Shawnigan Lake Fire Department

The Shawnigan Lake Volunteer Fire Department is a group of committed and dedicated individuals who possess strong social traits and a desire to help their community by offering fire protection and related services in the Shawnigan Lake area.

Mission statement:

To provide fire suppression, medical aid and rescue services to the community .To protect life, property and environment through prevention, public education and emergency response.

We value:

The faith and trust of the community, and continually work to deserve that confidence through attitude, conduct, and accomplishments. We recognize that the community is the reason for our existence.

The talents of our members and encourage responsible decision making at the most appropriate level. We recognize the importance of personal and professional development.

Our vision statement:

To strive for a work environment which promotes team work, growth, and continued learning through positive reinforcement with open, honest communication.

Department Overview:

Pagers alert the Shawnigan Lake Volunteer Fire Department members when there is an emergency call at any time of day or night. The fire fighters muster to 2 fire stations and a fire/rescue boathouse where there respond with the appropriate apparatus. The department consists of 30 members and has a command structure of 1-Fire Chief, 1-Deputy Chief, 2-Captains and 3-Lieutenants. The department derives authority to operate from a bylaw enacted by the Shawnigan Lake Improvement District to establish and operate a fire department within the boundaries of the Shawnigan Lake Improvement District.

The fire department uses in house computer training for the basic theory of fire fighting which complies with NFPA standard 1001 for fire fighter level 1. Members drill every Wednesday evening from 7:00 pm until 10:00 pm. live fire training is done at a recognized training facility in Nanaimo for the different skill levels of fire fighting. The department has an in-house instructor for Red Cross first aid which includes the use of Automatic External Defibrillators. The department also has an in-house instructor for high angle and confined space rescue which meets NFPA standards. The department also has an in-house instructor for Emergency Vehicle Operator. 

The rewards are few but the personal satisfaction of assisting in our community is huge. If you think you have what it takes fill out and submit an application form. When the time comes to take on new members you might be asked to come in for an interview by the fire department hiring committee. Please be advised that hiring usually takes place once a year, and there may only be one or two openings.

Applicants must realize the commitment required and expected by the community to constantly train and drill to meet the high expectations of the citizens we serve. Applicants must also be willing to learn new skills and how to be a part of a team where trust and confidence in each other is paramount.