METCHOSIN FIRE DEPARATMENT: HISTORY AND SERVICE
The Metchosin Fire Department has a proud and evolving history of service. It began in October 1958 as the Metchosin Mutual Fire Protection Society, operating out of Bickerdike’s Garage with Chief Harry Bickerdike and a dedicated team of 24 volunteers. In 1961, the Society transitioned into the Metchosin Fire Protection District, and by 1988, the department was formally established as a municipal entity under Bylaw 73, becoming the Metchosin Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD) we know today.
Today, the department consists of more than 35 committed members who respond to over 600 emergency calls annually. In addition to emergency response, the department plays a vital role in fire prevention, safety inspections, and public education throughout the community.
Serving a population of approximately 5,000 residents across 71 square kilometers (over 17,000 acres), the Metchosin Fire Department covers one of the largest single-service areas in the Juan de Fuca region. Its jurisdiction includes three Department of National Defence bases, three elementary schools, the Sc’ianew (Beecher Bay) First Nation, an international university college, several marinas, and a wide range of rural and high-risk properties. The department also supports a large network of regional parks, beaches, and multi-use trail systems, which has led to increasing demand for rescue services, medical response, and fire risk management as public use and outdoor recreation continue to grow.
Core services include:
- Fire suppression
- Technical rescue operations (rope, water, confined space)
- Emergency medical response (First Responder, EMR, PCP)
- Fire inspection and code enforcement
- Public education and outreach
- Hazardous materials incident response (HazMat)
- Fundraising, charitable initiatives, and community service