Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a permit to have an outdoor fire in Comox?

The quick answer is no. We have a municipal bylaw prohibiting outdoor burning all year round. However if you live in the Comox Fire Protection District (which is most of C.V. Regional District, Area B) you can get a permit for an outdoor fire from October 1st to April 30th each year. You can stop by the fire station at 1870 Noel Avenue, email us at firehall@comox.ca, or call 250.339.2432 to get your permit. There is no cost for the permit. The permit includes several rules and regulations which must be followed.

Where can I have a beach fire?

Within the Town of Comox municipal boundaries the only place a beach fire is allowed is east of the Point Holmes boat ramp, for 200’ along the beach. Fires must be in a rock ring and extinguished with water by 11 pm.

No wood burning fires are allowed at Goose Spit. Certified propane fire rings are only allowed at the CVRD Goose Spit.

http://www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/EN/main/community/parks-trails/beach-fires.html

How do I apply to become a volunteer firefighter?

You can visit our recruiting page to download an application form or come by in person to get a paper copy. We usually recruit once a year around September.

Why is one of your trucks black and white? Shouldn't it be red for maximum visibility?

"The most widely-accepted reason that fire engines are painted red dates back to the 1800s -- a time when there was a LOT of competition between the fire brigades of neighboring cities and towns. The firefighters of each brigade took great pride in their pump. Each brigade wanted their rig stand out by being the cleanest, having the most brass, or being a regal color. Because red was the most expensive color, that's what color most crews chose to paint the pump."

Our Engine 34 is black and white for the maximum amount of contrast, which leads to the most visibility.

I need to call the fire department but it's not an emergency; what number should I call?

Our phone number is 250.339.2432.

I've heard that there are Automatic External Defibrillators in Comox. Is there a list of locations that have one?

Yes, public accessible AEDs can be found at the locations on this map.

Testimonials

I was very impressed with the high level of interest in firefighter training demonstrated by Comox valley firefighters, definitely one of the best ‎attitudes towards training I have witnessed in the country. Your training facility is second to none and Comox firefighters are blessed with such a facility literally on their doorstep. This combined with solid leadership is the recipe for a successful fire department that leads in training.

Fire Chief Vince MacKenzie | Grand-Falls Windsor, Newfoundland

The excellence of the Comox Fire Trainingprograms, and Instructors in my opinion is simply outstanding. In my twenty three years of attending different facilities all over North America the Comox Fire S.T.A.R.T. program, Chief Gord Schreiner, and the Instructors (Rob, Ron, Cory) are a credit to Fire service family.

Assistant Chief Gary Charlton | Victoria Fire Department

Letter from Dr. Richard Gasaway

Chief Scientist Dr. Richard Gasaway | Public Safety Laboratory, St. Paul, Minnesota

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to give me a tour of your training facility, and for sharing some of the many firefighter and community minded programs you are able to provide as a result of the facility.

Preparing our firefighters to safely and effectively meet the unique needs of our communities' requires countless hours of targeted training, education and experience to build their confidence in making the right decision at an emergency incident. Training and education can be costly to our citizens, while firefighter experience and confidence can take years to develop.

However, through your excellent training facility, you are not only able to develop and deliver cost effective and targeted training and educational programs, that build confidence in your firefighters, but you are also able to create realistic scenarios that provide firefighters the necessary hands on training and skills required for them to quickly gain the experience needed, training and experiences that enables them to perform with a high level of safety and efficiency at emergency incidents.

In addition to preparing your firefighters, your training facility and firefighters have also provided valuable training to neighboring communities while enhancing the safety and efficiency of your mutual aid partnerships. I was very inspired by my visit to your facility and encouraged from your model that we can emulate what you have achieved for the firefighting community in your region.

Andrew Brown | Assistant Fire Chief Training/Operations, Chilliwack Fire Department