News release

  

Saanich, BC - Fire Department staffing levels are increasing with the recent hiring of ten additional fire fighters to support 2 new 24/7 fire fighter positions at station three (near the University of Victoria), furthering Saanich’s 10-year commitment to decrease fire response times and improve service as identified in the 2020 Fire Master Plan.

“The Fire Services Review recommended increasing staffing levels to meet response time standards and address Saanich’s growth in population and density, which has resulted in a considerable increase in emergency incident responses and service delivery demands,” said Fire Chief Mike Burgess. “We are planning for the future needs of the District, and I am thrilled to see additional staff added to our team at station three in support of our high-quality service to the community.”

These 2 additional fire fighter positions build on the recommendations of the 2020 Master Fire Plan to increase on-duty staffing at Station 3 from four to six, allowing for a full-time medic unit to operate in the Station 3 response area.

In 2026, Station 3 staffing will increase by two more fire fighters and will provide a fully staffed Engine and Ladder in the Station 3 response area.

Quick facts:

• Due to the round-the-clock nature of firefighting, five hires are needed to fill one fire fighter position 24/7.
• In November 2019, Council moved to receive the 2019 Fire Services Review – 2020 Master Fire Plan completed by Dave Mitchell & Associates Fire Services Consultants Ltd. as a future reference and planning tool for the delivery of fire services within the District of Saanich.
• The Fire Services Review provided a comprehensive assessment of the Saanich Fire Department, including future operational and staffing requirements and related recommendations to ensure continued sustainability and success.
• In October 2021, Council confirmed their commitment to implementing the staffing recommendations from the Fire Services Review and approved a 10-year funding strategy for inclusion in the Five Year Financial Plan commencing with the 2022-2026 Financial Plan
• The 10-year funding strategy, approved by Council in October 2021, seeks to minimize large swings in new taxation funding from year to year. Establishing a longer-term process that has a smaller and more consistent impact over the term, recognizes the impact on taxpayers.

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Media contact:
Michael Burgess, Fire Chief
Saanich Fire Department
250-475-5503