webinars BC Farm &…

Forest Science – Salt Spring Wildfire Ready Salt Spring Forest Hydrology and Fire Risk The moisture content of soil, vegetation, and woody debris is one of the most important factors in determining whether a fire starts and how fast it spreads. These resources explain the relationship between forest hydrology and fire risk, with particular relevance…

Fire Risk Reduction and Management – Salt Spring Wildfire Ready Salt Spring Fire Risk Reduction Treatments Reducing fuel loads around homes and across the broader landscape is one of the most effective ways to lower wildfire risk. These resources cover the range of approaches, from property-level FireSmart work to landscape-scale fuel treatments, with attention to…