By Grant Warkentin
Tomorrow night between 7 and 8:30 pm, residents in the South McPhedran Road and South Dogwood Street area may see police and search and rescue in their neighbourhoods.
It’s all part of a training exercise led by the Strathcona Regional District, to practice a wildfire evacuation event, simulating how notices to evacuate would be delivered to residents during a real emergency.
Campbell River Search and Rescue volunteers, along with RCMP, will be visiting households in the region, so you may get a knock on the door as part of the exercise. Not all households will receive a visit.
The event is expected to be over by 8:15 pm.
Property owners in the area were mailed letters notifying them about the exercise.
The Strathcona Regional District didn’t say why this neighbourhood was selected for the exercise, but its proximity to the Beaver Lodge Lands is the likely reason. The lands have had multiple fire threats in recent years, including last year on June 14, when two fires were set by people walking on the popular trails.
The regional district says the event is a good opportunity for people to think about how to reduce wildfire risks.
“The City of Campbell River encourages residents to take action by completing FireSmart activities, which are proven to make a difference,” says the regional district.
Residents interested in a free FireSmart Home Assessment can contact the City of Campbell River’s FireSmart Coordinator by emailing firesmart@campbellriver.ca or by calling 250‑286‑6266. The city also offers FireSmart rebates to homeowners, covering up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $5,000 per property. Rebates are limited and available on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
Featured image: Crews respond to fires set in the Beaver Lodge Lands on June 14, 2025. Photo by Grant Warkentin
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